SMOKY GRILLED ASPARAGUS
Smoky Grilled Asparagus is a simple yet flavourful dish that combines the natural sweetness of fresh asparagus with a hint of smoky paprika and the richness of olive oil. The asparagus spears are lightly tossed in olive oil, seasoned with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then grilled to achieve a perfect char and tender-crisp texture. The subtle smokiness complements the fresh, earthy flavour of asparagus, making this dish ideal for any meal. Perfect for barbecues, summer gatherings, or a healthy weeknight dinner, this easy-to-make recipe takes only minutes to prepare.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Side, Entrée, Appetisers, Snack, Lunch, Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1 serving (100g asparagus spears)
CUISINE
American, Mediterranean, BBQ, Vegetarian, Healthy
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Grill, Quick & Easy, Sauté, One-Pot Wonders, No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer, Backyard BBQ, Picnic, Fall, Spring, Family Reunion, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, Potluck, Mother’s Day, Cocktail Party, Tailgating
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Low Sodium, Low Fat, Quick & Easy, Kosher, High Fibre, Organic
DISH TYPE
Side, Grilled Vegetables, Appetiser, BBQ Dish, Vegan Entrée
INGREDIENTS OF SMOKY GRILLED ASPARAGUS
- 100g asparagus spears
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 60
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fibre: 2g
- Sodium: 45mg
PREPARATION
- Prepare The Asparagus: Trim the tough ends of the asparagus spears and toss them in a bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat The Grill: Set your grill to medium to high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill The Asparagus: Place asparagus spears on the grill, arranging them perpendicular to the grates. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side until lightly charred.
- Serve The Asparagus: Remove from the grill, drizzle with a bit more olive oil if desired, and serve warm as a side or appetiser.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
8 minutes
TIPS FOR SMOKY GRILLED ASPARAGUS
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: Opt for firm, bright green asparagus with tightly closed tips for the best texture and flavour.
- Use A Grill Basket: If the asparagus spears are small, using a grill basket will make grilling easier and prevent them from falling through the grates.
- Add Lemon Zest: For extra brightness, sprinkle some fresh lemon zest over the grilled asparagus before serving.
- Pairing Options: Serve alongside grilled meats, fish, or a light pasta dish for a balanced meal.
VARIATIONS
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or vegan cheese over the asparagus before serving for a richer flavour.
- Herb Infusion: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley after grilling for a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Citrus Upgrade: Replace olive oil with lemon-infused olive oil or add a splash of lemon juice before serving for a citrusy finish.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge Storage: Store any leftover grilled asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Although asparagus can be frozen, it is best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, blanch the asparagus first before freezing to retain texture and flavour.
- Reheating: Reheat grilled asparagus by placing it in a hot skillet for a few minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds until warmed through.