Grilling asparagus is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy this spring vegetable. The heat from the grill brings out the asparagus's natural sweetness and creates a slightly charred flavor that is both delicious and satisfying. Grilling asparagus in foil is an especially good method, as it helps to trap in moisture and prevent the asparagus from becoming too dry. This technique also allows for the asparagus to cook evenly, ensuring that each spear is tender-crisp. Read on to learn how to cook asparagus on the grill in foil and elevate your next barbecue meal.
How to Cook Asparagus on the Grill in Foil
Choosing and Preparing Asparagus
When choosing asparagus, look for spears that are firm and bright green. Avoid spears that are limp, wilted, or have any signs of damage. The thickness of the spears will determine the cooking time, so choose spears that are similar in size for even cooking.
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Trim the asparagus: Use a sharp knife to cut off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus spears. The best way to determine where to cut is to snap the spears at the bottom. The asparagus will break naturally at the point where the tough part begins.
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Wash the asparagus: Rinse the asparagus spears under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
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Optional: Season the asparagus: Season the asparagus with your favorite spices, herbs, and seasonings. Popular choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
Grilling in Foil
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Prepare the grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. For gas grills, heat the grill for 10-15 minutes, until the grates are hot. For charcoal grills, light the charcoal and let it burn until the coals are covered with white ash.
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Create foil packets: Cut two pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12 inches square. Place a layer of asparagus spears in the center of each piece of foil.
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Add seasoning: Sprinkle your favorite spices, herbs, and seasonings over the asparagus spears.
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Drizzle with oil: Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the asparagus. This will help to prevent the asparagus from sticking to the foil and will add flavor.
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Fold the foil packets: Fold the sides of the foil packets over the asparagus and crimp the edges tightly to create sealed packets.
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Grill the packets: Place the foil packets on the preheated grill. Grill for 10-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus spears.
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Check for doneness: Carefully open one of the foil packets to check for doneness. The asparagus should be bright green and tender-crisp, with a slight char on the tips.
Tips and Tricks for Grilling Asparagus
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Don't overcrowd the grill: Avoid overcrowding the grill with too many foil packets. This can prevent the asparagus from cooking evenly. Grill the packets in batches if necessary.
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Add other ingredients: To create a complete meal, add other ingredients to the foil packets, such as chopped onions, cherry tomatoes, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
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Clean up: After grilling, the foil packets can be discarded directly in the trash.
Variations for Grilling Asparagus
- Lemon-Herb Asparagus: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to the foil packets.
- Garlic-Parmesan Asparagus: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese and minced garlic over the asparagus before grilling.
- Spicy Asparagus: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the foil packets for a touch of heat.
Serving Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus can be served as a side dish or as part of a main course. It pairs well with grilled meats, fish, poultry, and pasta dishes. Serve the asparagus hot, directly from the foil packets.
When to Cook Asparagus on the Grill
Asparagus is a seasonal vegetable that is available in the spring and early summer. However, with the increased availability of imported produce, asparagus can now be found in grocery stores throughout the year. The peak season for asparagus is typically from April to June, when the flavor is at its best.
Conclusion
Grilling asparagus in foil is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this seasonal vegetable. By following these simple steps, you can create a flavorful and satisfying side dish that is sure to please everyone at your next barbecue. Enjoy!
