Grilled Asparagus in Foil

Name: Grilled Asparagus in Foil
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 500 grams (1 pound) asparagus (fresh, washed and cleaned); 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin); 1 tsp salt; ½ tbsp pepper

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Quick, easy and ready in 15 minutes - this grilled asparagus in foil is an easy side dish you need to serve at your next summer cookout.

a white and blue plate filled with grilled asparagus with cucumbers and salad on the side.

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Why you'll love this recipe
What goes into this recipe
How to grill asparagus
Serving Suggestions
Expert tips
FAQ's
Related recipes
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Why you'll love this recipe

Easy: If you're curious about how to grill asparagus - I've got you covered. You don't need any special equipment or ingredients. Just some asparagus, olive oil, salt and pepper.
Delicious: Pair it with your favourite toppings - the possibilities are endless with this vegetable.
Quick: This grilled asparagus in foil takes less than 15 minutes to prepare. You can do it on a charcoal grill/gas grill, in the oven or even on a fancy griddle pan. A quick recipe is a good recipe!
Healthy: Asparagus is full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, folate and fibre.

What goes into this recipe

ingredients for grilled asparagus on a white marble table.

Asparagus - Choose fresh asparagus. Please make sure the asparagus stalks are firm, there is no visible wilting, and they are bright green and free from any brown spots. I've used the regular variety, but the thinner asparagus also work well - they are pretty tender and will cook a lot quicker.
Olive oil - I've used Greek extra virgin olive oil.
Seasoning - I've used sea salt and black pepper.

How to grill asparagus

I believe this is the best way to cook asparagus on the grill. This technique ensures that the asparagus remains tender and full of flavour.

Start off by preheating your grill to 200°C/400°F

a pair of hands snapping the woody ends of asparagus.

Step 1: Clean and wash your asparagus and pat dry. Snap off the woody ends at the base of the spears - you can feel the fibrous part with your hands, and it should naturally snap off.

asparagus spears being cut with a knife on a round wooden chopping board.

Step 2: Alternatively, use a sharp knife to trim asparagus ends.

a pair of hands sealing an aluminum foil packet filled with asparagus.

Step 3: Lay a piece of foil in front of you and place asparagus spears in a single layer.

drizzling olive oil over asparagus spears in aluminum foil.

Step 4: Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

a pair of hands sealing an aluminum foil pack.

Step 5: Take another piece of aluminum foil, place it on top and wrap it to form a tightly sealed parcel.

a pair of hands holding a sealed aluminum foil packet.

Step 6: Place the asparagus foil packet onto a hot grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until the asparagus has softened slightly.

grilled asparagus spears in aluminum foil.

Step 7: Remove the asparagus from the heat and let rest for 3-5 minutes.

a white and blue plate filled with grilled asparagus.

Step 8: Serve with your favourite topping.

Serving Suggestions

This grilled asparagus recipe is a great way to be creative in the kitchen. Try any of these suggested ideas to wow your guests! The possibilities are endless.

Serve it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, a sprinkling of feta cheese and fresh herbs - similar to my asparagus with feta cheese recipe.
Try it with some Italian seasoning and grated, fresh Parmesan cheese - even better - top it with my easy parsley pesto.
Drizzle it with extra virgin olive oil and top with chopped mint, chilli and garlic.
Go Mexican and top with fresh lime juice, chilli and cilantro.
Butter and parsley - a classic!
Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt, a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chives.

Expert tips

Clean the asparagus thoroughly. Pay special attention to the spears.
Don't place the naked asparagus directly onto the grill grates. The foil pack helps protect it and will help ensure they turn out perfectly grilled.
Use a grill pan if you don't have a bbq. This method also works in the oven.
If you're cooking for a large crowd, cook the asparagus in batches (make individual foil packs). Don't overcrowd the foil packet with too many pieces (I place no more than 10 spears in each packet) - they will end up mushy.
Don't overcook the asparagus. Asparagus is ready when it starts to soften slightly and feel tender.
Be careful not to burn yourself when grilling the asparagus in foil!

FAQ's

Should asparagus be soaked before grilling?

I don't think it's necessary. If, however, your asparagus spears are pretty thick, you could blanch them in salted water for a few minutes and shock them in cold water immediately. Then, pat dry and proceed to wrap in foil before cooking.

Why is my grilled asparagus soggy?

Because you have overcooked it - test for readiness by pressing down on one of the stalks. It should give easily and spring back immediately.

How long to grill asparagus?

Place the asparagus foil packet onto a hot grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until the asparagus has softened slightly.

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