Name: best way to grill asparagus
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 pound/bunch medium-thick asparagus, (woody ends trimmed); 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked sea salt ((I use Trader Joe's garlic sea salt with parsley)); 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning ((or ¼ freshly cracked black pepper + lemon zest)); Lemon wedges for juicing; Pick your favs: balsamic reduction, goat cheese or feta, pine nuts, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, bacon, etc.

Get ready for the best grilled asparagus of your life—perfectly tender-crisp, boldly seasoned, and full of smoky flavor. I’ve tested and perfected every detail of this recipe, from the ideal asparagus thickness to the exact grill temperature, seasoning blend, and cook time. This post has everything you need for success: step-by-step photos, expert tips, seasoning and garnish variations, and all the tricks for asparagus that turns out amazing every single time.

Watch How to Make Grilled Asparagus

PIN THIS RECIPE TO SAVE FOR LATER

top view of grilled asparagus with lemon

Why you’ll love This grilled asparagus

Grilling asparagus is simple and delicious when done right! This is why you’ll love every detail of this recipe:

Quick and easy: Just a few pantry ingredients and less than 10 minutes on the grill.
Perfectly tender-crisp: Other recipes grill the asparagus for up to 10 minutes, which can dilute the fresh flavor and result in mushy-leaning asparagus—this version keeps it crisp and vibrant!
Effortlessly delicious flavor combo: Keep it simple with salt, pepper, and lemon, or my favorite mix of lemon pepper seasoning, garlic sea salt, tangy balsamic reduction, and crunchy pine nuts creates an irresistibly bold, bright, and savory bite with minimal effort.
Endlessly customizable: I’ve included MANY variations, such as adding Parmesan, pine nuts, a balsamic glaze, or your favorite spice blend.
Pairs with everything: A versatile side that complements grilled meats, seafood, pastas, and more.
Naturally healthy: A light, veggie-forward dish that’s low-carb, gluten-free, and full of nutrients

grilled asparagus recipe on a platter showing the grill marks

grilling asparagus Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make this recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

the best asparagus to use:

The best type of asparagus for grilling is medium-thick spears—they strike the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Unlike thin spears that can overcook easily or thick ones that tend to be woodier and tougher, medium spears are naturally tender, cook evenly, and have a sweeter, fresher taste that’s ideal for grilling.

Look for vibrant green stalks with firm, closed tips for the freshest, best-tasting results.

asparagus seasoning

Extra-virgin olive oil: Coats the asparagus for even grilling and prevents sticking; adds a subtle richness.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy-sweet depth of flavor that caramelizes slightly on the grill and pairs perfectly with the lemon pepper; use high-quality vinegar for the best taste.
Freshly cracked sea salt: Enhances flavor. My favorite is garlic sea salt with parsley and onion from Trader Joe’s (on Amazon too!) that adds extra savory notes. You may also use plain, freshly cracked salt.
Lemon pepper seasoning: Brings zesty brightness and a hint of heat; you can substitute with ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper and a little lemon zest.

top view of grilled asparagus ingredients: asparagus, olive oil, lemon, lemon pepper, salt, pepper

How to Grill Asparagus

Let’s take a closer look at how to make this recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Step 1: Chop off the woody ends of the asparagus, approximately 2 inches from the ends.

showing how to grill asparagus by chopping the woody ends off

Step 2: Add the asparagus to a 9×13 baking dish, then add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt, and lemon pepper, and roll to coat evenly.

a collage showing how to grill asparagus by drizzling with olive oil, balsamic, salt and pepper and rolling to coat

Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F. Clean the grill and brush with oil. (Alternatively, use a grill pan over high heat.)

Step 4: Add the asparagus in a single layer and grill until crisp-tender, turning them often to ensure even cooking.

showing how to gill asparagus on a grill over medium-high heat

how long to grill asparagus

Grill medium asparagus spears over medium-high heat (around 400°F) for 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally until crisp-tender and lightly charred. The exact timing will depend on a few factors:

•Spear thickness: Thicker asparagus requires more time, while thinner spears cook more quickly.
•Grill temperature: A hotter grill will cook asparagus more quickly, while a cooler grill may require additional cooking time.
•Personal preference: For crisp asparagus, grill for around 3 minutes; for more tender spears, grill for closer to 5 minutes, or a bit longer.

Grilled asparagus cooks quickly, so stay close and check frequently—taste-testing a spear is the best way to tell when they’re done to your liking.

Step 5: Transfer the asparagus back to the 9×13 baking dish and roll in the leftover balsamic/spices.

showing how to grill asparagus by rolling the cooked asparagus in balsamic after it's cooked

Step 6: Serve from this dish or transfer to a serving platter and garnish with your desired toppings.

showing how to grill asparagus by transferring it to a platter after grilling

TIPS for grilling asparagus

Snapping Asparagus is a Myth: In general, the woody, fibrous portion of asparagus usually extends about 1.5 to 3 inches from the bottom, depending on the spear’s size and freshness. A more accurate method is to:
Cut off about the bottom 2 inches to start. Then, test the texture by slicing a small piece off the trimmed end and biting into it — if it’s still tough or stringy, trim up slightly more. With this method, you can line all the asparagus up and cut them at once.
Fully preheat the grill: A hot grill (around 400°F) ensures a quick sear and helps the asparagus stay crisp-tender. If the grill isn’t hot enough, they will steam instead of sear.
Grease the grill grates properly: Soak a paper towel in a high smoke point oil (like vegetable or canola), grip it with tongs, and rub it over the hot grill grates just before adding the asparagus—never spray oil directly onto a lit grill. Don’t use olive oil because its smoke point is around 375°F.
Place the thickest ends over the hottest part of the grill: This helps ensure the spears cook evenly, as the thicker bases take longer to become tender than the thinner tips.
Lay spears perpendicular to the grates: Positioning asparagus crosswise prevents them from falling through the grates and makes them easier to turn with tongs.
Don’t overcook: Test a spear at 3 minutes, then continue to grill if needed. The asparagus should be on the crisp-tender side rather than mushy!

showing how to serve grilled asparagus with balsamic reduction, pine nuts and goat cheese

grilled asparagus seasoning & variations

Seasoning Variations

Here are delicious seasoning variations to choose from based on your mood or main course:

Garlic Parmesan: Toss with olive oil, minced garlic or garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill, then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon.
Lemon Herb: Season with olive oil, lemon zest, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Finish with a drizzle of lemon juice after grilling.
Spicy Cajun: Roll with olive oil and Cajun seasoning or a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder for bold flavor and heat.
Smoky Paprika: Use smoked paprika, sea salt, pepper, and a touch of cumin for a deep, smoky profile.
Asian-Inspired: Toss with sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of ginger. Finish with toasted sesame seeds and a splash of rice vinegar.
Balsamic Glaze & Sea Salt: Simply drizzle with olive oil, season with sea salt and pepper, then finish with a balsamic glaze after grilling.
Everything Bagel: Toss with olive oil and everything bagel seasoning for a savory, crunchy twist.

Garnish Variations

These garnishes are a simple way to match your asparagus to any meal or season!

Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with a thick, sweet balsamic reduction or glaze after grilling for a tangy pop (pictured). You can use store-bought or make your own.
Toasted Nuts: Add crunch and richness with toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or chopped walnuts. Toast in a dry skillet until golden for the best flavor.
Seeds: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or pepitas for texture and a nutty finish.
Cheeses: Finish with crumbled feta, goat cheese, blue cheese, or shavings of Parmesan for a savory, creamy contrast.
Flavored Vinegars: Swap regular balsamic for fig, raspberry, peach, white balsamic, etc. for an elegant twist.
Citrus Zest: Add brightness with finely grated lemon, lime, or orange zest.
Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with chopped basil, mint, parsley, or chives just before serving for color and freshness.

top view showing how to serve grilled asparagus recipe garnished by nuts, cheese, and lemon

How to serve asparagus on the grill

With Grilled Proteins: Grilled asparagus goes with practically everything! Serve it with your favorite grilled chicken, flank steak, grilled mahi mahi, grilled pork tenderloin, grilled pork chops, etc.
With Toasted Nuts & Cheese: Finish with toasted almonds or pine nuts and crumbled goat cheese or feta, and balsamic reduction as pictured-YUM!
Grilled Asparagus Salad: Toss cooled spears with cherry tomatoes, feta, red onion, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
Wrapped in Prosciutto: Wrap bundles in prosciutto before grilling for salty, crispy goodness.
Topped with a Poached Egg: Serve warm spears under a soft egg with cracked pepper and shaved Parmesan
Drizzled with Hollandaise: Make it feel like brunch by topping with a buttery hollandaise sauce. My blender hollandaise is SO EASY, or try my healthy hollandaise!

HOW TO STORE grilled asparagus

Place cooled grilled asparagus in an airtight container or wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

How to reheat grilled asparagus recipe

To preserve the best texture, oven or skillet reheating is the best option:

•Oven: Spread the asparagus on a baking sheet and warm at 375°F for about 5–7 minutes, or until heated through.
•Skillet: Sauté in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes.
•Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, although it may become softer this way.
To preserve texture, oven or skillet reheating is best.

Looking for more Grilling Recipes?

Tomahawk Steak
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Grilled Chicken Thighs with Honey Sesame Glaze
Cedar Plank Salmon
Grilled Salmon in Foil
Grilled Sirloin Steak with Cajun Butter
Buffalo Chicken Foil Packets
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled Pineapple
Beef Kabobs
Grilled Shrimp
Best Chicken Marinade for Grilling

asparagus on the grill being served on a platter garnished with lemon and nuts

WANT TO TRY THIS Grilled Asparagus RECIPE?

PIN IT to your recipe BOARD TO SAVE FOR LATER!

FIND ME ON PINTEREST FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES! I AM ALWAYS PINNING :)!

Total Time: 15

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 5

Save This Recipe To Your Recipe Box

You can now create an account on our site and save your favorite recipes all in one place!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound/bunch medium-thick asparagus, woody ends trimmed
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked sea salt (I use Trader Joe's garlic sea salt with parsley)
1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning (or ¼ freshly cracked black pepper + lemon zest)
Lemon wedges for juicing

For serving

Pick your favs: balsamic reduction, goat cheese or feta, pine nuts, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, bacon, etc.

Instructions

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F. Meanwhile:
Add the asparagus to a 9×13 baking dish. Then, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt, and lemon pepper, and roll to coat evenly.
Clean the grill and brush with olive oil. (Alternatively, use a grill pan over high heat). Add the asparagus in a single layer, perpendicular to the grill grates (so they don’t fall through), with the thickest part aimed toward the hottest part of the grill.
Grill for 3-5 minutes, until crisp-tender to your liking, turning them often so they cook evenly.
Transfer the asparagus back to the 9×13 baking dish and roll it in the remaining balsamic and spices. You can season with additional freshly cracked salt as you'd like (taste first!). Serve the asparagus from this dish or transfer it to a platter and garnish as desired. Pictured: balsamic reduction, feta, and pine nuts-yum!

Video

Did You Make This Recipe?

Tag @CarlsbadCravings and Use #CarlsbadCravngs

Leave a Review, I Always Love Hearing From You!

Grilled Asparagus Recipe

Watch How to Make Grilled Asparagus

PIN THIS RECIPE TO SAVE FOR LATER

Why you’ll love This grilled asparagus