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    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Published: Mar 10, 2021 · Modified: Dec 11, 2022 · This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.

    Best Way to Grill Asparagus + the Best Grilled Asparagus Recipe

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    Grilled Asparagus
    Grilled Asparagus
    VNFGF

    There's something about grilled vegetables that just makes them so much better. Maybe it's the smokey flavor or the slightly charred edges. Whatever it is, grilled asparagus is definitely a winner. And this recipe takes it up a notch by adding toasted almonds and pine nuts. So good!

    Table of Contents hide
    1. Ingredients
    2. Instructions
    3. Variations and seasonings
    4. Storing
    5. Health Benefits of Asparagus
    6. More sides recipes
    7. Recipe
    8. 📋 Recipe
    9. Perfect Grilled Asparagus Recipe with Toasted Almonds
    Grilled Asparagus
    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Asparagus is one of those vegetables that seems to go with everything. You can grill asparagus, roast it, or stir fry asparagus and they will be delicious either way.

    In this Grilled Asparagus Recipe, we grill asparagus and top asparagus spears with crunchy toasted almonds and pine nuts.

    This side dish is perfect for a summer BBQ, a casual weeknight meal, brunch, dinner, or even as part of your Christmas Table. So if you're looking for an easy side dish that will impress your guests, this recipe is for you. Cooking asparagus is super easy!

    I love to cook asparagus because they bring a classy touch to any supper with no effort. They are just as easy to make as our steamed White Asparagus Recipe, a must-have during the spring season.

    When we see asparagus as we stroll in the Farmer's market, we immediately start craving our springtime favorite recipes, like lemon asparagus risotto, and lemony pasta with asparagus.

    However, they make a second appearance during the fall season, making it a perfect addition to your fall season recipes repertoire!

    Grilled Asparagus

    Ingredients

    Grilled Asparagus Ingredients
    • Fresh asparagus
    • Pine nuts
    • Avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
    • Sliced almonds
    • Garlic powder
    • Black pepper
    • Kosher salt
    • Lime or lemon juice

    See quantities and complete instructions in the recipe card.

    Instructions

    Grilling asparagus is very quick and straightforward. Just set your grill pan, prepare asparagus, remove the thick asparagus stalks, then toss asparagus with oil, salt, and pepper, and add your preferred seasonings such as lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic, or onion powder.

    In this recipe, we take an extra mile, to make the grilled asparagus extra yummy and toast almonds and pine nuts in a skillet for no more than two minutes.

    Prepare asparagus spears

    Step 1. Wash your asparagus carefully under running cold water. Asparagus' tips are very delicate, so make sure you treat them with care to avoid breaking them.

    Pro Tip: when shopping for fresh asparagus, make sure you look for firm stems and tight, closed ends.

    How to cut asparagus
    How to cut asparagus stems

    The thick asparagus stalks are generally fleshy and woody. My recommendation is to trim asparagus about one inch (2.5 centimeters) at the base of the asparagus even if you have thin stalks.

    Toast nuts

    Slightly toast the sliced almonds and pine nuts together, in medium-low heat, for about 2 minutes, until they look just golden brown but not toasted.

    After removing the skillet from heat, they will keep toasting with the remaining heat.

    Pinenuts and almonds

    Grill asparagus

    Time to cook asparagus. Set the stovetop heat to medium, and add the thicker asparagus spears first in case they are uneven. If they are all thin asparagus spears you can add all asparagus at once.

    Drizzle avocado or olive oil, and add ground garlic, lemon, salt, and pepper. Grill asparagus until they look slightly charred.

    We like our tender asparagus crispy, so we only cook them for five minutes.

    Set the asparagus in the grill pan, until you can see the grill grates marks, and then use kitchen tongs to toss them.

    Tip: is you are working with thick asparagus spears, you can blanch them in boiling water for a minute, before you set them in the grill, to ensure they cook well.

    Grilling Asparagus

    Season

    Grilled Asparagus Garlic Powder

    Add the seasonings, of choice beginning with the lemon, followed by garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

    Plate

    Transfer the fork-tender lightly charred asparagus to a serving dish and top with the toasted almonds and pine nuts. You can also add vegan parmesan cheese.

    Grilled Asparagus with almonds

    Tip: serve with a wedge of lime or lemon. The acidity will bring up all the flavors.

    Variations and seasonings

    Take a look at these ideas for flavors that will pair perfectly with your grilled asparagus.

    Just remember not to overdo any seasoning, as asparagus are rich in flavor and needs some extra kick of saltiness, depth, and acidity.

    Salt

    The salt overrides the asparagus's slight bitterness, and the fat of the olive oil goes very well with the acidity of lemons or limes.

    Spicy

    I also like adding a kick of pepper or pepperoncini.

    Toppings

    As a topping, I like using any nuts as we do in this recipe. Think almonds, pine nuts, and walnuts.

    Seasonings

    Vegan Parmesan Cheese

    I also like using my Homemade Vegan Parmesan cheese when for a quick solution instead of any other seasoning. Normally people add dairy parmesan cheese just right before removing the asparagus spears from the grill pan or grill grates, to allow it to melt.

    If you are using vegan parmesan, you can add it directly to the plate, or toss it when you add the rest of the seasonings.

    Balsamic

    We also like using thick balsamic vinegar glaze.

    Pesto

    Sometimes we just make this grilled asparagus recipe without seasoning and just add a dollop of vegan pesto sauce on top.

    You can go bor a basil pesto, arugula pesto, kale pesto with sage, and even a mint pesto work really well with grilled asparagus.

    Olive oil

    If you have a great Extra virgin olive oil it will have an extra touch, this asparagus recipe is a great dish for it to shine!

    Grilled Asparagus with lemon wedge

    Storing

    How to Store Asparagus? As soon as you buy them, place them in a large glass, and add some water. Then, place a plastic bag over the top and store it in your refrigerator. This way, you will retain their freshness.

    Apply this technique applies to all your fresh herbs, such as parsley and cilantro. As a result, your herbs will last for much longer.

    Health Benefits of Asparagus

    • Asparagus is full of nutrients and has very few calories.
    • They are a great source of antioxidants.
    • Asparagus helps supports a healthy pregnancy as they are an excellent source of folates.
    • In addition, asparagus help lowers blood pressure.
    • Finally, they help to improve digestive tract health.
    Asparagus Bunch

    Want to know more about the health benefits of Asparagus. Visit HealthLine

    More sides recipes

    • Green Beans with Flaked Toasted Almonds
    • Roasted Butternut Squash
    • Spanish Escalivada
    • White Asparagus Recipe
    • Miso Maple Glazed Carrots

    ⭐ If you try this recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!

    Recipe

    📋 Recipe

    Grilled Asparagus

    Perfect Grilled Asparagus Recipe with Toasted Almonds

    Gus
    It’s asparagus season, and I can’t get enough of it. This grilled asparagus brings out its best. This recipe is made in five minutes and the flavor is to die for.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 1 min
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine Mediterranean
    Servings 2 Servings
    Calories 245 kcal

    Equipment

    grill-pan
    (affiliate link)
    Grill pan (affiliate link)
    Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Nonstick 2-Piece 9-Inch and 11-Inch Skillet Set - Black And Silver.
    (affiliate link)
    Skillet (affiliate link)
    kitchen tongs.
    (affiliate link)
    Kitchen Tongs (affiliate link)

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 10 ounces green asparagus thin
    • 2 tablespoons pine nuts raw
    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 ounce almonds sliced
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ¼ lime in wedges

    Optional:

    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Directions
     

    • Cut the bottom inch (about 2 ½ cm) of the asparagus, as they are usually fleshy.
      10 ounces green asparagus
    • Toast the sliced almonds and pine nuts on a skillet for one minute. Keep an eye to avoid them from burning. Take them off the heat as soon as you see they are slightly toasted. (the heat from the skillet will keep toasting them after the heat is off).
      1 ounce almonds, 2 tablespoons pine nuts
    • If your asparagus are not extra thin, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds. If they are thin, omit this step.
    • Grill the asparagus with a drizzle of avocado oil for about 2 minutes.  Place the asparagus across the grill pan perpendicular to the lines.
      10 ounces green asparagus, 1 tablespoon avocado oil
    • Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper and toss for another 30 seconds or so. Do not overcook them as they could become too soft and lose their crispness.
      ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • Plate the asparagus and sprinkle the toasted almonds and pine nuts on top.
      10 ounces green asparagus, 1 ounce almonds, 2 tablespoons pine nuts
    • Serve with a wedge of lime or lemon. The acidity will bring up all the flavors.
      ¼ lime

    Video

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 8gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 467mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1080IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 78mgIron: 4mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram and Hashtag it #ourplantbasedworld so we can see what's cooking!!
    Nutrition Facts
    Perfect Grilled Asparagus Recipe with Toasted Almonds
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    245
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    21
    g
    32
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    13
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    6
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    11
    g
    Sodium
     
    4
    mg
    0
    %
    Potassium
     
    467
    mg
    13
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    11
    g
    4
    %
    Fiber
     
    5
    g
    21
    %
    Sugar
     
    4
    g
    4
    %
    Protein
     
    8
    g
    16
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    1080
    IU
    22
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    10
    mg
    12
    %
    Calcium
     
    78
    mg
    8
    %
    Iron
     
    4
    mg
    22
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
     
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    🌡️ Food safety

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking points to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.

    Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Dannii says

      September 21, 2021 at 8:39 am

      5 stars
      Grilled asparagus is my favourite side dish. The addition of almonds is delicious.

      Reply
    2. Louise Cayzer says

      September 21, 2021 at 11:16 am

      5 stars
      Yum! Asparagus is my fave! This recipe is a yummy new way to eat it.

      Reply
      • Gus says

        September 21, 2021 at 12:35 pm

        Louise, thank you for sharing your review of our asparagus recipe! We're so happy to hear that this dish is a new way for you to enjoy asparagus.

        Reply
    3. Natalie says

      September 21, 2021 at 12:37 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! That was delicious. Loved added almonds and pine nuts. Such a punch in flavor. This recipe is a keeper. Thanks!

      Reply
    4. Kechi says

      September 21, 2021 at 12:52 pm

      5 stars
      Such a great idea for a side dish. I love all the herbs/spices too; must be very flavorful! Will definitely be trying this!

      Reply

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