One of the best side dishes is Grilled Asparagus in Foil… it’s so easy to make and tastes simply incredible. As a bonus: it’s a five ingredient recipe as well. Simple, easy and delicious: the winning combination.
Looking for more asparagus recipes? Try these: Roasted Asparagus with Pico de Gallo or Garlic Sauteed Asparagus and Mushrooms.
This recipe is: Low carb, keto, gluten free, dairy free, paleo, vegetarian and vegan.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Want to Make My Grilled Asparagus Recipe:
- 5 ingredients to a delicious, vegetarian side dish
- Pairs well with fish or grilled meats.
- Let it cool and dress it with a mustard vinaigrette for a summer salad!
- Less than 5 minutes of prep time… and only 10-12 minutes of cooking!
Ingredient Tips for Grilled Asparagus in Foil:
- Green Asparagus: be sure to choose fresh asparagus. This means that the stalks are firm and the tips are closed. If it looks dehydrated, I would not buy it either.
Ingredient Substitution Ideas:
- Balsamic vinegar: although I love this recipe with balsamic vinegar, you certainly can substitute in fresh lemon juice as well. Be sure it is fresh as the bottled lemon juice will have too much acid for this recipe.
Equipment Needed to BBQ Asparagus:
Please Note: the links in this post are affiliate links but they are for either the exact items I use in my own kitchen or extremely close substitutes!Learn how to cook asparagus on the grill:
Below is a step-by-step photo guide on how to create this recipe in your own kitchen. If you want to print the recipe or ingredient list, you can do so in the recipe card toward the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Lay out a sheet of aluminum foil and top it with a piece of parchment paper. Arrange trimmed asparagus spears in a single layer.
Step 2: Drizzle the asparagus with avocado oil to lightly coat all sides for roasting.
Step 3: Pour balsamic vinegar evenly over the asparagus to add depth and a slight tang.
Step 4: Sprinkle generously with kosher salt and cracked black pepper for seasoning.
Step 5: Fold the parchment over the asparagus, then seal the foil tightly into a packet. It’s now ready for the grill.
Step 6: Eat hot or allow to cool and add to a summertime asparagus salad!
Scott’s Kitchen Tips:
- Preparing the asparagus: preparing green asparagus to be cooked on a gas grill is easy. All you need to do is give it a quick rinse and then break off the woody end of the asparagus. To save time, I break off one of the fibrous ends and then just cut the rest of the packet at the same spot.
- Parchment lined foil packets: If you are going to grill asparagus in foil using any type of acid (vinegar, citrus etc), then the foil needs to be lined with parchment paper first. The acid will interact with the aluminum, drawing it into the food. My suggestion if you don’t have parchment paper is to either skip this recipe or to just coat the asparagus in the remaining ingredients and grill direct.
- Avoid overcooking the asparagus: overcooked asparagus has a tendency to become mushy and a touch bitter. The thing about asparagus is that it is delicious raw, so having a little “tooth” to your asparagus isn’t a bad thing. I would rather slightly under cook the asparagus than overcook it!
Grilled Asparagus in Foil Recipe Variations:
- Parmesan Cheese Asparagus in Foil: For this recipe using Parmesan cheese, make the aluminum foil packet just as described in the recipe. When you transfer the asparagus to the grill from the packet, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. So good!
- Garlic Asparagus in Foil: I like to add about 1 clove of minced fresh garlic to my asparagus every now and again. When you’re creating the foil packet for the grill, add in the minced garlic and cook according to the instructions. The garlic will infuse into the asparagus and it is delicious.
- Mushroom and Onion Asparagus in Foil: Add in a handful of thinly sliced (must be thin or it will not cook) onions and another handful of sliced mushrooms. Increase the salt from 1/2 teaspoon to 3/4 teaspoon and add 1 more tablespoon of avocado or olive oil. Close up the packet and grill according to the instructions in the recipe card.
Working with Leftover Grilled Asparagus:
To store: Once the asparagus has cooled to room temperature, store in an airtight container for about 2 days. Long than that and the asparagus will turn mushy. To reheat: If you are reheating the whole stalk of asparagus, either reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven under the broiler. Or, if you happen to be near the grill, toss it back on the grill for a minute or two.
What to Serve with X Recipe:
I’ve got an entire article on What Goes Well With Asparagus… but here are a few other good ideas!
The Takeaway:
FAQs
How long to cook grilled asparagus in foil?
Cook grilled asparagus in foil for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus. It is always best to slightly under cook asparagus to retain the color, texture and flavor.
Can you cook asparagus in foil on the grill?
Absolutely, but I would line the foil with parchment paper (either for the grill or the oven) so the acid doesn’t react with the aluminum packet and draw it into the food.
What temperature to grill asparagus in foil?
Using a gas grill, I recommend high heat. This shortens the cooking time and allows the asparagus to not only retain it’s color and texture, but when you transfer it directly to the grill grate it will lightly char to perfection.
Tasty Grilled Asparagus in Foil
Ingredients
- 1 lb green asparagus (typically 1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (use olive oil in a pinch)
- 1/4 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Turn the grill on high and preheat.
- Line some aluminum foil with parchment paper (see note in the post about this).
- Break off the "woody ends" of the asparagus and lay on the parchment paper.
- Add the avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, kosher salt and black pepper. Using tongs, mix around just a bit so the asparagus is coated.
- Fold the aluminum foil into a square packet. Place on the hot grill for about 8 minutes.
- Open the foil packet with tongs and remove the asparagus, placing them directly onto the grill.
- Allow the tips to become lightly charred and remove from the grill.
- Eat hot or allow to cool and add to a summertime asparagus salad!
One Response
This is exactly the kind of side dish I like to make when I’m focused on eating clean but still want something that tastes like it came off a restaurant grill. Super quick, super fresh!