Can you grill asparagus without blanching?

Q: Do you have to soak asparagus before grilling?

If using wooden skewer first, make sure theyve been soaked in water for at least an hour before grilling.

Asparagus How to Grill

Grilled asparagus is a favorite side dish in our house. Asparagus, in general, is one of our all-time favorite vegetables.

It is so versatile, you can grill it, boil it, saute it, roast it, add it to salads raw, or mix it in stir-frys, the possibilities are endless!

But, to me, there is nothing like grilling asparagus. The grill adds an extra dimension of flavor that you just can’t get any other way.

My ABSOLUTE favorite way to grill it is over charcoal with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. However, a regular gas grill will do just fine!

Take me to the recipe for Asparagus How to Grill already!

Thank you so much for your eagerness to view my recipe.

If you would rather not hear my super helpful tips and tricks, FAQ, and my overall awesomeness and get straight to this delicious Asparagus How to Grill – you can very easily scroll all the way to the bottom of this post for the full printable FREE recipe! Bon appetit.

There is just something about that smoke from the coals that adds an extra pop! Anytime we are cooking something on the charcoal grill, I automatically make this asparagus alongside it.

Asparagus on a grill is one of my favorites!

It’s an obsession… I know.

Grilling Asparagus Tips:

Blanch the asparagus first before grilling. Blanching allows the asparagus to cook halfway through, so it doesn’t have to stay on the grill for too long.

I have noticed that if you place asparagus on the grill raw, it can dry out easily.

Following the method in this recipe, you will have juicy, vibrant green asparagus every time!

Can you grill asparagus in foil?

If you are worried about the asparagus falling through your grates simple put a layer of foil over the grates!

We love to serve grilled asparagus with Rib Eye Steaks (the best steak marinade ever!)

Alternatives and Add-Ons:

You can definitely add additional seasonings on to the asparagus before grilling. I suggest crushed red pepper flakes or chipotle powder.

Or, add another pop of flavor when it comes off the grill. A fresh squeeze of lemon juice or a light brushing of toasted sesame oil and a few sesame seeds on top will make for the perfect Asian side dish!

This recipe was featured in my cookbook, The Cozy Table, available now!

Click here for more info or to purchase.

If you love grilled asparagus you will also enjoy my roasted brussel spouts, roasted mushrooms, and my grilled potato salad!

Asparagus How to Grill Recipe Directions:

Trim off the woody ends of the asparagus, about two inches from the bottom.
Bring water to a boil, lower heat to a simmer. Add the asparagus and simmer for four minutes. Drain.
If you are planning on grilling the asparagus right away, transfer them to a plate. Season with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss to coat.
Prepare the grill, grill over medium heat until tender, 5-8 minutes, turning every couple minutes for an even char.

Tips for Turning this into a Make-Ahead Recipe:

Prepare the asparagus the same way, cutting off the ends and simmering it in water for 4 minutes, drain.
Prepare a large bowl with 1-quart water and 1-quart ice. Immediately place the asparagus into the ice water to shock it. This will completely stop the cooking process.
Drain and set aside until ready to grill.
The blanched asparagus can be stored in the fridge for up to one day before grilling.

More yummy grilled vegetable recipes from my favorite bloggers:

Grilled Kale Salad with Strawberries
Bourbon Maple Grilled Acorn Squash
Grilled Artichokes
Grilled Brussel Sprouts
Grilled Sesame Bok Choy
Grilled Three Cheese Zucchini Rounds

Tools used for Asparagus How To Grill:

Chef’s Knife, for trimming the ends
Large saucepot for blanching
I like to use tongs for handling the asparagus
Collander for straining

Asparagus How to Grill

Servings 2 servings

Easy Grilled Asparagus Recipe, made with 5 simple ingredients and ready in under 15 minutes!

Prep Time 2 mins

Cook Time 12 mins

Total Time 14 mins

▢ 1 pound asparagus 2 inches of the ends removed
▢ 2 teaspoons olive oil
▢ 2 cracks fresh black pepper
▢ 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
▢ 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Fill a large saucepot with about 3 inches of water. Cover, bring to a boil. Uncover, reduce heat to medium-low to a simmer. Add the asparagus. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain.

If you are grilling right away

Transfer asparagus to a plate. Season with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss to coat. Grill over medium heat until tender, 5-8 minutes. Turning every couple minutes for an even char.

If you are making ahead

In a large bowl, add 1-quart water and 1-quart ice. Place drained asparagus into ice water to shock it. Once cold, drain again. Set aside until ready to grill. Or, the blanched asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one day before grilling.

A lot of people skewer their asparagus before grilling. It's not needed. Just, lay the asparagus across the grates and carefully turn them with tongs, easy!

Nutritional Disclaimer

Do you need to blanch asparagus before grilling?

According to one food blogger, the secret to making perfectly tender, snappy grilled asparagus is a step that happens before the produce ever hits the grill. In order to prevent the asparagus from drying out on the high-heat cooking surface, it's important to blanch the raw veggies prior to grilling.

Can you grill asparagus directly?

Place your asparagus on the hot side of the grill, setting them perpendicular to the grates so they don't fall through (or you can use a grilling basket). For thick asparagus spears, grill 4 to 5 minutes, turning frequently until fork tender and slightly charred. Thinner spears will cook in 2 to 3 minutes.

Do you Precook asparagus before grilling?

Blanch the asparagus first before grilling. Blanching allows the asparagus to cook halfway through, so it doesn't have to stay on the grill for too long. I have noticed that if you place asparagus on the grill raw, it can dry out easily.