Grilled asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables to throw on the BBQ. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, cooks up quickly, and the best part? It tastes just as delicious served cold. Read on to discover how to make this simple yet flavorful dish.
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Grilled asparagus makes for a perfect BBQ side dish because it’s delicious and easy to prepare! If you’ve ever wondered about how long to cook or how to prepare grilled asparagus, this post has you covered. These spears of grilled asparagus turn out flavorful, well-balanced, and tender inside while staying crispy outside. The secret lies in the pomegranate molasses dressing, making this grilled asparagus a dish to remember. Impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make side dish!
Ingredients for Your Grilled Asparagus Recipe
- Asparagus: Delivers a unique earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness, enhanced by the grilling process to achieve a tender yet slightly crisp texture.
- Olive Oil: Infuses a rich, savory note, promoting caramelization during grilling and contributing to the overall succulence of the asparagus.
- Pomegranate Molasses: Adds a sweet and tangy complexity, elevating the flavor profile with a hint of fruity brightness.
- Zest of Lime: Provides a burst of citrusy aroma and a refreshing zing, complementing the earthiness of the asparagus.
- Lime Juice: Enhances the dish’s overall brightness, balancing the olive oil’s richness and adding a lively acidity.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, ensuring a perfect balance that highlights the natural flavors of the grilled asparagus.
How do you prepare grilled asparagus for the grill?
Before delving into how long it takes to cook grilled asparagus, you must know how to prepare it. One crucial step is removing the woody end. You can do this by bending the spears until they snap or using a knife. After washing and patting them dry, toss the asparagus spears with a bit of olive oil—just enough to coat them. This prevents sticking and burning on the grill. Proper spacing on the grill also ensures even cooking.
What is Pomegranate Molasses?
Pomegranate Molasses is a thick syrup commonly found in Middle Eastern cuisine. Made from pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and sugar, it’s reduced into a syrup that can add a subtle, sweet taste to various dishes, including this recipe. The sweet and tangy flavor profile of pomegranate molasses brings the grilled asparagus a bright and balanced taste.
What to Serve with Grilled Asparagus?
Once you’ve tried this grilled asparagus recipe, you’ll likely be keen to find dishes that complement its unique flavors, especially if you’re planning a BBQ. For meat lovers, grilled chicken is an excellent choice; its mild flavors resonate well with the tangy and sweet profile of the grilled asparagus. If you prefer a smoky edge, consider pairing the asparagus with chicken kebabs or spiced kofta skewers for a more robust flavor contrast. But it’s not all about meat; other grilled veggies like zucchini can make a wonderful addition to your BBQ spread. If you’re looking for lighter options, a Fattoush salad can provide a burst of freshness, while creamy hummus or Toum dipping sauce can add another layer of texture and flavor to the asparagus. Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to suit your palate or your guests.
Preparation
(For the pomegranate molasses dressing: Whisk all the ingredients together!)
Ingredients:
Adjust Servings
1 lb. asparagus (trimmed and cleaned) | |
1 tablespoon olive oil |
For the pomegranate molasses dressing
3 tablespoon pomegranate molasses | |
Zest of one lime and its juice | |
1 tablespoon olive oil | |
Salt and pepper to taste |
Preparation
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
Storage Instructions:
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
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I would love to hear your experience!
Did you try this grilled asparagus recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! If you made any adjustments or found a perfect pairing dish, please share your experience in the comments below.