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Crispy Grilled Garlic Parmesan Asparagus Spears

crispy grilled garlic parmesan asparagus spears - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for perfectly crispy grilled asparagus spears tossed in garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese, making a delicious and crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus spears (68 inches long)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Zest of half a lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound of fresh asparagus spears under cold water and pat dry. Snap off the tough ends by bending each spear until it naturally breaks (about 1-2 inches from the bottom).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and lemon zest if using. Stir well to combine.
  3. Add the trimmed asparagus spears to the bowl and toss gently but thoroughly to coat each spear evenly with the garlic parmesan mixture.
  4. Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  5. Place the spears perpendicular to the grates or use a grill basket. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs, until the spears are vibrant green with a nice char and slightly crisp inside.
  6. Remove the asparagus from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. While still hot, sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top if desired.

Notes

If garlic starts to burn, reduce grill heat or brush spears with more olive oil before flipping. Avoid overcrowding the grill to prevent limp asparagus. For a dairy-free version, substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. You can also roast asparagus at 425°F for 12-15 minutes if no grill is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled asparagus, garlic parmesan asparagus, crispy asparagus, easy side dish, grilled vegetables, healthy side, summer recipe