Easy Asparagus Grilled in Foil

This recipe for easy Asparagus Grilled in Foil will give you perfectly seasoned tender stems of asparagus in just 15 minutes. It works beautifully on the grill or in the oven - and since the asparagus is wrapped in foil there's less clean up too!

This easy grilled asparagus in foil recipe is just so convenient as you can throw it on the grill or in the oven while you get on with the rest of the dinner.

It also makes that gas on the BBQ go further. If you light the grill, you might as well use it to cook the whole meal, right?

Grilling or roasting asparagus in aluminum foil is the perfect cooking method since it protects the tender asparagus spears from direct heat while they cook.

Even better this healthy asparagus recipe is vegan, dairy free and gluten free so everyone can enjoy it.

Why You'll Love Asparagus Grilled in Foil

• Prep time is short and cooking time is fast, so this makes a perfect weeknight dinner side.

• This recipe uses only 3 simple ingredients with a touch of seasoning.

• Foil means no dishes!

• It also stops those asparagus spears falling through the grill grates without having to buy a grill basket.

• If you love asparagus try my Roasted Asparagus & Carrots, my Mozzarella & Pesto Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner or my Easy Sheet Pan Salmon & Veggies.

Grilled Asparagus Ingredients

Find the full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the recipe card below.

Asparagus - this recipe works with both green and white asparagus spears.

To keep your asparagus fresh, place the spears upright in a glass of water and store in the refrigerator.

Oil - I have used extra virgin olive oil for it's wonderful fruity flavor. However, you can substitute with any other oil that you enjoy cooking with.

Seasonings - I keep the seasoning simple, just a touch of sea salt and a crack of black pepper as I don't want anything to overpower the fresh spring flavor of asparagus.

Lemon - I slice up a lemon and place it directly on the grill or the baking sheet. Not only does it look pretty, it can also add some charry zesty zing when you squeeze it over the asparagus.

How to Make Easy Asparagus Packets - Step-By-Step

Find the full printable recipe below.

Preheat your outdoor grill or oven to a medium-high heat.

Wash the asparagus then prepare by breaking or slicing off the woody ends.

Tear off a large piece of aluminium foil and place the asparagus in the center of the foil. Season well with sea salt and black pepper and drizzle with the olive oil.

Wrap the asparagus up tightly in the foil, folding the edges like you are wrapping a gift.

Place the asparagus foil packet on the grill (or on a baking sheet in the oven) for around 15 minutes. Turn once midway through the cooking time.

Meanwhile grill the lemon slices on both sides until they're a little charred.

Check that the asparagus is cooked to your liking then serve hot with the grilled lemon slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should asparagus be crunchy or soft when cooked?

Cooked asparagus should be soft with a creamy texture, but still retain a touch of firmness. You don't want to cook asparagus too long and risk it becoming mushy - the absolute worst.

How do you avoid chewy asparagus?

Firstly, store your asparagus spears in a glass of water in the refrigerator, this will keep them fresh and stop them from wilting.

Secondly, when preparing the asparagus, remove the woody lower stem just before cooking. The woody part of the spear is chewy and unpleasant to eat.

How long to grill asparagus in foil?

This is a tricky question to get absolutely right as a lot depends on the thickness of the asparagus spears. I used medium sized spears which I grilled for 15 minutes.

However, if using thinner spears, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. Likewise, if cooking thicker spears they will need a few minutes longer.

How do you know when asparagus is done?

The best way to test if asparagus is done, it to pierce the stem with the tip of a sharp knife, the spear should be tender. If it still feels hard, then cook for a few minutes more.

Variations & Substitutions for Grilled Asparagus

I enjoy the simplicity of this dish which allows the spring fresh flavors of the asparagus to really shine. However, if you want to vary the flavor, here are some suggestions for you:

• A scattering of red pepper flakes to add just a touch of heat.
• Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme or mint to the parcel.
• Swap the lemon for slices of zesty lime.
• Drizzle over some balsamic vinegar just before serving.
• Add some thin slices of fresh parmesan cheese to up the protein.

Tips & Tricks For Making Asparagus Grilled in Foil

• Season your asparagus generously with salt and pepper, it will make all the difference to the finished dish.

• For best results spread the asparagus out in a single layer to given them space to roast, rather than steam.

• Did you know one of the easiest ways to trim the asparagus stalk is to bend and snap it exactly where the woody end starts (usually about an inch or so up the stem)?

How To Serve Grilled Asparagus

This delicious side dish can be served alongside any main course. I like to serve it as a side when I have the grill on cooking meat. This fresh tasting side works great with my Grilled Lemon & Garlic Chicken Thighs,  Asian Marinated Chicken Thighs, Honey Lime Chicken Thighs or my Rainbow Chicken Kabobs.

I also like to serve grilled asparagus in place of regular fries for a great tasting low carb side.

How To Reheat Grilled Asparagus?

Leftover asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator.

When ready to use you can heat it up gently again in foil over the grill or in a warm oven. Take care to only warm it through, as you don't want the asparagus to overcook and become soggy. Alternatively you can eat the leftover asparagus cold.

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What Do You Think?!

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This recipe was shared with the #cookblogshare community, which this week was hosted by Helen at FamilyFriendsFood.

More Easy Side Dish Recipe Ideas

Printable Recipe

Easy Asparagus Grilled in Foil

This recipe for easy Asparagus Grilled in Foil will give you perfectly seasoned tender stems of asparagus in just 15 minutes. It works beautifully on the grill or in the oven - and since the asparagus is wrapped in foil there's less clean up too!

5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 20 mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, British

Servings 4

Calories 88 kcal

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 1 bunch Asparagus
• 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper
• ½ Lemon - sliced, for serving

Instructions

 

• Preheat the gas grill to medium-high heat or if it has a temperature guage, 425ºF/210ºC. If oven cooking heat the oven to 425ºF/210ºC.
• Wash the asparagus well in cold water.
• Break or slice off the woody ends of the asparagus. The best way to do this is to hold the asparagus stalk between your thumb and finger it will bend and break off at the right place.
• Tear off a large piece of aluminium foil.
• Place the asparagus in the center of the foil, season well with sea salt and black pepper and drizzle with the olive oil.
• Wrap the asparagus up tightly in the foil, folding the edges like you would a gift.
• Place the asparagus foil pack on the grill (or on a baking sheet in the oven) for around 15 minutes, turning once midway through the cooking time.
• Near the end of the cooking time, grill the lemon slices on both sides until they're a little charred, a minute or two on each side. Alternatively roast them in the oven.
• Carefully open the foil to check that the asparagus is cooked to your preferred level. Rewrap and place back on the grill if needed.
• Once ready serve hot with the grilled lemon slices.

Nutrition

Calories: 88kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 246mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 853IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 3mg

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be taken as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and the Family Food Kitchen can't guarantee the accuracy of this information.

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