Grilled asparagus in foil is like a little gift you unwrap at dinner time—steamy, tender, and bursting with flavor. I used to think veggies needed a lot of fuss, but then I discovered this gem. It’s like magic how quickly it comes together, especially when the kids are hungry, and you’re juggling a million things.
Have you ever had one of those days? Well, this is your answer.
Steps
- Preheat your grill to medium-high or set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare four large squares of foil by coating them with cooking spray.
- Divide the trimmed asparagus stalks equally among the foil squares. Evenly distribute the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the asparagus.
- Add two teaspoons of butter to each foil packet, placing the pieces directly on top of the asparagus.
- Fold the foil over the asparagus, ensuring it’s sealed tightly on all sides to create a secure packet.
- Grill the asparagus packets for 15 minutes, turning them once halfway through the cooking time. Alternatively, you can bake the packets in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Carefully open the foil packets, stir the asparagus to coat with butter and seasonings. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve, adding lemon wedges if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus stalks, trimmed
- 8 teaspoons butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Cooking spray
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 1456mg | Potassium: 916mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 4420IU | Vitamin C: 25.6mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 10.4mg
FAQ
- How do you trim asparagus for cooking?
- To trim asparagus, bend a stalk gently until it snaps. The point where it breaks is where the tender part of the stalk begins. Use this as a guide to trim the rest of the stalks.
- Can asparagus be grilled directly on the grill?
- Yes, asparagus can be grilled directly. If you use the traditional grilling method, choose thicker stalks to prevent them from falling through the grill grates. The foil packet method allows you to use any size stalks without worry.
- What is the cooking time for grilled asparagus in foil?
- When grilling asparagus in foil packets, it typically takes about 15 minutes. For direct grilling without foil, it takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
- What seasonings complement asparagus well?
- Common seasonings for asparagus include butter, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Additional options are garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, or lemon pepper. Fresh herbs like basil, dill, chives, or cilantro also work well.
- How can you cook asparagus in the oven?
- To cook asparagus in the oven, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and bake the foil packets for 15 minutes. Once done, serve with optional lemon wedges for added flavor.
Tips
- Trim Asparagus Efficiently: To remove the tough, woody ends of asparagus, gently bend a stalk until it snaps, indicating where the tender part begins. Use this as a guide to trim the rest of the stalks at the same point.
- Enhance Flavor with Additional Ingredients: Consider adding a variety of spices or fresh herbs such as garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh basil to elevate the flavor of your asparagus. You can also incorporate ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
- Experiment with Additional Vegetables: For variety, include other quick-cooking vegetables in your foil packets, such as sliced zucchini, diced bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. These additions can complement the asparagus and create a more colorful dish.
- Add a Cheese Topping: After cooking, sprinkle your asparagus with parmesan, feta, or mozzarella cheese for a delightful finishing touch. This addition can provide a creamy texture and rich flavor that pairs well with the seasoned asparagus.
Equipment
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil – While foil is common in many households, you may want to ensure you have the heavy-duty variety for grilling.
- Cooking spray – If you don’t already have it, cooking spray is useful for preventing sticking.
- Grill – If you don’t have a grill at home but want to enjoy grilling outside, you might consider purchasing one. (However, this is a significant purchase and not necessarily a standard kitchen item like the others listed.)
- Meat thermometer – Useful if you want to ensure precise cooking temperatures on the grill, although it’s not essential for this recipe.
