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Easy Zesty Grilled Asparagus Recipe with Lemon Garlic for Perfect Summer BBQ

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A quick and flavorful grilled asparagus recipe featuring fresh lemon and garlic, perfect for summer barbecues and light meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus spears (preferably medium thickness)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced finely or grated
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt (coarse salt works well)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: lemon zest from 1 lemon
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound (450 grams) of fresh asparagus under cold water. Pat dry with a towel. Snap or trim off the woody ends—usually about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) from the bottom.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, juice from 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons), 3 finely minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. If using, add lemon zest and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk until well blended.
  3. Add the trimmed asparagus spears to the bowl and toss until each spear is evenly coated with the lemon garlic mixture. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  4. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot—about 5 minutes.
  5. Place the asparagus spears perpendicular to the grill grates to prevent falling through. Grill for about 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs for even cooking, aiming for tender but slightly crisp spears with charred grill marks.
  6. Remove from grill and transfer to a serving plate. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus for extra zing. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

To prevent garlic from burning, coat asparagus first with oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle garlic just before flipping. Avoid overcrowding the grill to ensure even cooking. Medium-thick asparagus spears work best for grilling. If grilling is not possible, roasting in a 425°F oven for 10–12 minutes is a good alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled asparagus, lemon garlic asparagus, summer BBQ side, easy asparagus recipe, healthy side dish, quick asparagus

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/easy-zesty-grilled-asparagus-recipe-with-lemon-garlic-for-perfect-summer-bbq/