If asparagus doesn’t grow year-round near you, be sure to grab some in early summer and enjoy grilled asparagus in foil every day that you can!
Grilled asparagus wrapped in foil is a nutritious dish that is a favorite in households and at outdoor gatherings, and not to be confused with grilled asparagus that is cooked directly on the grill without foil. Besides being delicious, grilled asparagus wrapped in foil is a powerhouse low in calories and rich in vital vitamins like A, C, E, and K, along with folate, iron, and fiber. These nutrients play roles in maintaining health by boosting immunity, enhancing skin health, aiding digestion, and supporting bone strength. Asparagus also boasts antioxidant properties that combat free radicals in the body. Additionally, its natural diuretic properties help reduce bloating and promote a healthy digestive tract.
Grilling asparagus in foil simplifies the cooking process and helps retain its nutritional value. The foil packet acts as a steaming agent while grilling, sealing in moisture and flavor. You’ll find tender, crisp asparagus cooked to perfection when you unwrap the foil. The flavor strikes a balance of sweet and earthy notes with a touch of smokiness from the grill. The texture is where it shines—offering a bite that’s neither too soft nor too crunchy. It’s this texture that makes grilled asparagus in foil so enjoyable.
One of the reasons for its popularity is how easy and convenient it is to prepare grilled asparagus in foil. It involves little effort and cleanup—trim the asparagus, coat it lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper, maybe enhance it with garlic or lemon for extra taste, wrap it securely in foil, and place it on the grill. In 15 minutes, you’ll have a healthy side dish ready to serve. You can also toss your grilled asparagus onto salads, such as asparagus pasta salad, or add it to blue cheese asparagus rolls. Whether hosting a summer barbecue or preparing a weeknight meal for yourself, grilled asparagus in foil is an excellent choice.
Our Secret to Perfectly Cooked Asparagus
When making grilled asparagus in foil, the secret to getting it to cook perfectly is not leaving it on the grill for too long. Overdone asparagus becomes mushy, reminiscent of the canned asparagus you may have experienced at some point. Mushy asparagus is like a completely different food than grilled asparagus with a crisp bite. Undercooking it is bad as well. You will end up with tough asparagus that is hard to chew. Stick with 15 minutes, and don’t go overboard with cooking it.
How to Make Ahead and Store?
To keep any leftover grilled asparagus, make sure it cools down to room temperature first. Put the asparagus in a container with a lid or wrap it snugly with foil or plastic wrap. Keep the leftovers in the fridge, and it should stay fresh for around 3 to 4 days. For the best texture, avoid stacking things on top of the asparagus. When you’re ready to enjoy it, you can warm up the asparagus in the microwave, on the stove, or in the oven. Adding a bit of olive oil or butter before reheating can help bring back its taste and moisture.
My Asparagus Didn’t Cook Evenly
If your asparagus seems tough or hard on one side but tender on the other, it may be that you forgot to flip it while cooking. It’s an important step so that the asparagus cooks evenly. About halfway through the 15 minutes, flip the aluminum packet over so both sides receive equal amounts of burner time. This should ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Vegetables make the perfect side dish to numerous meals, so plan on sharing grilled asparagus in foil with many of your favorite dishes. Dishes like flank steak with garlic butter sauce or slow-roasted chicken breasts are nicely complemented by asparagus. Add baked potatoes with garlic herb sour cream, and you’ve got an impressive dinner for friends and family. You don’t have to eat meat to enjoy grilled asparagus in foil as a side dish. It also tastes great alongside baked feta pasta. Chop up your grilled asparagus and toss it on top of an arugula Caprese salad, Mediterranean salad with pomegranate dressing, or the delicious grilled peach and avocado salad.
Grilled Asparagus in Foil
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus ends trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 lemon for juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F.
- Lay out a large piece of aluminum foil, enough to wrap the asparagus completely.
- Place the trimmed asparagus in the center of the foil.
- Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Toss the asparagus gently to coat evenly with the oil and seasonings.
- Fold the foil over the asparagus, sealing the edges to create a packet.
- Place the foil packet on the grill and cook for about 15 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Carefully open the packet to check for doneness; the asparagus should be tender but still slightly crisp.
- If desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked asparagus for added flavor.
- Serve hot directly from the foil packet or transfer to a serving dish.
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