Roasting and Grilling Asparagus – 2 Tasty Ways to Enjoy Asparagus
Roasting and grilling asparagus are the two ways we enjoy this spring time veggie the most. The dry, high heat creates a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the interior tender and juicy. The heat also causes the sugars in asparagus to caramelize leaving a slightly sweet and nutty flavour you can’t get by steaming, microwaving or boiling.
Also Read: Select and Store Fresh Asparagus, Pickerel and Asparagus Sheet Pan Dinner, Creamy Chicken, Mushroom and Greens (use asparagus instead of spinach), Fresh Herb Butter
When is Asparagus Season?
Asparagus is one of those vegetables that truly is best eaten in season. It’s just not the same once it’s been frozen or preserved in some way. Sure frozen asparagus works in soups, stir fries, casseroles, frittatas and baked dishes – but as a star side dish, it’s just never quite as good as when you can get fresh, seasonal asparagus.
Asparagus season is early spring April-May in most of Canada – May to June in our colder prairie regions. You’ll start to see it in grocery stores in February from our southern neighbours.
It’s one of the first veggies to pop out of the ground in spring. The stalks come “shooting” out of the ground looking just like you see them in grocery stores. We once had such a prolific patch of asparagus that you could pick fresh spears in the morning and in the evening and practically see the spears grow – it’s truly miraculous!
Roasting and Grilling Asparagus
Roasting or grilling can be a great way to enhance the natural flavor and texture of asparagus. Boiling or steaming may result in a softer texture but may not provide the same depth of flavor. It ultimately depends on your personal preference and the dish you are preparing.
Whichever method you choose – start with fresh, in-season asparagus for the best flavor and texture. Asparagus that is too old or has been frozen will not roast or grill as well and may become mushy.
Oven Roasting Asparagus
- great if you’re short on time or looking for a quick and easy option
- it takes just a few minutes to prep and pop in the oven
- add different seasonings and toppings to switch up the flavor
Grilling Asparagus
- great if you have the grill on for other dishes
- adds a smoky flavor and char to your asparagus
- gives a crispy texture to the spears
Ultimately, whether you choose to oven roast or grill your asparagus will depend on your personal preference and the equipment you have on hand. Either way, you’re sure to end up with a delicious side dish or addition to your favorite recipe.
How to Oven Roast Asparagus
Oven Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 bundle fresh asparagus (1lb or 454 g)
- 1 Tbsp canola oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 2 Tbsp fresh grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast
- pinch hot pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F/204°C.
- Snap woody ends off each asparagus spear, wash and pat dry.
- Coat asparagus evenly with oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Lay out on baking sheet being sure to leave space around each spear so it will bake not steam.
- Bake for 8 to 12 minutes depending on size of asparagus spears, the thicker the longer they'll take.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with lemon zest, Parmesan cheese and hot pepper flakes or your favourite toppings. Serve right away.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
How to Grill Asparagus
Grilling Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 bundle fresh asparagus (1lb or 454 g)
- 1 Tbsp canola oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Snap woody ends off each asparagus spear, wash and pat dry.
- Coat asparagus evenly with oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place asparagus directly on grill, or on a grill pan (prevents asparagus from falling through grill) making sure to leave space between each spear.
- Grill for 3-5 minutes per side depending on how thick and how charred and tender you'd like them.
- Remove from oven and drizzle with lemon juice or your favourite toppings (see article). Seve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Toppings for Grilled or Oven Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus has a pretty distinct flavour and doesn’t really need a lot to make a fantastic side dish. But if you want more than a little oil and lemon juice, try these:
- butter and toasted almonds or hazelnuts
- Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative
- garlic butter
- crumbled feta or goat cheese
- crispy proscuitto or bacon bits
- buttery toasted seasoned bread crumbs
- red pepper flakes
- pesto sauce
- lemon garlic mayonnaise
- Balsamic vinegar
You can also add more substantial sauces like hollandaise or bearnaise sauce, but I would save those for steamed asparagus where there isn’t a crispy roasted or grilled outside to the asparagus.
How to Store Cooked Asparagus
For the tastiest asparagus, eat it all as soon as it comes out of the oven or off the grill. But if you must store it…
Cool it and store in airtight container in fridge for 3-4 days.
How to Use Leftover Cooked Asparagus
If you happen to have leftover cooked asparagus, here are some ideas for how to use it:
- reheat & eat! Reheat in a hot fry pan – using a microwave will make asparagus soft and limp
- cut into pieces and add cold to a salad or salad bowl
- add to a sandwich like you would cucumber slices – or maybe a fried egg & asparagus sandwich
- use in a frittata or omelette
- add to soups
- toss with pasta and sauce
- use in stir fries
What’s your family’s favourite topping for asparagus?
Getty Stewart is a Professional Home Economist, speaker, frequent media guest and writer dedicated to putting good food on tables and agendas. She is the author of several recipe books on enjoying and preserving fruit, Founder of Fruit Share, a mom and veggie gardener.
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