Easy Grilled Asparagus made on the grill or on the stove is ready in under 10 minutes and is the perfect side dish for your next barbecue. Made with simple ingredients like olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, grilled asparagus is quick to prepare and pairs with a wide variety of side dishes.

Calling all asparagus lovers! Asparagus season is here. Let the record show – if I could eat only one vegetable for the rest of my life, it’d be asparagus (with broccoli coming in as a close second favorite)! When asparagus first appears at the grocery store, usually in early March, it’s a sure sign that spring is almost here. And that inevitably means asparagus will be making an appearance at my dinner table more often than not. While I love to try new ways to prepare it, I also enjoy my tried and true methods like grilling it.

Grilled asparagus on the grill or on the stove is so quick and easy to make. Let’s cook it together!

This easy asparagus recipe comes together with simple ingredients, yet results in a super flavorful and healthy side dish! Salt, pepper, and lemon complement the delicious natural flavor of the green vegetable and will make this one of your most requested side dishes.

How to Grill Asparagus

Here is a brief overview of how to grill asparagus. For the full recipe including all measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

1. Prepare the asparagus. Rinse the asparagus, pat it dry, then trim the ends. Gently bend an asparagus spear until it naturally breaks. Discard the end, then trim all of the asparagus to the same length.
2. Season the asparagus. Toss asparagus with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
3. Cook the asparagus. Grill for 7-10 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender when poked with a fork, making sure to rotate the asparagus as it cooks. Enjoy!

How to Grill Asparagus on the stove

To grill asparagus on the stove, you will follow the same instructions as using a grill with one change.

1. Prepare the asparagus. Rinse the asparagus, pat it dry, then trim the ends. Gently bend an asparagus spear until it naturally breaks. Discard the end, then trim all of the asparagus to the same length.
2. Season the asparagus. Toss asparagus with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
3. Cook the asparagus. Pre-heat a grill pan on the stove over medium heat. Place the asparagus spears on the grill pan for 7-10 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender when poked with a fork, making sure to rotate the asparagus as it cooks. Enjoy!

Choosing Asparagus

When choosing asparagus, look for spears that are firm, straight, and vibrant green in color. Avoid any spears that appear wilted, slimy, or have yellowing or browning tips. Check the tips of the asparagus spears for tight, compact buds. Avoid spears with open or flowering tips, as this indicates that the asparagus is past its prime and may be tough or woody. The bottom ends of the asparagus should feel crisp and snap easily when bent. Avoid spears that are limp or rubbery, as they may be overripe or past their peak freshness.

The Perfect Flavor

We keep the seasoning simple: salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon. The use of both lemon juice and lemon zest takes the flavor further than lemon juice does alone, which I why the recipe calls for both. You could also add a sprinkle of garlic or top the cooked asparagus with some grated parmesan cheese.

Roasting in the Oven

Wondering how to make asparagus in the oven? This is the perfect solution if you don’t have a grill pan or the weather isn’t cooperating to be grilling outside.

Other Easy Vegetable Side Dishes

• Roasted Garlic Parmesan Broccoli
• Grilled Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Garlic Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

If you make this grilled asparagus recipe or any of my other recipes, let me know what you think by leaving a comment below!