Did you know that you can GRILL asparagus? You can and it’s easy peasy. Besides being incredibly easy, it’s a great way to add a side dish to your meal while you’ve already got the grill fired up. 
This is the perfect time of year for asparagus and it’s the perfect time for grilling. I decided I wanted to try and caramelize asparagus on the grill, and guess what? It’s amazing!
I did hear a lot of “Really, you want to put sugar on the asparagus” (insert eye rolling here). Why yes, yes I do, and it’s delicious. Just wait until you try them. These grilled asparagus spears are totally unexpected and wildly delicious. Plus they couldn’t be easier to make. Winning all around.
INGREDIENTS TO ADD TO YOUR SHOPING LIST
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this side dish at home.
- FRESH asparagus spears
- extra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- granulated sugar
TIP: to easily TRIM ASPARAGUS, on your cutting board, line up all of the spears in a row and slice off the ends all at once. CUT where the stalks turn from white into green
EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS SIDE DISH:
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- large bowl
- grill pan – I recommend using a GRILL PAN vs. putting the asparagus directly onto the grill, you wouldn’t want them slipping through to a fiery death!
- tongs
TIP: If you happen to have any grilled asparagus left over, lucky you, they would be great chopped up and mixed into a risotto!
MORE DELICIOUS ASPARAGUS RECIPES TO TRY
If you’re feeling inspired by this grilled asparagus recipe, chances are you’ll love these other ASPARAGUS recipes:
- AIR FRIED STEAK & ASPARAGUS BUNDLES
- GRILLED ASPARAGUS WITH TOASTED PECANS & SHAVED PARM
- HAM, MUSHROOM & ASPARAGUS FRITTATA
- SAUTEED ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON
Grilled Asparagus
Caramelized grilled asparagus is a wonderful summer side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 extra large bundle of asparagus - trimmed
- 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt/pepper
- 3 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Heat grill to medium-hot heat.
- In a bowl coat trimmed asparagus with olive oil. Season with salt/pepper. Toss until well coated.
- Place asparagus onto grill tray/basket/pan. Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes or until tender. Turning every so often.
- Sprinkle sugar onto asparagus about half way through cooking.
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Mara @ What's For Dinner? says
Lovely!! Grilled asparagus is one of my favorite dishes!
Paula says
Thanks Mara! It’s so quick & easy. I’m sure I’ll be making this over & over this summer!
Hilary Cable says
This asparagus looks so good! Can you believe that I didn’t like aparagus until someone grilled it for me with olive oil, crushed garlic and a dusting of sea salt. Grilling takes out that weird flavor asparagus gets when it’s boiled (that’s how my mom still prepares it). I’ve got some in the fridge – I’ll try this tomorrow! Thanks for messaging me on Food Buzz – love your site. I’ll add you to the blog list at Examiner. xoxoxox
Paula says
Thanks Hilary! So glad to have met you through Foodbuzz! I hope you love the asparagus as much as I do! Let me know how it turns out for you!
Jen Schall @ My Kitchen Addiction says
This sounds fantastic – I love asparagus! I will have to give this a try.
Paula says
Thanks Jen! I love fresh asparagus & can’t wait to try some of this in a risotto dish too!
Cookin' Canuck says
I love to grill asparagus, but have never put sugar on it. I’m going to try this next time. Great idea!
http://www.cookincanuck.com
nutrition to kitchen says
Love grilled asparagus, and I can just imagine how the addition of sugar caramelizes it all!
Paula says
Thanks so much for visiting! I’m going to try grilling carrots the same way!
Sherrie says
This sounds wonderful and I can’t wait to try it !!! I love grilled asparagus. I love the look of your website also.
Paula says
Thanks so much Sherrie! I love asparagus & am always jazzed to try new ways to cook it!
christina says
i love your photo! i can taste this dish in my imagination. mmmmm…i have to give it a try one day.
Paula says
Thanks Christina! I hope you will give it a try! I can’t wait to fire up the grill & make it again!
Mindy says
Hmmm…I’ve never thought to put sugar on asparagus, but I bet it’s delicious! I won’t have access to a grill until later in the summer, but I may try this in the oven and see how it turns out!
Paula says
Hi Mindy! It really was delish. Let me know how it turns out in the oven!
Heather says
Wow! Your photos are lovely! I love to grill asparagus and never thought of adding sugar to them! Will give it a try!
Paula says
Thanks Heather! I think you’re going to pleasantly surprised! They’re quite yummy!
Matt (NoMeatAthlete) says
Yum! This is exactly how I usually grill asparagus, but without the sugar. I can’t wait to try this. If it’s anything like kettle corn (sweet and salty), it can’t be bad!
Paula says
Thanks Matt! That is exactly what I was going for! Hope you <3 it as well!
Anjali "Picky Eater" says
This is a great idea! I’m definitely going to try this the next time I grill asparagus. Thanks for the tip!
Paula says
Thanks Anjali! Adding the sugar adds a nice unexpected delicious twist!
Kelly says
This sound great!!! I love asparagus and will be making this one tonight!
Dani Vaughn-Tucker says
Paula, I made the asparagus for dinner tonight with salmon and, omg, sooooo delish! This will definitely be going into the veggie rotation.
Paula says
Ciao bella! So glad you guys liked it & I’m honored it’s going into your rotation! Great idea to pair with Salmon! Mwah!
Calamity Anne says
I made these the other night and they were absolutely divine! I especially love the subtle hint of sweetness that the sugar gives the dish!