Tired of bland vegetable side dishes that put your dinner guests to sleep? Prepare to revolutionize your grilling game with this mouthwatering Grilled Asparagus with Balsamic Marinade that will make even veggie skeptics come back for seconds! This simple yet sophisticated recipe turns ordinary asparagus into a culinary masterpiece that's bursting with flavor, takes just 25 minutes to prepare, and will elevate your meal from mundane to magnificent.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus by washing thoroughly and trimming the tough woody ends. To do this, gently bend each spear near the bottom where it naturally snaps, discarding the hard end.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Place the trimmed asparagus in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the spears. Gently toss to coat each asparagus evenly, allowing them to marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove asparagus from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting.
- Arrange asparagus spears perpendicular to the grill grates to prevent falling through. Grill for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with reserved marinade.
- Cook until asparagus is tender-crisp with light char marks, typically 8-10 minutes total. The spears should be bright green with slight caramelization.
- Remove from grill and transfer to a serving platter. Optionally, drizzle with additional marinade or sprinkle with fresh cracked black pepper.
- Serve immediately while hot as a side dish or appetizer. Best enjoyed fresh off the grill.
Tips
- • Choose fresh, firm asparagus spears with tight, compact tips for the best texture and flavor • Always trim the woody ends before marinating to ensure tender, edible spears • Marinate at room temperature to help the asparagus absorb flavors more effectively • Preheat your grill and clean the grates to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful char marks • Arrange asparagus perpendicular to grill grates to prevent them from falling through • Watch carefully while grilling - asparagus cooks quickly and can go from perfectly crisp to burnt in minutes • For extra flavor, experiment with adding minced garlic or fresh herbs to your marinade • Serve immediately after grilling to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
