Last summer, my friend Sarah invited me over for a barbecue, and she served the most amazing grilled asparagus I'd ever tasted. It was perfectly charred, tender, and bursting with flavor. I couldn't stop raving about it. When I asked her for the recipe, she laughed and said it was surprisingly simple. It was all about the lemon-garlic BBQ glaze! I've been making it ever since, and it's always a hit. Seriously, even people who think they hate asparagus end up loving this recipe. It's that good. It’s not just a side dish; it's a flavor revelation.
Grilled asparagus with lemon-garlic BBQ glaze is an easy and delicious side dish that brings out the best in fresh asparagus. The combination of smoky grill marks and tangy glaze is simply irresistible. The sweetness of the BBQ sauce, the zestiness of the lemon, and the pungent garlic create a symphony of flavors that complement the subtle earthiness of the asparagus. This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of greens!
I remember once, I slightly burned my asparagus the first time I tried grilling it! I was devasted. But instead of throwing it out, I peeled off the burnt bits and drizzled extra glaze on it. It was still edible! It taught me two important things: 1) Don't walk away from the grill, and 2) A good glaze can save almost anything. What does this mean for you? It means that even if you mess up a little, you can still end up with a delicious dish. This recipe isn't about perfection; it's about enjoying the process and creating something tasty with simple ingredients.
Required Equipments
- Grill
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Basting Brush
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Garlic BBQ Glaze: Frequently Asked Questions
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Garlic BBQ Glaze
Elevate your side dish game with grilled asparagus featuring a zesty lemon-garlic BBQ glaze. This easy recipe brings out the natural flavors of asparagus, creating a delightful and healthy addition to any meal.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Get Your Grill Ready: Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350-400°F (175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean to prevent sticking.
- Prep the Asparagus: Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold water. Snap off the tough ends of the spears. They'll naturally break where they become tender. This part is crucial; nobody likes chewy asparagus!
- Make the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The smell alone is gonna make you impatient!
- Coat the Asparagus: Place the asparagus in a large bowl and pour the lemon-garlic BBQ glaze over it. Toss to ensure each spear is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes – just enough time for the flavors to meld.
- Grill the Asparagus: Carefully place the asparagus spears on the preheated grill grates. Grill for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and slightly charred. Keep a close eye – they can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
- Baste (Optional): During the last minute of grilling, you can baste the asparagus with a bit more of the glaze for an extra layer of flavor. This step is optional, but I *highly* recommend it.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the grilled asparagus from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a lemon wedge, if desired. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
📝 Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work, but the smoky flavor will be less pronounced.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 85 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 30 mg
