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Grilled Asparagus

May 23, 2024

This simple grilled asparagus recipe gets a little snazzy thanks to Parmesan, pine nuts and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.

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Grilled Asparagus with balsamic reduction sprinkled with parmesan cheese and pine nuts on a serving platter
Photography by Gayle McLeod

The Perfect Grilled Asparagus Recipe

Asparagus season syncs up beautifully with the start of the grilling season. Our grilled asparagus recipe is so easy, and the grilled asparagus makes such a delicious side dish all on its own. But, we like to dress it up with a drizzle of balsamic reduction, the buttery crunch of toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. Serve grilled asparagus with literally anything you want, but it’s a pretty perfect partner for a Grilled Rib Eye, Spatchcocked Grilled Chicken, or a big filet of Blackened Salmon.

asparagus, salt, pepper, olive oil, balsamic, honey, pine nuts and parmesan in prep bowls

Grilled Asparagus Ingredients

  • Asparagus

  • Olive oil

  • Salt

  • Parmesan cheese

  • Pine nuts

  • Balsamic vinegar glaze (you can make this, or use store-bought balsamic glaze)

Balsamic reduction in a pot with a spoon. Made with balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt and cornstarch
grilled asparagus seasoned with olive oil, salt & pepper resting on a baking sheet

How To Make Grilled Asparagus

  1. Trim the asparagus. Like all vegetables, you should rinse your asparagus. Then, you need to trim it. You may have heard that you can just snap the ends off by hand, but it’s actually best to just use your knife to slice the woody, light-colored bottom ends off. We usually trim about half an inch off the bottom, depending on how the asparagus looks.

  2. Heat a grill (gas or charcoal both work) or grill pan on high heat.

  3. In a shallow bowl or on a baking sheet, toss the asparagus with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.

  4. Use tongs to place the asparagus directly on the grill and cook, until it’s tender, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on it — three minutes really is usually enough.

  5. About that balsamic reduction: Up to two weeks ahead of time, gently simmer the sugar and vinegar together for about 15 minutes. Store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

  6. To serve the asparagus: Drizzle the grilled asparagus spears with the balsamic reduction, sprinkle with pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.

Grilled Asparagus with balsamic reduction sprinkled with parmesan cheese and pine nuts on a serving platter

How To Store + Tips

  • Don’t walk away from the grill. Asparagus cooks fast, so just stay with it.

  • Do step away from the foil. There are several recipes out there that suggest wrapping your asparagus in foil before placing it on the grill, but beware! This method traps in the steam released by the water in the asparagus and will render your asparagus all soggy.

  • Leftover grilled asparagus will last in the refrigerator for a few days, and makes a lovely addition to our Pasta Al Limone With Asparagus.

  • Leftover balsamic glaze is perfect for dressing up your dessert! Think a lot of strawberry ice cream, topped with freshly picked strawberries and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar glaze.

  • Leftover balsamic glaze can also be drizzled on savory foods, like our Chicken Caprese or our favorite Caprese Salad.

Grilled Asparagus with balsamic reduction sprinkled with parmesan cheese and pine nuts on a serving platter

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Grilled Asparagus

  • Serves:  4
  • Prep Time:  10 min
  • Cook Time:  20 min
  • Calories:  246

Ingredients

Balsamic Reduction

  • ¾ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or honey, optional

Grilled Asparagus

  • 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ⅓ cup balsamic reduction
  • ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese

Method

  1. Make the balsamic reduction. In a small saucepan, over medium heat, combine the balsamic and sugar, if using. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool (it will continue to thicken). Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

    Balsamic reduction in a pot with a spoon. Made with balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt and cornstarch
  2. Meanwhile, heat a grill or grill pan on high heat. Toss the asparagus with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the asparagus on the grill and cook, until tender, 3 to 4 minutes per side.

    asparagus, salt, pepper, olive oil, balsamic, honey, pine nuts and parmesan in prep bowls
  3. Transfer the asparagus to a serving platter. Drizzle with the balsamic reduction and more olive oil. Sprinkle with pine nuts and parmesan. Serve warm.

    Grilled Asparagus with balsamic reduction sprinkled with parmesan cheese and pine nuts on a serving platter

Nutrition Info

  • Per Serving
  • Amount
  • Calories 246
  • Protein 5 g
  • Carbohydrates 31 g
  • Total Fat 12 g
  • Dietary Fiber 1 g
  • Cholesterol 5 mg
  • sodium 1267 mg
  • Total Sugars 25 g

Grilled Asparagus

Questions & Reviews

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  • Lynn

    Holy cannoli! This looks incredible. I've never actually made asparagus on the grill; however, I've had it prepared that way in restaurants. These tips are just what I need to become a wee bit more adventurous with my asparagus. Also loving that balsamic reduction & the toppings you used to dress it up. Put it on a bed of greens (maybe with some grilled chicken) and you have a full meal right there. So good!

    You will love making it on the grill. So easy and fun! AND that meal sound delightful!

  • jernejkitchen

    Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Asparagus aren't in season over here in Europe, but I am definitely going to make this recipe as soon as they are back in season. Thanks for sharing :)

    You are so welcome! I am excited for you to try! Let us know when you do!

  • Jenn

    This asparagus was such a great side for grilled steak. Next time I'll make double because it was gone so quick.

    Thanks! We are so happy you love it!

  • Never

    I absolutely love this! I am always looking for a good veggie to go with my meals, and this one is so easy yet so delicious! I make it at least twice a week now.

    Yay! love hearing this!