Indulge in the smoky goodness of our delectable smoked asparagus recipe. A delightful side dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Course
Side Dish
Prep Time15minutes
Cook Time20minutes
Servings4
Ingredients
1bunch of fresh asparagus spearsabout 1 pound
2tablespoonsof olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
2clovesof garlicminced
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinchof crushed red pepper flakesoptional, for some heat
Grated Parmesan cheeseoptional, for serving
Balsamic glazeoptional, for serving
Instructions
Prep and Seasoning
Preheat your pellet grill to around 225°F (107°C). This is the magic temperature for that smoky goodness.
While the grill is heating up, grab your bunch of asparagus and give 'em a good rinse under cool water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
Time for a stylish asparagus haircut – trim off about an inch from the woody ends. They're getting a makeover!
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Give it a mix like you're creating a flavor orchestra!
Lay out the trimmed asparagus spears on a baking sheet and drizzle the garlicky lemon mixture over them. Roll those spears around to make sure they're coated in all that goodness.
On the Grill
Now that the grill is preheated, place a piece of aluminum foil on the grates where you'll be laying the asparagus. This helps prevent those precious spears from falling through the gaps.
Arrange the coated asparagus spears on the foil-covered grates. Sprinkle with a bit of salt, pepper, and, if you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for that sassy kick.
Let's Get Smokin'
Close the lid of the grill and let those asparagus spears soak in that smoky goodness for about 15-20 minutes. You want them to become tender but still have a bit of crunch.
About halfway through the cooking time, grab those grill tongs and give the spears a gentle shake and shimmy. We're all about even smokage here!
Finishing Touches
Once your asparagus spears are perfectly smoky and tender, carefully remove them from the grill using your trusty tongs.
Optional but oh-so-delicious step: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the smoky spears while they're still warm. It's like a cozy cheese blanket!
Drizzle a touch of balsamic glaze over the top for an elegant finish. It's like a VIP treatment for your taste buds.