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If you are craving a simple yet sensational vegetable side that bursts with freshness and rich flavor, this Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter Recipe will instantly become one of your favorites. The tender char from the grill perfectly complements the bright tang of fresh lemon juice blended with luscious melted butter. Each bite carries a vibrant green snap, comfort from the buttery coating, and a fresh citrus kick that elevates humble asparagus into a star-worthy dish. Whether for a casual weeknight meal or a fancy dinner, this recipe is effortless, healthy, and packed with personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple ingredients is all it takes to create this flavor-packed side dish. Each component plays an important role, combining to balance buttery richness with zesty brightness and the fresh earthiness of good asparagus.
- Fresh asparagus: Choose firm stalks with tightly closed tips for the best texture and flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Melting this infuses the asparagus with creamy richness without overpowering the lemon.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Provides a bright, tangy acidity that lifts and highlights every mouthful.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural sweetness of the asparagus.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity at the finish.
- Canola oil (for grill): Keeps the asparagus from sticking and promotes even grilling with beautiful char marks.
How to Make Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Butter Marinade
Start by gently melting unsalted butter until it’s just liquid and combine it with freshly squeezed lemon juice. This luscious mixture is the heart of the dish, infusing every stalk of asparagus with tangy, buttery goodness.
Step 2: Marinate the Asparagus
Place the cleaned and trimmed asparagus into a large resealable bag, then pour the lemon butter marinade inside. Seal it tightly and massage the bag to coat each stalk evenly. Let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and prepares the asparagus for that perfect grill char.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While waiting, heat your grill to a medium-high temperature around 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly brush the grill grates with canola oil to prevent sticking. A hot grill ensures quick cooking, sealing in juiciness and creating those irresistible grill marks.
Step 4: Grill the Asparagus
Arrange the asparagus directly over the grill grates in a single layer. Grill for 7 to 10 minutes total, turning once midway through to cook evenly on all sides. You’re aiming for tender spears with a slight crispness and a touch of smoky char.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Remove the asparagus from the grill and immediately sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This final seasoning balances the flavors and highlights the natural sweetness that the grilling process brings out.
How to Serve Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter Recipe
Garnishes
To add a finishing touch, try sprinkling the grilled asparagus with toasted almond slices or crumbled feta cheese for extra texture and flavor contrast. A few fresh lemon zest shavings can also brighten the presentation and elevate the citrus aroma.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted potatoes, or a simple quinoa salad. Its fresh, buttery profile is versatile enough to complement anything from a light seafood dinner to a hearty steak.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider bundling asparagus stalks with a sprig of thyme tied with kitchen twine for a rustic look, or serve them fanned out on a large platter drizzled with a bit more lemon butter. Elegant yet effortless plating invites guests to dig in happily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled asparagus keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, making it ideal for quick lunches or adding to salads.
Freezing
Freezing grilled asparagus is not recommended as it tends to become mushy upon thawing, losing its delightful grilled texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the asparagus gently in a skillet over medium heat or briefly in a preheated oven to preserve texture and flavor. Avoid the microwave, which can make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular lemon juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key to achieving the bright, fresh flavor this recipe is known for. Bottled lemon juice often lacks that vibrant acidity and can taste processed, so for best results stick with fresh lemons.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I use an oven?
Absolutely! You can broil the asparagus in your oven on a foil-lined tray for about 8-10 minutes, turning once to get a similar charred effect.
How do I know when asparagus is perfectly grilled?
The asparagus should be tender yet still have a slight snap when you bite into it. It will have faint grill marks and a lightly smoky aroma without being burnt.
Can I add garlic or other herbs to the marinade?
For sure! Minced garlic or herbs like thyme and rosemary can add another layer of flavor. Just be careful not to overpower the lemon butter simplicity of this classic recipe.
Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?
Not as written because of the butter, but you can easily substitute with a plant-based margarine or olive oil for a vegan-friendly version that still tastes fantastic.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter Recipe, you’ll understand why it becomes a go-to for effortless elegance and fresh flavor. It’s quick, simple, and endlessly adaptable — the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So fire up that grill, grab some fresh asparagus, and treat yourself to this vibrant, buttery delight. Your taste buds will thank you.
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Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (includes 30 minutes marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy Grilled Asparagus recipe delivers tender, smoky asparagus spears infused with the bright flavors of lemon and butter. Perfect as a healthy, vibrant side dish for any grilled meal, the asparagus is marinated in a zesty lemon butter mixture, then grilled to perfection, making it a delightful addition to spring and summer menus.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh asparagus (washed, ends trimmed)
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, ¼ stick)
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
Seasoning
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Canola oil (for brushing grill)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the melted unsalted butter and freshly squeezed lemon juice to create a flavorful coating for the asparagus.
- Marinate the asparagus: Pour the lemon butter mixture into a large ziplock bag and add the trimmed asparagus spears. Seal the bag and gently toss to ensure all asparagus is evenly coated. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
- Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high temperature, approximately 400-450°F. Once heated, brush the grill grates lightly with canola oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the asparagus: Place the marinated asparagus directly onto the grill. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the asparagus is tender and has grill marks.
- Season and serve: Remove the asparagus from the grill and sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately as a bright, flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Trim the woody ends of asparagus before marinating to ensure tenderness.
- Marinating for longer than 30 minutes can intensify flavors but be cautious as the lemon juice can start to ‘cook’ the asparagus.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the asparagus under a broiler or on a grill pan stovetop.
- For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil.
- Use fresh lemons for best flavor and brightness.
