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    You are here: Home / Side Dishes / How to Cook Grilled Asparagus in Foil

    How to Cook Grilled Asparagus in Foil

    Published: July 4, 2020. Last Updated: July 30, 2020 by: Ginny McMeans

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    Jump to Recipe -

    How to Cook Grilled Asparagus along with roasting, steaming and more is covered in this post but the main focus is Grilled Asparagus in Foil. Packets filled with long buttery spears.

    Close up photo of two open foil packets filled with grilled asparagus and grilled lemon slices.

    Every springtime and on into summer comes one more gift, apart from blooming flowers - asparagus. It remains one of the most unique, tasty, and nutritious veggies.

    It comes in two sizes - thick and thin. You could be wondering: “How different are they, and should I buy the thick or the thin ones?”

    Well, many people think they are the same. But there are a few things that differentiate between thick and thin.

    Jump to:
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Thick and thin asparagus
    • 💭 How does color affect its flavor
    • ⏲️ Ways to cook asparagus
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💭 How to store
    • 📋 Recipe

    👩🏻‍🍳 Thick and thin asparagus

    • Fiber - Thin stalks have fibers that firmly hold onto each other, and are still firm even when cooked. On the other hand, thick stems are higher in fiber, although not as firm.
    • Cooking time - Thin stalks cook faster. That’s why restaurant chefs prefer them. Thick stems may take a little more time to soften, and hence grilling or roasting them is always more effective.
    • But both types should be ready in under 5 minutes. This makes it a perfect ingredient for salads.
    • In fact, this Pearl Couscous Salad With Asparagus is a great option.
    Overhead view of asparagus bundles in thier own foil packet with grilled lemon slices laying here and there.

    💭 How does color affect its flavor

    One incredible thing about most veggies is that they let you enjoy the taste, nutrition, and color.

    Asparagus comes in green, white, and purple. Which one should you choose? Is there any difference between them in terms of nutritional value?

    Well, it is still nutritious regardless of what color it has. However, there is a slight difference when it comes to flavor.

    Green stalks have a somewhat grassy flavor, while the white ones are mild and a little bitter. Since it has 20 percent sugar, purple asparagus has a nuttier and slightly sweeter taste.

    It contains Vitamins A and C as well as folic acid and fiber. The green one has additional potassium, calcium, and beta-carotene.

    Closeup view of bundles of asparagus in open foil packets with grilled lemon slices laying alongside.

    ⏲️ Ways to cook asparagus

    Like any other veggies, always check the timing when cooking asparagus. Note that overcooking it may destroy all the vitamins and other nutrients and render it useless.

    You can grill, sauté, roast, steam, blanch, bake, or shave it in a salad. Besides grilling, one of my favorites is air fried.

    Wide photo with three grilled asparagus in foil packets laying open with grilled lemon slices and a colorful mat on the side.
    • Grilling is fast and fun. I go into depth on how to cook grilled asparagus below under the heading Instructions. It's so simple.
    • Sautéing uses dairy-free butter or oil and you can cook it with just about any seasoning of your choice.
    • Roasting is also super simple and you just slide the baking sheet into the oven after tossing.
    • Steaming calls for a tall asparagus steamer to keep the stalks nice and long.
    • Blanching is done quickly by dipping asparagus into boiling water and then removing it quite quickly. This is also perfect for freezing.
    • Baking takes the longest time. At 350°F, it takes 25 to 30 minutes.
    • The fresh served veggie is wonderful with very young tips are cut off and used in a salad along with shaved stems.

    Sometimes, it won't hurt to eat all three colors on one plate, especially if you're a colorful person. Nevertheless, make sure you cook them separately in case the stalk thicknesses are different.

    Most asparagus stalks turn green when cooked. You can always maintain the color and nutrients by cooking it briefly.

    🥘 Ingredients

    Fresh asparagus is laying side by side on a cutting board along with ingredients necessary for grilling.

    As you can see in the photo above there are only a few ingredients and they enhance this aspargus bundles to no end.

    • Lemon is also fantastic when it's grilled and then you get to squeeze some of the flavors over the veggie before eating.
    • Extra virgin olive oil helps the salt and pepper stick and aids in cooking.
    • Salt and pepper adds a lot of flavors with just a little bit of seasoning.
    • Foil for wrapping up those pretty bundles.

    🔪 Instructions

    How to cook grilled asparagus in foil and without foil.

    • First, prepare the stalks. It only takes minutes. Lay it down across a cutting board and cut off the very tough ends of the stalks.
    A large bunch of asparagus spears and laying on a wooden cutting board with about an inch or two cut off the large stalks.
    • If you are going to grill straight on the grill lay the asparagus on a baking sheet. This is to catch the runoff when tossing.
    • Sprinkle with the oil and salt and pepper.
    • Toss to get it all completely coated. You can do this with a spatula or your hands.
    • Then grill by laying diagonally on the grill. Rolling often, 5-8 minutes.
    Freah prepared asparagus are laying side by side on a baking sheet to catch all of the runoff of the oil and salt and pepper when tossing.
    • To use foil
    • Add asparagus to foil sheets that are large enough to fold over the asparagus and crimp all of the edges. You'll be making packages.
    • Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper 
    • Grill the packets directly on the grill 5-8 minutes, depending on size, turning frequently.
    • Serve immediately with grilled or fresh lemons slices.
    • The photo below shows the packets open with lemon and pats of dairy-free butter. The butter is optional.
    Sideways view showing open foil packets with grilled asparagus with grilled lemon and pats of dairy-free butter on top.

    💭 How to store

    Asparagus is highly perishable, and it will continue to grow even after harvesting, provided the conditions are favorable. To prevent your precious vegetables from going bad, cut an inch off the tips.

    Tie them in a bundle and vertically place them in a tin with some water. Make sure all the stalks are slightly immersed in water and loosely cover them with a plastic bag.

    Place them in a refrigerator and store for up to 5 days. Note that storing them for a long time may be unhealthy.

    Even though asparagus come in different sizes and colors, nothing beats the fact that it is a nutritious veggie.

    Three packets of veggies after bring grilled and opened.

    If you take a photo of your grilled asparagus in foil I would love to see it. Follow me over on Instagram and tag me on your photo @vegan_in_the_freezer.

    📋 Recipe

    Close up photo of two open foil packets filled with grilled asparagus and grilled lemon slices.

    Grilled Asparagus

    Ginny McMeans
    How to Cook Grilled Asparagus along with roasting, steaming and more is covered in this post but the main focus is Grilled Asparagus in Foil.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Save Saved
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 8 mins
    Total Time 13 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American, Vegan
    Servings 4 Servings
    Calories 138 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 pounds asparagus - bundle
    • 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • ¼ teaspoon Ground black pepper
    • Lemons - optional

    Instructions
     

    • Add asparagus to foil sheets that are large enough to fold over the asparagus and crimp all of the edges. You'll be making packages.
    • Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper 
    • Grill asparagus directly 5-8 minutes, depending on size, turning frequently.
    • Serve immediately with grilled or fresh lemons slices.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ServingCalories: 138kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 586mgPotassium: 458mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1715IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 5mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Blue graphic snowflake as Vegan in the Freezers logo.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Siena

      July 04, 2020 at 2:56 pm

      5 stars
      This is great! I am always wondering how to cook asparagus. It all looks so simple and I'm so happy to have the grilling instructions at my fingertips. Going shopping.

    2. terre

      July 06, 2020 at 11:55 am

      5 stars
      Ginny, I just love your website

      - So informative. (I'm on the hunt for purple asparagus now!)
      - Wide range of recipes. (From no-bake rice crispy puffs to grilled asparagus, in my email box this morning!)
      - Beautiful photography (salivation-worthy!)
      - Great nutrition information (beyond the stats).

      Thank you very, very much.

    3. Ginny McMeans

      July 06, 2020 at 12:44 pm

      You are so welcome Terre and I can't thank you enough for all your kind words! You've made my week!

    4. Sonia Vega

      May 11, 2022 at 10:39 am

      5 stars
      Love your vegan recipes!!! thank you for the great ideas, including this one...I will try it. It is hard sometimes with my schedule; work full time, cancer patient mom and a diabetic husband. I am allergic to dairy products & mushrooms. I work round everything, my palate, their palate, so everyone is happy. I love your emails, keep them coming! Have a great day.

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    For years I dabbled in cooking vegan food, but since I became a mom it has become more important for me than ever. What I’m after is a great collection of healthy and not time-consuming vegan recipes that make the whole family look forward to meals together.

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