Description
Delicious grilled asparagus spears tossed in olive oil, garlic, and topped with grated Parmesan cheese for a smoky, tender side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh asparagus
Seasonings and Toppings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Asparagus: Rinse the fresh asparagus and trim the woody bottoms by snapping or cutting off about 1-2 inches from the base.
- Season Asparagus: Lay the asparagus in a large pan. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over them, then drizzle with olive oil. Toss gently to coat all spears thoroughly.
- Grill Asparagus: Place the asparagus spears on a grill or grill pan in a single row. Grill over medium-high heat for 10 minutes until char marks appear and the asparagus is fork tender, turning as needed to cook evenly.
- Toss with Garlic and Parmesan: Remove asparagus from the grill and place them back in the pan. While still hot, toss with the minced garlic and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top until well coated.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy immediately as a flavorful side dish. Optionally, asparagus can be grilled wrapped in foil if preferred for easier cleanup.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm asparagus for the best grilling results with nice natural sweetness.
- Grilling in foil helps retain moisture and makes clean-up easier but reduces some char flavor.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on preference for more or less pungency.
- Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish but can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, poultry, or as part of a vegetarian meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound asparagus with toppings
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 58 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg