Want to throw some asparagus on the grill without worrying about it falling through the grates? Learn how to make it in a foil packet that will be divinely delicious.
There is More Than 1 Way to Grill Asparagus
This year, for the very first time, I decided to throw some spears of asparagus on the grill. I know—what took me so long? The results were, of course, delicious, and I wrote a blog post about it: How to Simply Grill Asparagus.
The response to that post was so positive that I knew I had to keep experimenting with new ways to grill asparagus. One reason some people might hesitate to grill asparagus is that it can be tricky to keep the spears from falling through the grates and into the fire—especially if the asparagus is on the thinner side.
So I decided to try grilling the asparagus inside a foil packet to see how it would turn out. And honestly, the results were better than I expected. I did it on a night we were grilling pizzas and it made for the perfect side dish.
The asparagus is steamed instead of charred. It makes for spears that just melt in your mouth. It's a different eating experience that I enjoyed.
Let me show you how I did it!
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What You Will Need
Here is what you will need to make this recipe:
- Asparagus – The best asparagus to use is always in-season asparagus. The closer it’s grown to your home, the better the flavor will be. Fresh asparagus is sweeter than asparagus that has had to travel a long way. I also prefer using the fatter stalks—they’re still tender and, in my opinion, more flavorful.
- Salt – We’re keeping things simple with this recipe, so using your favorite salt is a great idea.
- Pepper – Freshly cracked only, please!
- Butter – When the asparagus is done cooking, I slip in some butter and let it melt all over the spears. I actually made a compound butter using butter and garlic scapes. Since scapes are in season at the same time as asparagus, it was the perfect addition.
- Heavy-Duty Aluminum Foil – Unless you want to risk your foil tearing, I recommend using heavy-duty foil for this recipe. It does cost a bit more, but it holds up better and is far less likely to rip while cooking.
Another ingredient that I like to add to asparagus but it's optional is freshly grated nutmeg. It's adds a pleasant spicy, warm element to the asparagus. I have an entire post dedicated to the Best Way to Season Asparagus that you can check out for more ideas.
Tips
The bottom 1 ½ to 2 inches of the asparagus is pretty tough, so I just cut the part off before I cook the asparagus. I save up my asparagus ends to make my Asparagus Ends Broth Potato Soup.
How to know if the asparagus is done? I don't open up the packet to check on it, I actually take my The Thermapen® ONE instant read thermometer and stick it into the package. If it reads the asparagus at 180-185 degrees then I know the spears are tender enough for me to eat now. The spears will be a beautiful bright green color.
If you are cooking other food on the grill and your asparagus is done, then move it to a cooler part of the grill until your other food is done to keep it warm. You could just remove it too as if you keep the foil packet well sealed it will keep the asparagus hot for 10-15 minutes while you finish up whatever else your grilling.
Grilled Asparagus in a Foil Packet
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh asparagus green or purple
- 2 tbsp butter
- salt to taste
- freshly cracker pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to around 400–425°F.
- While the grill is heating up, trim the bottom 1-2 inches off the asparagus with a knife—this part is tough. You can save the ends to make vegetable stock.
- Tear off a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Place the asparagus in the center of the foil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the long sides of the foil together above the asparagus. Fold them down over each other 2–3 times to seal. Then fold in the ends tightly to create a sealed packet.
- Place the packet on the grill. Cook the asparagus for 10-15 mintues until tender. You can check the asparagus with an instant read thermometer. It needs to reach 180 degrees.
- Remove the asparagus from the grill with a pair of tongs. Carefully open up the packet (watch out for the steam!) and put into the butter. Close back up and allow to sit for 2-3 minutes to melt the butter and then serve.
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