Make the most delicious asparagus with my recommendations for the best spices to add to your asparagus. I will talk about salt at the end as well.
📋 What's New In This Post (6/10/25) - Added some different spice recommendations.
Spices for Asparagus
There’s no doubt that when you buy in-season asparagus, it doesn’t need much more than a sprinkle of salt to be a delicious side dish—especially if you throw asparagus on the grill first!
But I’m never one to leave flavor on the table or in my spice drawer! I’ve played around with different spices to enhance asparagus, and I’m excited to share my favorites with you today. You’ll find some familiar faces like black peppercorns, along with a few you may not have thought to try.
I’ll also point you to the exact spices I use and where I got them, so you can keep them stocked in your kitchen too!
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Best Spices
These are my favorite spices to use on asparagus.
- Black peppercorns
- White peppercorns
- Sesame seeds
- Nutmeg
- Sumac
- Smoked Paprika
- Cumin
Why these spices? Let me breakdown each one.
Black Peppercorns
Of course pepper is going to work on asparagus. Pepper goes with everything right. Notice I titled this section with the longer, fancier name of peppercorns. I want you to instill in you the thought that your going to use whole peppercorns. These WHOLE PEPPERCORNS you are going to grind right before consuming.
Your not going to buy that cheap, already ground pepper that comes in a small metal canister, looks like saw dust, and doesn't taste much better. Trust me. It's time to invest in peppercorns!
The reason whole peppercorns must be enjoyed freshly cracked is that the violate oils in the berries are fleeting once broke. Yes peppercorns are a berry. One of the easiest, and best things you can do for yourself in the kitchen is buying a pepper mill/grinder. Even a cheap one will change your life.
I take every chance I get to reinforce my pepper point, but let's get to really why black pepper is great on asparagus - the spicy and slightly citruses notes of the peppercorn play well with the green, grassy, hopefully sweet yet bitter notes of the asparagus. It's like hearing a choir sing in perfect harmony.
For asparagus I like to set my pepper grinder to a medium grind. I like the bold crunch. And I like to see the pepper - eat with my eyes! If you want a recommendation, I am a fan of both the Zanzibar Black Peppercorns and Robusta Black Peppercorns from Burlap & Barrel Single Origin spices.
White Peppercorns
Have you tried white peppercorns before? I enjoy them so much I like to have a grinder separate from my black pepper.
What's the difference? White peppercorns are fully ripe berries that have had their outer layer removed.
What's the flavor difference? You lose a bit of the spicy note, but I think instead you get more of the true pepper flavor itself, which I dig - especially when I am making light colored soups. Often times white pepper is used in dishes that are white because the black specks from black peppercorns aren't as visually appealing.
You can find a fermented white pepper from Burlap & Barrel that has more flavor than any other white pepper that I have tried. It has notes of parmesan cheese in my opinion. I would love for you to give it try on your asparagus. Or you could even do a bit of both white and black. Taste the flavor difference yourself.
Check out my post on the Different Types of Peppercorns to learn more.
Sesame Seeds
Now we are going to look at my favorite seed to put on asparagus - the sesame. I think they are very visual appealing. It adds a component of nuttiness to the asparagus without being overpowering.
Sesame seeds are especially good when I am going for more Asian inspired asparagus. Some soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, and sesame seeds on top makes for some seriously good food.
Did you know there are different types of sesame seeds you can buy from the store? Check out my post on the difference between white and black sesame seeds to learn more.
Nutmeg
This one here you might be quite surprised by. When it comes to nutmeg, I believe most Americans think of it as being a spice you include with sweet baked goods or egg nog. It's often paired with cinnamon, allspice, and/or cloves.
When nutmeg is given the ability to shine on it's own - it can really stand out.
But did you know nutmeg is great in savory ways as well? Asparagus is probably the best way to eat it - savory style. It adds a certain richness that is hard to describe until you taste - and you must now after reading this.
The way to apply your nutmeg to the asparagus is not from a ground container - are you start to seeing a theme here? Just like pepper, nutmeg begs to be freshly grated. Whole nutmeg can be found in pretty much all grocery stores. I only buy 1 or 2 nuts at a time. They will last a while in their whole form.
To grate, I use my Microplane. It does the perfect job of distributing the nutmeg since it's long and skinny, you can move it up and down the Microplane for even distribution. My nutmeg of choice is Stone Nutmeg from Burlap & Barrel.
Sumac
Another interesting spice to try is sumac. It is a great finishing spice that you add at the table. The flavor is bright, slightly sour, and citrus like. It can be a substitute for lemon juice in brighten up the flavor of the asparagus. It is featured in a recipe on the blog for Paper Towel Microwave Asparagus with Sumac
Cumin
I like to buy the whole cumin seeds and grind them myself (I know imagine that!). Cumin adds a rich, earthy flavor that matches well with the flavor of asparagus to start.
Smoked Paprika
Paprika is one of those spices that often disappoints. I used to think that is taste like nothing and is only around to add color. I have learned to source a Smoked Pimenton Paprika is my favorite as it has a genuine smoky flavor and a fruity flavor from the peppers.
Best Salt
This whole concept of adding flavor to your asparagus completely falls on it's butt if you don't add salt. Salt has the ability to make the foods it comes in contact taste more like the food themselves.
The salt gets our taste buds a-going. Make sure you have some good salt on hand.
When I salt my asparagus I either using kosher salt before I cook the asparagus and/or I use a good finishing sea salt.
There are high quality sea salts out there that are best enjoyed by using them right at the dinner table. So pick a good one to have for your guests, family, friends, and of course yourself.
Here are some recommendations
If you want to use a Pink Himalayan salt, I recommend you read our post on the Differences in Quality of Pink Salt.
How do you like to season your asparagus? Make sure to tell us in the comments below.
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