Grilled Asparagus is the best simple and healthy side dish! It’s covered in lemon butter and grilled to perfection. Lemon Asparagus is my favorite summer vegetable recipe, made in minutes. Best side dish ever!

overhead view of grilled asparagus on a baking sheet with lemon wheels.

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What’s in this Grilled Asparagus Recipe?

Sometimes simple is best, and this perfect-for-summer lemon asparagus recipe is no exception. Just three ingredients stand between you and my very very favorite side dish of all time. The perfect pairing for everything from burgers to steak to salad.

  • Asparagus: I like nice, thick asparagus stalks for grilling, as they hold up better than thin ones.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and great flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds acidity to cut the richness of the butter and bring out the vegetal flavor of the asparagus.
  • Salt + Pepper: Enhances the natural flavor do the asparagus.

Pro Tip: Brush a little bit of canola oil on the grill grates to keep the asparagus from sticking.

Variations on Asparagus on the Grill

For this asparagus, simple is better! Think of subtle ways to change the flavor, like swapping the butter for olive oil or the lemon juice for orange juice. Add a few pinches of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice. A sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese would be the perfect garnish for serving!

step by step photos for how to make grilled asparagus.
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How long do you grill asparagus?

Cooking asparagus on the grill is such a quick and simple way to make it. It only takes about 7-10 minutes to make it tender and delicious!

Should you soak asparagus before grilling?

There’s no need to soak your asparagus in water before grilling, but I do recommend letting it marinate in the butter/lemon juice mixture for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor!

Should you par boil asparagus before grilling?

While you certainly could par boil your asparagus to cut down on the cooking time, it’s really not necessary. The marinade penetrates the raw asparagus better than it would if it was par boiled.

How do you know when grilled asparagus is done?

To check for doneness, use a fork to pierce the thickest part of the asparagus. If it pierces easily, it’s done cooking!

Why is my grilled asparagus soggy?

Soggy asparagus is usually the result of overcooking. You want to remove the asparagus from the grill as soon as it is fork-tender, as it will continue to cook a bit from the residual heat as it cools.

three-quarters view of grilled asparagus on a baking sheet with lemon wheels.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 400°F oven for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.

How to Freeze

Freeze asparagus in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This lemon asparagus truly goes with everything. That’s why it’s one of my favorite sides, because I know I can make it any time. If I’m in a pinch and need something to go with grilled chicken or any other main dish, I know this will work perfectly!

I love serving this with juicy grilled burgers, St. Louis grilled ribs, grilled flank steak, or any time we grill. It goes with the heavier meals just as well as the healthier ones!

close-up overhead view of grilled asparagus on a baking sheet with lemon wheels.
Recipe Card

Grilled Asparagus Recipe

4.59 from 17 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Marinade Time: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Becky Hardin
featured grilled asparagus.
Covered in lemon butter and grilled to perfection, this simple asparagus is the best side dish ever!
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Ingredients 

  • 1 pound fresh asparagus washed with the ends cut off
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (¼ stick)
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Mix together the melted butter and lemon juice. Pour into a large ziplock bag and add in the asparagus. Make sure all of the asparagus is coated in the butter mixture.
    1 pound fresh asparagus, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
    lemon and butter mixed together in a stainless bowl.
  • Place in the fridge for about 30 minutes before grilling.
    marinating asparagus spears in a ziplock bag.
  • When ready to grill, heat grill to medium high (about 400-450°F) and brush with canola oil.
    an oiled grill pan.
  • Add the asparagus directly to the grill and grill for 7-10 minutes, flipping once.
    grilled asparagus spears on a grill pan.
  • When fully cooked, remove from the grill and season with salt and pepper to taste.
    Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Video

Becky’s Tips

Storage: Store grilled asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving: 0.25poundCalories: 76kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 294mgPotassium: 247mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1033IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

More Asparagus Recipes We Love

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.59 from 17 votes (16 ratings without comment)
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18 Comments
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Blondie
Blondie
November 23, 2021 11:50 pm

Could you roast this in the oven on a grill pan? What temp and cooking time? Trying to eat healthier.

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
November 24, 2021 10:31 am
Reply to  Blondie

400 for 12-20 minutes depending on your preference.

Sheri Zipse
Sheri Zipse
July 16, 2021 8:03 pm

Delicious with Tri-Tip, roasted potatoes and cheesecake for dessert! Thank you! Great recipe!5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
July 20, 2021 10:25 am
Reply to  Sheri Zipse

Thanks for sharing with us, Sheri!

Daniel
Daniel
June 1, 2021 4:13 pm

Can you do it in advance like 3 hours before grilling or will it make a difference?

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
June 2, 2021 2:11 pm
Reply to  Daniel

I am sure you could do three hours!

Lisa
Lisa
September 19, 2020 3:13 pm

I can’t find the stuffed chicken recipe. Help?!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
September 20, 2020 1:07 pm
Reply to  Lisa

https://www.thecookierookie.com/3-ingredient-spinach-dip-stuffed-chicken/
Is this the recipe you were searching for?

Michelle | A Latte Food
Michelle | A Latte Food
June 13, 2016 12:35 am

I love lemon on my veggies! These look crazy good–love that they’re grilled!

Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life
June 11, 2016 7:55 am

This is so up my alley! I love asparagus with lemon…I make it that way all the time. Usually I roast it though, rather than grilling. But now that the grill is out again, I think we’ll have to start grilling it more. Why heat up the kitchen?!

Patricia @ Grab a Plate
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
June 11, 2016 12:04 am

We love grilled asparagus in my house! In fact, we eat it so often it’s a little crazy. Your platter of asparagus looks scrumptious!

Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen
Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen
June 10, 2016 6:26 pm

I love pretty much any veggie on the grill, and this asparagus doesn’t look like it would be an exception. Love how the simle preparation would let the flavor shine through!

Rebecca Andrews
Rebecca Andrews
June 10, 2016 5:04 pm

Asparagus sounds delicious. I do a version in the oven. Got to have that recipe for ?Chicken pockets, shown in the picture with the asparagus! Looks like fresh mozz, fresh basil and tomato slice. Also looks delicioius and and elegant dinner party item!

Susan
Susan
June 10, 2016 4:56 pm

I can see why this is your favorite side dish: simple but with interesting flavor that would go nicely with the asparagus. Hopefully I can get my husband to grill it when I got to make it… (he’s the griller in the family)