Asparagus on sticks

Asparagus on sticks is a quick and flavorful dish featuring grilled asparagus seasoned with olive oil and basil. Perfect for barbecues or as a fresh side, this recipe highlights the natural taste of asparagus.

14 Nov 2025
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 65 min

Ingredients:

1.50 lb asparagus
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp basil

Asparagus on sticks is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or looking for a quick and healthy side dish, this recipe is sure to impress. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can bring out the best flavors in fresh asparagus. Here's how to make it:

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
- If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling. If you are using metal skewers, they can be used as is.
- Rinse the asparagus under cold water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Trim the tough ends off the asparagus stalks using a knife. You can do this by holding the asparagus in both hands and bending until it naturally snaps, or by cutting about 1 inch off the bottom.

2. Seasoning:
- In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of dried basil.
- Add the trimmed asparagus to the bowl and toss to coat each spear evenly with the olive oil and basil mixture.

3. Skewering:
- Thread the asparagus onto the skewers. You can either thread each stalk individually or thread multiple stalks through two parallel skewers to create a “raft,” making it easier to turn them on the grill.

4. Grilling:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium-high heat.
- Once the grill is hot, place the skewered asparagus on the grill.
- Grill the asparagus for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Use tongs to carefully turn the skewers to ensure even cooking.

5. Serving:
- Once the asparagus is cooked, remove it from the grill using tongs.
- Let the skewers cool slightly before serving as they will be hot.
- You can serve the asparagus on the skewers for a fun presentation or slide them off onto a serving platter.

6. Optional:
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle the asparagus with a little sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

Asparagus on sticks is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Perfect for grilling season, this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers delicious results every time. Enjoy your grilled asparagus as a side dish or as a light appetizer at your next gathering!

Asparagus on sticks FAQ:

What is the ideal grilling time for asparagus on sticks?

Grill the asparagus for about 3-5 minutes on each side. They should be tender and have nice grill marks when done.

What should I do if the asparagus are too tough?

Trim the tough ends by snapping them off or cutting about 1 inch from the bottom. This will help ensure they are tender when cooked.

Can I prepare the skewers in advance?

Yes, you can soak wooden skewers in water and prepare the asparagus ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to grill.

What kind of skewers work best for this recipe?

Wooden skewers work well if soaked for 30 minutes before use. Metal skewers can also be used without soaking.

Are there substitutes for olive oil or basil?

You can use other oils like avocado or sunflower oil in place of olive oil. Fresh basil or other herbs like oregano or thyme can also be used for variation.

Tips:

- Choose fresh, firm asparagus spears for the best results—look for ones with tightly closed tips.

- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

- For added flavor, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice over the asparagus after cooking.

Nutrition per serving

8 Servings
Calories 18kcal
Protein 1.88g
Carbohydrates 3.31g
Fiber 1.79g
Sugar 1.60g
Fat 3.48g

Asparagus on sticks