Grilled balsamic asparagus with olive oil and black pepper
Grilled balsamic asparagus is a simple side dish featuring fresh asparagus marinated in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing.
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
24 spears asparagus1 tbsp olive oil
1 dash black pepper
1 tbsp vinegar
Grilled balsamic asparagus is a simple yet delicious dish that combines the flavors of fresh asparagus, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of black pepper. This recipe is perfect for a quick side dish that's both healthy and flavorful. The asparagus spears are lightly charred on the grill, giving them a smoky taste that complements the tangy balsamic vinegar perfectly.
Instructions:
- Begin by rinsing the asparagus spears thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt.
- Snap off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus. You can do this by gently bending the end of each spear and allowing it to break naturally at its natural breaking point.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
- Add a dash of black pepper to the olive oil and vinegar mixture.
- Place the asparagus spears into the bowl and toss them gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade. Let them sit for about 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the asparagus is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you are using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are glowing red with a thin layer of gray ash. If you are using a gas grill, preheat it for about 10 minutes.
- Once the grill is heated, place the marinated asparagus spears on the grill grate in a single layer.
- Grill the asparagus for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, turning them occasionally with tongs to ensure even cooking. The asparagus should be tender and slightly charred in spots but still have a bit of crunch.
- Remove the asparagus from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
- You can give them an additional sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
- Serve the grilled balsamic asparagus hot as a delicious side dish.
Grilled balsamic asparagus with olive oil and black pepper is a tasty and nutritious side dish that can be prepared quickly and effortlessly. The combination of smoky grilled asparagus with the tangy and sweet notes of balsamic vinegar creates a delightful flavor profile. Whether you're having a casual family meal or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Grilled balsamic asparagus with olive oil and black pepper FAQ:
Grill the asparagus for approximately 3-4 minutes per side. They should be tender and slightly charred but still have a bit of crunch.
If your asparagus is overcooked, it will become mushy and lose its vibrant color. To prevent this, keep an eye on the grilling time and check for doneness by piercing a spear with a fork—it should be tender but firm.
Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile, though the taste will vary.
Store any leftover grilled asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
For grilling, medium to thick asparagus spears (about ¼ to ½ inch in diameter) work best as they hold up better on the grill and provide a nice texture.
Tips:
- Choose fresh, firm asparagus spears that are bright green and free from blemishes or soft spots.
- Trim the woody ends off the asparagus before grilling to ensure they cook evenly.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or even roast the asparagus in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
- To enhance the flavor, you can add minced garlic or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Be sure not to overcook the asparagus; they should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or toasted pine nuts on top before serving.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 24kcal
Protein 2.67g
Carbohydrates 4.85g
Fiber 2.58g
Sugar 2.27g
Fat 3.53g
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