I love to grill vegetables; they seem to taste better from the grill! This recipe for Grilled Asparagus Bundles is simple yet provides a degree of elegance to any meal!
There are so many great side dishes that you can make on the grill. The best part about making them is that they can cook right alongside your other grilled items. It’s simple to make a whole dinner using just your grill. From a great appetizer to a fantastic main to dessert, even your cocktail!
This simple side dish is so colorful and tasty! The green of the fresh asparagus spears and the red of the pepper makes it so visually appealing; remember, we eat with our eyes first! The char on the asparagus and pepper adds that hint of flavor from the grill.
HELPFUL ITEMS FOR THE RECIPE
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What do you need to make grilled asparagus bundles?
As you might expect, the ingredients for these grilled asparagus bundles are pretty simple. The combination of the ingredients and the magic of the bbq grill makes these so good.
INGREDIENTS
- Asparagus
- Red pepper
- Olive oil
- Garlic salt
- Dried thyme, oregano, & basil
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground pepper
How to Make Grilled Asparagus bundles
These grilled asparagus bundles are so easy to prepare. I first made them using just asparagus, but I added the red pepper for some extra flavor. I also love that pop of color. The green of the asparagus and the red of the pepper really make this appealing!
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, about 375 – 400 degrees F. Prepare the asparagus by first washing it thoroughly to make sure there is no sand or dirt on the tops. Trim the asparagus by breaking or cutting off the woody end of each asparagus spear.
Wash and then slice the red pepper into quarters lengthwise. Remove the seeds and ribs from the red pepper.
Lay out 4 pieces of kitchen or butcher twine. Each piece should be about 8 inches in length. Make sure you use kitchen or butcher twine that is food safe. You can soak the twine beforehand if you want. This will help the twine from not burning when you place the bundles on the grill.
Place 4 – 5 spears of asparagus and one of the red pepper quarters on each piece of twine. Tie the bunch together tightly. You need to make sure that they are tied tightly as the asparagus will shrink as it cooks, and the bundles will fall apart.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic salt, thyme, oregano, basil, Kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper. Stir to blend.
Once your grill is preheated, place the asparagus bundles on the grill and brush liberally with the oil herb mixture. You will want to grill the bundles for 4-6 minutes. Turn the bundles over and brush them again with the oil herb mixture. Continue to grill them for an additional 4 – 5 minutes. You will know when they are done as the asparagus and peppers should be slightly charred and soft.
Serving up the grilled asparagus bundles
Once you remove them from the grill, if you are plating your meal, you can place one asparagus bundle on each plate. If you are serving your meal family-style simply place all the bundles on a serving platter.
You are going to want to make sure that you have a pair of scissors or kitchen shears handy as you will need to cut the twine from around each of the bundles. I like to wait until everyone has a bundle on their plate. It’s easier to pick up the bundles and put them on the plates when they are still tied up.
These little bundles pair so nicely with any main course you are serving, from pork to beef to lamb. You can have the bundles pre-made and ready to toss onto the grill. They can grill while your protein rests or while you are getting ready to plate everything else.
The flavors are great. The red pepper slice becomes so sweet and tender when you grill it. The little bit of char that you get on the asparagus, especially the tips, adds a beautiful little crunch to the vegetables.
Should asparagus be soaked before grilling?
No, you don’t have to soak your asparagus before you cook it on the grill. You do, however, want to make sure you wash it well. Asparagus grows in sandy, loamy soil. The grains of sand and pieces of loam can get stuck in the feather tips of the asparagus. Nobody wants to eat sandy asparagus!
What is the difference between green & white asparagus?
Green and white asparagus are basically the same; the only difference is that white asparagus is grown in the absence of sunlight. White asparagus is either covered with soil while it grows or is covered with a tarp or something like that to prevent the sunlight from reaching the plant.
Often times white asparagus is rare because of the extra work involved in producing it. The flavor of white asparagus is slightly sweeter than its green cousin. White asparagus is very popular in Europe but is less so here in North America.
This easy side dish recipe is one that you will want to keep handy as it is quick, elegant, and oh so tasty!
Pin it HERE!!
Pin it HERE!!
Grilled Asparagus Bundles
Ingredients
- 1 Bunch of asparagus About 16 – 20 spears
- 1/3 medium red pepper
- 1/3 cup Olive oil
- ½ tsp Garlic salt
- ½ tsp Dried thyme
- ½ tsp Dried oregano
- ½ tsp Dried basil
- Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high 375 – 400 degrees.
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly and break or cut the woody end off each of the asparagus spears.
- Slice the red pepper into 4 slices lengthwise.
- Lay out 4 pieces of kitchen or butcher twine, each about 8 inches long.
- Place 4-5 spears of asparagus and one red pepper slice on each piece of twine and tie the bunch tightly with the twine. (You need to make sure it is tight as the asparagus shrinks as it cooks, and they will fall out of the bundles)
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and all the herbs and spices.
- Place the asparagus bundles on the preheated grill and brush with the oil mixture. Grill for 4-6 minutes until the asparagus tips are slightly charred.
- Turn the bundle over, brush again with the oil mixture and continue to grill for 4-5 minutes. The asparagus bundles should be slightly charred all over and soft.
- Serve immediately.
- Make sure you have a pair is scissors to cut the string on each of the bundles for your guests.
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