Description
A quick and easy gourmet side dish featuring fresh asparagus grilled to crispy perfection and topped with nutty Parmesan cheese. Perfect for gatherings or a simple weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh asparagus (preferably thick stalks)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 30 grams)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (sea salt flakes recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, about 400°F (204°C), for 5-7 minutes.
- Rinse and pat dry the asparagus. Snap or trim off the woody ends (about 1 to 2 inches).
- In a mixing bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the asparagus perpendicular to the grill grates and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs, until tender with crisp, slightly charred edges.
- Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan evenly over the asparagus. Close the grill lid or cover the pan and let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Transfer the asparagus to a platter, squeeze fresh lemon wedges over if desired, and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
Use thick asparagus stalks for best grilling results. Freshly grate Parmesan for optimal melting and flavor. If no grill lid is available, finish melting Parmesan in a 375°F oven for 2-3 minutes. Let asparagus come to room temperature before grilling for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the grill for crispiness. For a dairy-free option, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About ½ cup cooked a
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
Keywords: grilled asparagus, Parmesan asparagus, easy side dish, quick asparagus recipe, summer barbecue side, healthy vegetable recipe