How long do you grill asparagus?

Selecting Asparagus
Grilling asparagus can be a difficult task as asparagus spears are quite delicate. When grilling asparagus it is important to remember that fresh asparagus will only keep for a maximum of four days before it can no longer be used. The choice of spears can also be difficult.

Asparagus spears come in all sizes from smaller than the size of a pencil to the size of a man's thumb. Which size to select depends on the buyer and the form of preparation. The size of asparagus does not matter in how to select the freshest spears. The spears should be firm and the heads crisp. No portion of the asparagus stalk should be discolored. It is also important to remember that asparagus keeps best if washed just prior to preparing rather prior to refrigeration.

Grilling 101
Grilling asparagus can also be a simple process with very few steps. A barbeque grill should be very hot before the vegetable reaches the metal. Whether or not a grill is a charcoal grill or a gas grill does not alter the cooking process.

When preparing the asparagus for the grill it is best to first cut of the lower portion of the spear. Each stalk of asparagus is different and this place is usually where the bright green color fades into the dark violet color. The violet-colored portions of the asparagus spears are often tough and have a different taste than the upper portion of the spear.

The process of trimming the ends can be done in large clusters all at once or one spear at a time. Asparagus spears can also be snapped, eliminating the necessity of a knife.

In order to eliminate sticking on the grill, coating the newly trimmed and washed stalks in olive oil is a simple method. Olive oil will also add a light taste to the vegetable that will later intensify when the spears are grilled. After coating in olive oil, the next step is to add a seasoning.

Seasonings that can be paired with asparagus include Creole seasonings, salt and pepper, garlic, red pepper, paprika, and others. Once the asparagus is seasoned, it can then be placed on the hot grill. After one side of the spears have obtained grill marks, the asparagus can then be turned over. This vegetable will be gone when it has reached a slightly soft state. This is often between six and seven minutes. Grill asparagus should then be served hot.

Preparations
Other forms of preparations can be added to grilled asparagus. After seasoning and grilling, place the asparagus on a plate and sprinkle with Romano or Parmigianino cheese. Other preparation calls for toasting slivered almonds while the asparagus is grilling. Once the asparagus and almonds are warmed and to the desired doneness, gently toss them together with lemon juice.

A more in depth preparation includes combining chives and lemon juice with a white sauce for a creamy addition to the charred taste of the asparagus. Even more preparations include adding bleu cheese, balsamic vinegar, or an over-ease fried egg on top of the grilled asparagus.