Marinated Grilled Asparagus Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Here's a simple fresh asparagus recipe made with balsamic vinegar and lemon juice, this marinated grilled asparagus recipe is easy & tasty!

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Marinating Time1

Total Time1 20

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 158kcal

Author: Paige

Cost: $6.00-$10.00

Wash and pat dry the asparagus.
Prepare asparagus by trimming off 1-2 inches of the bottom, woody end, then shave another 1-2 inches off the outside of each spear with a vegetable peeler.
Place the asparagus in a large, resealable plastic bag.
Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl or canning jar with a lid, and whisk or shake to combine. Pour it inside the plastic bag with the asparagus, and gently turn it over a few times to make sure all the spears are coated.
Marinate for one hour, or no more than three hours. Keep refrigerated, by setting the bag on a plate in case of leaking.
If using an outdoor grill, prep the grill to medium-high heat, drain the asparagus from the marinade, and place the spears perpendicular on the grill grates. Cover the grill and turn after about 4 minutes to the other side, continue to cook with the lid covered another 3-4 minutes.
If using a grill pan, drain the marinade, place the asparagus in the grill pan over medium-high heat and cover it for 4 minutes or so, then use tongs to turn them over, cover the lid and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, until very lightly charred.
To grill the lemons, sprinkle the cut sides with a bit of sugar, then add them to the grill cut side down for 3-4 minutes until lightly charred. Squeeze a little over the asparagus, if desired, right before serving.

Tips for grilling fresh lemons:

Wash and dry the lemon, then roll it several times with the palm of your hand on the countertop to break down some of the fibers
Take it a step further by putting the whole lemon in the microwave for 5-8 seconds, then roll it again gently and slice it in half.
Sprinkle a little sugar on the cut sides of both lemons (this helps it caramelize)
Add the two lemon halves to the grill pan, cut side down for about 3 minutes until they turn light brown. Remove with tongs and set aside until ready to use.

Other tips for this recipe:

You can use a teaspoon or two (no more or it'll be too salty) of soy sauce instead of balsamic vinegar in this recipe. Mix it with the other ingredients in a small bowl or jar.