Grilled asparagus with a garlic parmesan topping is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish. Using your griddle adds a delicious sear to the asparagus while allowing you to prepare this dish outdoors. Here's a recipe for garlic parmesan grilled asparagus on your griddle:
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus spears, tough ends trimmed
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Preparing the Asparagus:
-
Preheat the Griddle:
- Preheat your griddle to medium-high heat, around 350-375°F (175-190°C).
-
Trim the Asparagus:
- Wash the asparagus and trim the tough ends by snapping them off where they naturally break. This ensures that you're left with the tender part of the asparagus.
-
Toss with Olive Oil:
- Place the trimmed asparagus in a large bowl. Drizzle with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper. Toss the asparagus to coat it evenly with the oil and seasonings.
Grilling the Asparagus:
-
Lay Asparagus on the Griddle:
- Lay the asparagus spears on the hot griddle in a single layer. You can arrange them perpendicular to the griddle grates to prevent them from falling through.
-
Grill the Asparagus:
- Grill the asparagus for about 2-4 minutes on each side, depending on their thickness. You want them to have a nice sear and be tender but still crisp.
Preparing the Garlic Parmesan Topping:
-
Sauté Garlic:
- While the asparagus is grilling, heat a small skillet or pan on the griddle. Add a bit of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it's fragrant but not browned. Remove it from the heat.
-
Add Parmesan:
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese to the sautéed garlic. The heat from the garlic will melt the cheese slightly.
Finishing the Dish:
-
Plate the Grilled Asparagus:
- Transfer the grilled asparagus to a serving platter or individual plates.
-
Top with Garlic Parmesan Mixture:
- Drizzle the garlic parmesan mixture over the grilled asparagus while they are still hot. The cheese will melt over the asparagus.
-
Lemon Wedges (Optional):
- If desired, serve the garlic parmesan grilled asparagus with lemon wedges for a zesty kick.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your garlic parmesan grilled asparagus as a delightful and flavorful side dish. This pairs well with a variety of grilled meats or as part of a larger meal.
Grilling asparagus on your griddle with garlic and parmesan creates a tasty and versatile side dish that's perfect for a barbecue or any outdoor meal. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh flavors of asparagus with a touch of savory richness.