Recipe: Grilled Lemon Balsamic Asparagus

It’s summer which means I’m craving light meals and everything cooked on the grill. I came up with this asparagus recipe to satisfy both and I think it came out fantastic!

Domestocrat’s Grilled Lemon Balsamic Asparagus
1.5 lbs. asparagus
3 tbsp. really good balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp. lemon zest (two lemons worth)
2 tbsp. lemon juice (two lemons worth)
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 cup EVOO
Salt & pepper to taste

We bought this fantastic 18 year old balsamic vinegar at Fustini’s in Anne Arbor, Michigan on our cross country road trip. I could not wait to use it! Combined with the lemon, it was the perfect compliment to the asparagus.

Start by zesting the lemons into a mason jar.

Add the lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper.

Add the oil on top last, screw on the lid, and give it a good shake.

Wash, trim, and place the asparagus into a large ziptop bag. Pour the lemon balsamic oil mixture over the top and seal the bag.

Shake the bag so each piece is coated liberally. Let the asparagus marinate for at least 30 minutes, flipping the bag over every 10 minutes. I let mine marinate while we fired up the charcoal grill which takes about 30 minutes.

Carefully lay the asparagus across the grill grate. Put the cover on the grill to cook. After 2-3 minutes, rotate the asparagus. Remove from the grill when there is a nice char on each piece. The asparagus should be firm, not mushy, but cooked throughout.

This side dish is the perfect addition to any summer meal. It’s lemony, slightly sweet, and deliciously smoky. Have with burgers, sausages, or turkey tips right off the grill. Perfection!