Grilled Asparagus with Caper Salsa: A Delightful Spring Treat
As the days get longer and the weather warms, it's time to fire up the grill and enjoy the bounty of fresh spring vegetables. Asparagus, with its vibrant green stalks and delicate flavor, is a perfect choice for grilling. This recipe will guide you through the simple steps to create a delicious grilled asparagus dish, complemented by a tangy caper salsa. The salsa, made with capers, tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs, adds a burst of flavor to the grilled asparagus, elevating it from a simple side dish to a memorable culinary experience. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a light and healthy meal, this grilled asparagus with caper salsa is sure to impress your taste buds. So gather your ingredients, prepare your grill, and let's embark on a delightful spring-inspired culinary journey.
THE BEST GRILLED ASPARAGUS
We found that the best way to grill asparagus is to lay it right on the grill grates at an angle--no foil packet or grilling basket necessary. We jazzed ours up with tangy, creamy feta and fresh mint. To get a good char, be sure to use medium-sized asparagus -- no pencil-thin stalks here!
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Prepare a grill for medium heat. Chop the tough, woody ends off the asparagus (about 1 inch) and peel another inch of the stalks.
- Whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper together in a large bowl. Add the asparagus and toss until well coated.
- Put the asparagus on the grill at an angle so the stalks don't fall through the grates. Grill, flipping halfway through cooking, until the asparagus begin to char, the pointy ends start to crisp and the stalks are just tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove to a platter and sprinkle with the feta and mint.
ASPARAGUS WITH SALSA VERDE
The scarlet onions and fine slivers of orange peel in this green sauce look and taste like spring. The sauce can be made ahead of time, the orange juice and vinegar added at the very end so that the greens remain bright and snappy. This sauce is also good over grilled asparagus. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Provided by Deborah Madison
Categories side-dish
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Trim the asparagus by snapping off the woody, tough ends, and peel thick asparagus. It will look and taste better. Bring a quart or two of water to a boil in a wide pan, generously salt to taste.
- FOR THE PICKLED RED ONION: While the water is coming to a boil, pickle the red onion and make the sauce. To make the pickled red onion, peel a whole, small red onion, then slice it thinly into rounds. Separate the rounds and put them in a bowl, then cover with a white wine or rice wine vinegar and a few pinches salt. Toss them with your finger so that they are all coated, then refrigerate until you need them. It takes only about 10 to 15 minutes for the color to blossom.
- FOR THE ORANGE ZEST: Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Zest a few strips of orange peel in wide bands. Julienne the bands into thin strips and blanch in boiling water for 10 to 15 seconds. Drain and chop half of the orange rinds into a fine dice. Set aside.
- Add the trimmed, peeled (if necessary) asparagus to the wide pan of salted boiling water, and cook until it is tender and bright green, about 5 minutes for thin asparagus, 7 to 8 minutes if it is thick. Set the cooked asparagus on a towel to drain briefly.
- FOR THE SAUCE: Meanwhile, combine the chopped parsley and capers in a bowl. Mince half the slivered orange zest and add it to the bowl along with half of the pickled onion, minced. Stir in the mustard, orange juice, vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- TO FINISH: Drain the asparagus. Lay the asparagus on a platter. Ladle the sauce over the stems and garnish with the remaining slivers of orange peel and pickled onion.Suggestions: You can vary the taste by using aromatic sesame or peanut oils in place of the olive oil. Both flavors go well with asparagus and also harmonize with orange. Keep the parsley or use cilantro instead if you're wild for that herb. Other spring herbs to consider including are tarragon, lovage, chives and chervil and all are excellent with asparagus.
ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH BUTTERED ALMONDS, CAPERS AND DILL
Cooking asparagus is one of the easiest kitchen tasks around. There is almost no preparation, the asparagus is roasted plain in the oven, and all that's left to do is fry some almonds and capers to spoon on top. This can be served as part of a festive spread of salads and seasonal dips. It also works well as a side for meat, fish or grain dishes.
Provided by Yotam Ottolenghi
Categories side dish
Time 20m
Yield 6 side-dish servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit/220 degrees Celsius. Line a baking sheet (baking tray) with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl or on a work surface, use your hands or tongs to toss the asparagus with 1 tablespoon oil, a generous pinch of salt and a good grind of pepper. Arrange asparagus in the paper-lined pan, spaced well apart, and roast, shaking the pan occasionally, until asparagus is soft and starting to brown in places, 8 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness. Remove from oven and set aside in the pan.
- In a small or medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until foamy. Add almonds and fry, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes (reduce heat as needed to prevent scorching). Pour almonds and butter evenly over asparagus.
- Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the pan and heat over high heat. Once hot, add the capers and fry, stirring continuously, until they have opened up and become crisp, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove capers from the oil and sprinkle over the asparagus. Add dill. Using tongs or two spoons, mix gently to combine, transfer to a large plate and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 138, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 285 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams
GRILLED ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON DRESSING
Although steamed asparagus has an unmatched purity of taste, I love the earthy, charred flavor added by the grill, a flavor that can also be achieved with stove-top pan grilling, which combines high heat and a dry, heavy skillet.
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories side dish
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus; most spears will break an inch or two from the bottom. Peel the stalks up to the flower bud. Meanwhile, start a charcoal fire or heat a gas grill; if you're cooking indoors, heat a cast-iron or other heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it smokes.
- To grill the asparagus spears, toss them with about a tablespoon of oil, mixing with your hands until spears are coated. Season well with salt and pepper. Grill until tender and browned in spots, turning once or twice, in all 5 to 10 minutes.
- To pan grill the asparagus, do not oil or season them. Just toss them in the hot skillet, and cook, turning the spears individually as they brown, until tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove as they finish, and season with salt and pepper.
- Mix together the lemon juice and shallots, then stir in enough olive oil to add a little body and take the edge off the sharpness of the lemon; the mixture should still be strong. Season it well with salt and plenty of black pepper, and stir in the parsley. Serve the asparagus hot or at room temperature with grilled fish. Spoon the sauce over everything.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 119, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 13 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 600 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams
GRILLED ASPARAGUS WITH CAPER-CORNICHON VINAIGRETTE
Inspired by gribiche, the French sauce traditionally served with steamed asparagus, this salad takes a modern approach by grilling the spears then piling them on a platter with sliced hard-cooked eggs. The mustard vinaigrette, chock-full of cornichons and capers, preserves all the briny goodness of the original sauce.
Provided by Lauryn Tyrell
Categories Food & Cooking Salad Recipes
Time 20m
Yield Serves 4 to 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Prepare an ice-water bath. Bring a small pot of water to a simmer over medium heat. Lower eggs into water; cook 9 minutes. Transfer to ice bath; let stand until cool enough to handle. Peel and slice into rounds.
- Whisk together vinegar, mustard, and sugar. Slowly whisk in oil, then capers, cornichons, and thyme. Season to taste.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Drizzle asparagus lightly with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill, turning once, until crisp-tender and charred in places, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a platter, top with eggs, and spoon vinaigrette over top; serve.
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST GRILLED ASPARAGUS
Tender and sweet, grilled asparagus is the perfect healthy 15-minute side dish for any meal. Use thicker asparagus spears for easy grilling.
Provided by Heidi
Categories Side Dish
Time 9m
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat, about 350° to 400°F, and brush the grill grates clean.
- Remove the woody ends of the asparagus by snapping the ends off. Bend each stalk gently about 2/3 of the way down the stalk until it naturally breaks where the woody part begins. If desired, use a knife to trim the ends of the stalks to tidy up the cuts. Discard the ends.
- Place the asparagus spears in a shallow bowl or on a platter or baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss the spears with your hands to coat. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper and toss again.
- Place the asparagus across the grill grates perpendicular to the bars. Grill with the lid closed for 6 to 10 minutes or until the spears are tender and crisp. Use tongs to roll the spears for even grill marks.
- Transfer to a platter and if desired, drizzle with more olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. Can be served warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 54 kcal, Carbohydrate 5 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 4 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 584 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving
GRILLED ASPARAGUS WITH CAPER SALSA
Caprino fresco is a soft, tangy Italian goat cheese, and here, it lends a deep creaminess to a caper salsa that is draped over grilled asparagus. The recipe, from the chef Yotam Ottolenghi, is quickly prepared. Bread may be needed to sop up the rest of the salsa. (If caprino fresco isn't available, try another soft goat cheese, like chèvre.)
Provided by Sam Sifton
Categories vegetables, side dish
Time 25m
Yield Serves 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Fill a medium-size pot with cold water, and place it over high heat. When the water boils, add the asparagus, and blanch for 1 minute. Drain the asparagus, and rinse it immediately under cold water. Drain the asparagus again and place in a medium bowl, with 1 tablespoon of the oil, a pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper. Mix gently, and set aside.
- Light a charcoal or gas grill, or place a grill pan on the stove over high heat. Once it is hot, add the asparagus in batches, and grill for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, turning a few times, until the spears are lightly charred. Transfer to a large platter with all the tips facing in one direction.
- Meanwhile, make the salsa. Mix together the capers with the remaining tablespoon of oil, the lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic and parsley. Add the goat cheese to the mixture, stir gently and spoon over the asparagus.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 109, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 6 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 356 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams
GRILLED ASPARAGUS
Steps:
- Set up grill for direct cooking over medium heat and oil the grates.
- Place the trimmed asparagus on a baking sheet. Add the chopped garlic and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and toss to coat.
- Place on the grill directly or in a grill basket. Grill until just tender and lightly charred, about 5 minutes.
ASPARAGUS SALSA
Jalapeno pepper and cilantro spice up this refreshing salsa that's made with tomatoes, onion and fresh asparagus. Served chilled with tortilla chips, this chunky sauce won't last long. -Emma Thomas Rome, Georgia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 20m
Yield 3 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place asparagus in a large saucepan; add 1/2 in. of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water., In a large bowl, combine the asparagus, tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, garlic, vinegar and salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, stirring several times. Serve with tortilla chips.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 15 calories, Fat 1g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 52mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.
PAN-SEARED ASPARAGUS WITH CRISPY GARLIC
Before asparagus got moved to its own botanical family, Asparagaceae, in the early 2000s, it was part of the lily family along with onions, chives, shallots and garlic. It makes sense then, that asparagus and garlic make such a good duo. When cooked with care, both can be mild and sweet (or pungent and bitter when cooked carelessly). To highlight the best of both ingredients, gently fry garlic into chips for a crispy topping, then use the lightly infused oil to sauté the asparagus. Both thin and chubby spears work, as would nearly any other vegetable you like with garlic: broccoli, kale, snap peas, fennel and more.
Provided by Ali Slagle
Categories vegetables, side dish
Time 10m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Place a paper towel-lined plate next to the stove. In a medium or large skillet, combine the garlic and olive oil over medium-low heat. Cook, shaking the skillet often, until the garlic is very light golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat, tilt it, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the garlic to the towel-lined plate, leaving the remaining oil in the skillet. Season the crispy garlic with salt.
- Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the asparagus, season with salt and pepper, and cook, shaking often, until bright green, crisp-tender and browned in spots, 4 to 5 minutes. Slide onto a platter, including any oil in the skillet. Top with the garlic chips and season again with salt and pepper.
GRILLED ASPARAGUS
The special thing about this recipe is that it's so simple. Fresh asparagus with a little oil, salt, and pepper is cooked quickly over high heat on the grill. Enjoy the natural flavor of your veggies.
Provided by Anonymous
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Asparagus
Time 18m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Preheat grill for high heat.
- Lightly coat the asparagus spears with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grill over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or to desired tenderness.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 52.5 calories, Carbohydrate 4.4 g, Fat 3.5 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 2.3 mg, Sugar 2.1 g
GRILLED MARINATED ASPARAGUS
Freshly harvested asparagus says spring is in the air, and on your table. Eating the tender spears right off the grill is pure pleasure.-Lessie Sites, Livingston, Montana
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the first five ingredients. Add the asparagus; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for up to 1 hour., Drain asparagus, reserving marinade. Moisten a paper towel with cooking oil; using long-handled tongs, lightly coat the grill rack., Grill asparagus, covered, over medium heat for 6-8 minutes or until crisp-tender, turning and basting occasionally with reserved marinade.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 55 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 239mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
GRILLED ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON-CAPER VINAIGRETTE
Recipe found on a a bunch of asparagus purchased at the grocery store recently. Very easy to make. This recipe has been prepared twice now-first time with shallots, omitting the Parmesan cheese and the second time with red onion (use red onion if you want a more pronounced onion flavor and for added color). Can be served warm or at room temperature. Skip the cheese for a vegan version. From dole.com.
Provided by COOKGIRl
Categories Vegetable
Time 20m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Vinaigrette: Combine the shallots, lemon zest and lemon juice, capers, and parsley in a small non-reactive bowl.
- Whisk in the olive oil; season with taste with salt and pepper.
- Set aside.
- To prepare the asparagus: Brush the asparagus with olive oil; season with salt.
- Grill (I used a stove top grill pan) over medium-high heat, turning often to brown evenly. Grill asparagus until just tender, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Transfer asparagus to a platter.
- Drizzle vinaigrette over the asparagus, sprinkle with pinenuts and top with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 206.5, Fat 18.5, SaturatedFat 3.2, Cholesterol 5.5, Sodium 177.3, Carbohydrate 7.2, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 1.9, Protein 6
BUTTER-BRAISED ASPARAGUS
For the first-of-the-season asparagus, keep it simple with butter, lemon and sweet herbs. For the best texture, peeling the stalks really makes a difference.
Provided by David Tanis
Categories easy, quick, vegetables, side dish
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Snap off and discard the tough bottoms of the asparagus spears. If using large, thick asparagus, peel the lower ends with a vegetable peeler.
- Put butter in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus in one layer and season with salt and pepper. Add 1/2 cup water, cover, and bring to a simmer. Cook until the asparagus is firm-tender, about 3 minutes. Take care not to overcook them; they should still be bright green. (They will continue to cook a bit once the heat is off.) Remove the asparagus from the pan and place on a serving platter.
- Turn heat to high and simmer briskly until most of the liquid has evaporated, a minute or so. Add lemon juice and zest to the buttery juices. Turn off heat and stir in chives, parsley, tarragon and dill, if using. Check seasoning. Spoon the sauce over the asparagus, garnish with a few herb leaves, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 190, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 8 grams, Fat 18 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 11 grams, Sodium 467 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 1 gram
Tips:
- Choose fresh, tender asparagus. Look for spears that are bright green and have tightly closed tips.
- Trim the asparagus spears. Cut off the woody ends of the spears, about 1 inch from the bottom.
- Blanch the asparagus spears. This will help them to cook evenly and retain their bright green color. To blanch the asparagus, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus spears and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Remove the asparagus from the boiling water and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Grill the asparagus spears. Lightly oil the asparagus spears and then grill them over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until they are slightly charred and tender. You can also roast the asparagus spears in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes.
- Make the caper salsa. While the asparagus is grilling, make the caper salsa. To make the salsa, combine chopped capers, tomatoes, onion, parsley, and lemon juice in a bowl. Season the salsa with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the grilled asparagus with the caper salsa. Drizzle the grilled asparagus with olive oil and then top with the caper salsa. Serve immediately.
Conclusion:
Grilled asparagus with caper salsa is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer meal. The asparagus is tender and flavorful, and the caper salsa adds a bright and tangy flavor. This dish is sure to please everyone at your table.
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