To cook asparagus on a charcoal grill, follow these steps:
- Prepare the charcoal grill by lighting the charcoal and letting it burn until it reaches a medium-high heat. You want the grill to be hot enough to cook the asparagus but not too hot that it burns quickly.
- Meanwhile, prepare the asparagus by washing it thoroughly and trimming off the tough ends. You can do this by holding each end of the asparagus stalk and gently bending it until it snaps. The lower part that breaks off is usually tough and woody, so discard it.
- Once the grill is hot, place the asparagus directly on the grates. It's a good idea to oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking. You can brush some vegetable oil on the grates using a basting brush.
- Grill the asparagus for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it becomes tender and slightly charred. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus stalks, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
- To enhance the flavor, you can season the asparagus with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other desired herbs or spices while it's grilling. Simply sprinkle the seasoning gently over the asparagus and continue cooking.
- Once the asparagus is done, carefully remove it from the grill using tongs or a spatula. Transfer it to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Serve the grilled asparagus immediately while it's still hot. It makes a delicious side dish to accompany grilled meats, fish, or as part of a vegetarian meal.
Enjoy your delicious grilled asparagus!
Best Charcoal Grills of July 2024
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker with Cover, 811 Square Inches, Black, Outdoor Camping
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811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
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Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
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Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
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Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
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Grill Cover Included: Made of heavy-duty fabric, the cover protects your grill from elements and withstands the harshest weather.
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Ample Space: Front and side tables offer workspace for seasonings and grilling tools. The bottom shelf provides extra storage space and holds up to only 20 lb. accessories when they are evenly distributed.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
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Stay true to the modern version of the kettle that started it all—the Original Kettle, invented by Weber’s founder, and loved around the world. Its ultra-durable, porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, while the damperseasily adjust for precise temperature control. With a One-Touch cleaning system for easy cleanup after a long day of grilling, the Original Kettle will always be the grill built for everyone
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Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press
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One-Touch cleaning system provides hassle-free ash cleanup.Removable, aluminum ash catcher
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Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl Retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
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Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
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Dampers allow you to easily control the temperature inside your grill
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3D interactive assembly instructions for this product are available through the free BILT app.
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill, Black
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CHARCOAL GRILL - Barrel style BBQ Grill with heavy duty steel construction and powder coating finish, the perfect grilling solution for small decks, backyards, and patios
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LARGE COOKING AREA - 250 square inch total cooking area delivers exceptional taste and charcoal flavor
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BARBECUE GRILL FEATURES - Thick Cast Iron Cooking Grates, Bottom Storage Rack, Heavy-Duty Steel Construction, Side Air Vent, Stay Cool Wood Handle, Wheels for Easy Mobility, and Side Shelf Workstation with Barbecue Tool Storage Hooks
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EASY TO ASSEMBLE & CLEAN - Assembles easily and quickly cleans up after use with the Easy Dump Ash Pan
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
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627 Smoking Space: 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates with 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack offer enough space to cook.
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Heat Control: Close the side air vent completely that cuts off the oxygen flow to help extinguish coals and adjust the smoke stack for extra heat control.
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Adjustable Fire Grates: 2-level height-adjustable fire pan ensures more controlled cooking and holds up to 6 lbs. of coal.
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Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check heat fluctuations for confident grilling.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill, BBQ Smoker with Handle and Folding Table, Perfect for Outdoor Patio, Garden and Backyard Grilling, Black, Medium
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Spacious Cooking Area: 384 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and 106 sq. in. stainless steel warming rack provide a total of 490 sq. in. cooking space respectively, serving up to 10 people.
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Height-adjustable Charcoal Pan: The crank handle controls the distance between the charcoal pan and food for fine-tuning temperature and regulating heat. The charcoal pan holds charcoal up to 4.5 lb. for each use.
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Convenient Access Door: Front charcoal access door with heat-resistant spring handle provides more convenience for adding charcoal and controls heat loss to a minimum during cooking.
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Built-in Thermometer Gauge: The lid-mounted thermometer indicates the temperature changes precisely in real-time.
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Air Flow: Two adjustable air vents control air circulation to enhance sufficient burning of charcoal for efficient smoking.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Royal Gourmet Barrel Charcoal Grill with Front Storage Basket, Backyard BBQ Party and Outdoor Cooking Grill on Clearance Prime with Wheels, Black, CC1830T
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Additional Cooking Options: The charcoal grill can meet your versatile cooking demands by slow smoking or grilling ribs, veggies, lobster tails, or other preferred ingredients.
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Ample Cooking Area: To accommodate 23 hamburgers at once, there are 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and a 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack as a secondary heating area.
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Impressive Storage: Store seasonings in the front basket, hang some cooking utensils on the integrated hooks, place plates and other food on the side tables, and meanwhile put your charcoal on the bottom storage shelf.
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Adjustable Charcoal Pan: Easily control the distance between food and fire with the lifting handle to regulate cooking temperature, which also saves fuel in the meantime.
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Heat Control: Customize your desired temperature by twisting the air damper and smoke stack, thus getting the best cooking results.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
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Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; Built-in lid thermometer. Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
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One-Touch cleaning system with high-capacity ash catcher provides hassle-free ash cleanup
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Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
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Use the lid hook to avoid placing the lid on the ground while grilling
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Cooking grate is hinged for easily adding charcoal while grilling
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30" BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker | 811 Square Inch cooking surface, Outdoor for Camping | Black
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811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
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Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
-
Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
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Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D X-Large Premium Dual Chamber Charcoal Grill
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Removable firebox divider for single or dual cooking zone
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Primary cooking area is 576 square inches
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Secondary cooking area is 240 square inches
10
Rating is 4.1 out of 5
Royal Gourmet CC1830W 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill with Side Table, 627 Square Inches, Outdoor Backyard, Patio and Parties, Black
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Spacious Cooking Area: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack, and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
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Offset Smoker: Use the side fire box to get tasty and authentic smoky flavors in the main chamber. Smoking, grilling, or searing all will be your choices.
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Adjustable Charcoal Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan ensures better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lb. of coal.
How do you prevent asparagus from burning on a charcoal grill?
To prevent asparagus from burning on a charcoal grill, follow these steps:
- Soak the asparagus in water: Soaking the asparagus in cold water for about 15-30 minutes before grilling helps prevent them from drying out and burning.
- Oil the asparagus: Lightly coat the asparagus spears with olive oil or any other cooking oil. This enhances the flavor and prevents them from sticking to the grill.
- Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is properly preheated before adding the asparagus. This helps in even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Use direct and indirect heat: Start by grilling the asparagus directly over the heat source for a short period, around 2-3 minutes, to get some charred grill marks. Then move the asparagus to an area with indirect heat, away from direct flames, to finish cooking. This method prevents excessive burning and allows for more controlled cooking until the asparagus is tender.
- Watch the timing: Keep a close eye on the asparagus while grilling and turn them frequently to achieve even cooking and avoid burning. Thin asparagus spears usually take 5-7 minutes, while thicker ones can take up to 10 minutes to grill to perfection.
- Use a grill basket or foil: If you're concerned about the asparagus falling through the grill grates and burning, consider using a grill basket or wrapping the spears in foil. This helps keep them contained and prevents direct contact with the heat source.
Remember, grilling times can vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus spears and the heat of the charcoal grill. It's always a good practice to keep a close eye on them to avoid burning and achieve the desired level of tenderness.
What are some alternative cooking methods for asparagus on a charcoal grill?
- Grilled asparagus foil packets: Wrap the asparagus in a foil packet with olive oil, seasonings, and a splash of lemon juice. Place the packet on the grill and cook until tender.
- Asparagus skewers: Thread the asparagus spears onto skewers and brush with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill the skewers directly on the grill grates until the asparagus is charred and crisp-tender.
- Grilled asparagus bundles: Bundle a few asparagus spears together using a strip of bacon or prosciutto. Secure with toothpicks and place on the grill, turning occasionally until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is cooked.
- Grilled asparagus in a grilling basket: Arrange the asparagus spears in a grilling basket and season with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Place the grilling basket on the grill and cook until the asparagus is tender and slightly charred.
- Grilled asparagus on a plank: Soak a cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour. Brush the plank with olive oil and arrange the asparagus on top. Place the plank on the grill and cook until the asparagus is lightly charred and cooked through.
- Grilled asparagus in a cast-iron skillet: Heat a cast-iron skillet on the grill and add the asparagus along with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cook the asparagus in the skillet, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly charred.
- Grilled asparagus in a grill basket or tray: Place the asparagus in a grill basket or tray and season with olive oil, salt, pepper, and desired spices. Cook the asparagus on the grill, stirring occasionally, until tender and caramelized.
Remember to adjust cooking times and heat levels according to your grill and personal preferences.
Should you remove the tips of asparagus before grilling?
It depends on personal preference. While some people prefer to remove the tough ends of asparagus before grilling, others find it unnecessary. The bottoms of asparagus spears can be tough and woody, so removing them can ensure a more enjoyable texture. However, the tough ends can also act as a natural handle while grilling, making it easier to turn the asparagus without losing any pieces through the grill grates. Ultimately, it is up to you whether to remove the tips or not based on your texture preferences and grilling technique.
