Missouri Grilled Asparagus with Garlic Butter

Introduction

Nothing complements a grilled meal quite like perfectly charred, tender asparagus. This Missouri-style grilled asparagus is cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill, giving it a beautiful sear while bringing out its natural sweetness. Tossed in garlic butter, this dish is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Fire up your grill and let’s get started!

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the grill.
3. Stack firewood on top of the napkins and light them.
4. Wait about 20 minutes for the grill to reach cooking temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the garlic butter

1. Melt the butter in a small bowl.
2. Add the minced garlic and mix well.
3. Set aside until the asparagus is grilled.

Step 3: Grill the asparagus

1. Place the asparagus spears on the flat cooktop near the center to get a quick sear.
2. Turn the asparagus frequently to ensure even cooking.
3. Grill for 5–7 minutes, moving the spears towards the cooler zones if needed to prevent burning.

Step 4: Toss in garlic butter

1. Remove the asparagus from the grill once tender and slightly charred.
2. Place in a serving dish and toss with the prepared garlic butter.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

1. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
2. Serve immediately alongside your grilled meal.

Tips

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
• If using thick asparagus spears, trim and peel the woody ends slightly for even cooking.
• Use a grill-safe basting brush to coat the asparagus in butter while grilling for a richer taste.

Variations

1. Balsamic Glazed Asparagus: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the grilled asparagus before serving for a tangy twist.
2. Spicy Asparagus: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the butter mixture for a bit of heat.
3. Cheesy Garlic Asparagus: Top with a mix of Parmesan and shredded mozzarella for a cheesy finish.
4. Herbed Butter Asparagus: Use a blend of rosemary, thyme, and basil in the butter for an herby depth of flavor.
5. Smoky Asparagus: Sprinkle smoked paprika before grilling for a rich, smoky taste.

Best pairings

• Grilled ribeye steak
• Seared salmon filets
• Lemon garlic shrimp
• Grilled chicken breast
• Smoked pork chops

Conclusion

Missouri-style grilled asparagus is easy to prepare, rich in flavor, and a perfect side dish for any grilled meal. Cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill, the natural flavor of the asparagus shines through with a deliciously buttery garlic finish. Pair it with your favorite grilled meats and enjoy the perfect balance of smokiness and freshness.