Charred New Jersey Asparagus with Lemon

Introduction

Celebrate the arrival of fresh, tender New Jersey asparagus with this simple yet delicious grilled asparagus recipe prepared entirely on the Arteflame grill. The high-heat griddle sears the asparagus beautifully without burning, locking in the natural sweetness and delivering smoky flavor in every bite. Finished with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon, this dish is springtime on a plate – bright, seasonal, and satisfying!

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh New Jersey asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 fresh lemon (cut in wedges)
• Kosher salt to taste
• Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up your Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the fire bowl of your Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood neatly over the napkins.
4. Light the paper. Your grill will be ready to cook in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prep the asparagus

1. While the grill comes up to temperature, trim the tough ends from the asparagus spears.
2. In a bowl, toss asparagus with melted butter, salt, pepper, and garlic if using.

Step 3: Grill the asparagus

1. Place the asparagus on the flat cooktop surrounding the center grill grate.
2. Use the hotter inner zones of the griddle for a quick sear and the outer zone to hold them warm.
3. Grill the asparagus for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred.

Step 4: Finish with lemon

1. Remove from heat and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the grilled asparagus.
2. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

Tips

• The Arteflame griddle surface cooks the asparagus evenly without flare-ups, so no need for a lid.
• Always use butter instead of oil for enhanced flavor.
• Pair the asparagus with reverse-seared meats also grilled on your Arteflame for a complete meal.
• Cook near the center for higher temperatures and near the edge for more delicate cooking.
• No clean-up stress – the Arteflame grill cleans up easily after the fire dies out.

Variations

1. Parmesan Crusted Asparagus: Add grated parmesan over asparagus in the final two minutes of grilling for a crispy, savory crust.
2. Spicy Chili Asparagus: Toss the spears with melted butter mixed with crushed red chili flakes for a bit of heat.
3. Balsamic Glazed Asparagus: Drizzle balsamic reduction over the asparagus just before serving for sweet and tangy flavor.
4. Herb-Infused Asparagus: Add fresh thyme and rosemary to the butter before tossing to infuse the spears with herby richness.
5. Smoky Paprika Asparagus: Sprinkle smoked paprika into the melted butter prior to grilling for an earthy, deep flavor.

Best pairings

• Reverse-seared ribeye or New York strip steak
• Grilled lemon herb chicken thighs
• Grilled sourdough bread with garlic butter
• Chilled Sauvignon Blanc or dry rosé
• Light herbed couscous or quinoa salad

Conclusion

This grilled New Jersey asparagus recipe is both classy and effortless, showcasing the unique smoky flavor achieved on the Arteflame grill. It’s fresh, fast, and the perfect accompaniment to nearly any grilled protein. Once you try asparagus on the Arteflame, you’ll never want it any other way.