Have you ever wondered if you can cook asparagus on a Blackstone griddle? Well, the answer is yes, you absolutely can! Cooking asparagus on a Blackstone is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have perfectly grilled asparagus that’s bursting with flavor. So, let’s dive in and learn how to cook asparagus on a Blackstone griddle.
Preparing the Asparagus
First, gather six fresh asparagus spears for this recipe. When selecting asparagus, look for firm and bright green spears with closed tips. Avoid any that are wilted or have discolored spots. To prepare the asparagus, start by washing them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Next, trim off the tough woody ends by holding the spear with one hand and bending it until it naturally snaps.
This ensures that you’re left with the tender part of the asparagus. Now, it’s time to blanch the asparagus. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the asparagus. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they become bright green and slightly tender.
Preheating the Blackstone Griddle
To preheat the Blackstone Griddle, turn on the heat to medium-high and allow it to warm up for about 10 minutes. Preheating the griddle has several benefits when it comes to cooking asparagus. Firstly, it ensures that the griddle is evenly heated, allowing for consistent cooking and a perfect sear. This is crucial for achieving that delicious caramelization and crispy texture on your asparagus.
Secondly, preheating helps to prevent the asparagus from sticking to the griddle. When the surface is properly heated, the asparagus will easily release from the griddle, making flipping and turning a breeze. To achieve the perfect sear on your asparagus, make sure the griddle is hot enough before adding the asparagus. This will result in beautifully charred spears that are tender on the inside.
Seasoning the Asparagus
Start by lightly coating the asparagus spears with olive oil and sprinkling them with salt and pepper. This simple step will enhance the flavor of the asparagus and give it a deliciously seasoned taste. If you want to take the seasoning to the next level, you can explore different marinating techniques and flavor combinations. For example, you can try marinating the asparagus in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and soy sauce for a tangy and savory flavor.
Alternatively, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest on top of the olive oil-coated asparagus for a burst of cheesy and citrusy goodness. The possibilities are endless when it comes to seasoning asparagus, so don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors.
Cooking the Asparagus on the Blackstone
Achieving optimal cooking results on the Blackstone grill requires attentiveness and precision. When it comes to cooking asparagus, there are a few cooking techniques and grilling tips that can help you achieve a delicious and perfectly cooked dish. First, preheat your Blackstone grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the asparagus cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks.
While the grill is heating up, prepare the asparagus by trimming off the tough ends and tossing them in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once the grill is hot, place the asparagus spears directly on the grates, making sure to lay them perpendicular to the grates. This will prevent them from falling through the cracks.
Cook the asparagus for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re tender-crisp and slightly charred. Remember to keep an eye on the asparagus as they cook, as they can quickly go from perfectly cooked to overdone. Once the asparagus is done, remove them from the grill and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Serving and Enjoying the Grilled Asparagus
Now it’s time to savor the deliciously grilled asparagus and enjoy it to the fullest. After all the effort you put into cooking it on the Blackstone, you want to make sure you serve it in a way that complements its flavors. When it comes to serving suggestions, there are several options you can explore. One popular choice is to sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the grilled asparagus. The nuttiness of the cheese pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of the asparagus.
Another idea is to drizzle some balsamic reduction or lemon juice on top, adding a tangy and refreshing element to the dish. Grilled asparagus also makes an excellent side dish for grilled meats such as steak or chicken. The earthy taste of the asparagus complements the rich and savory flavors of the meats.
Conclusion
In just a few simple steps, you can perfectly cook asparagus on your Blackstone griddle.
- Preheat the griddle.
- Season the asparagus.
- Cook it to a crisp and tender perfection.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to serve up a delicious and healthy side dish that everyone will enjoy. So fire up your Blackstone, grab some fresh asparagus, and get ready to elevate your grilling game with this mouthwatering recipe.
