This Garam Masala Grilled Asparagus is a tasty side dish packed with flavor! The asparagus gets a delicious twist from the warm spices in garam masala, making it special and exciting.
Grilling brings out its natural sweetness, and it’s super easy to make. I love having it with dinner, and I might even sneak some as a snack while cooking. Who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is key for this recipe. Look for firm, bright green stalks. If you can’t find asparagus, you can use green beans or zucchini as a substitute. Just adjust the grilling time as needed!
Garam Masala: This spice blend gives a unique flavor. If you don’t have it, a combination of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon can work in a pinch. It won’t be the same, but it will still add warmth and spice.
Olive Oil: This is my go-to for grilling due to its great flavor. You can swap it out for avocado oil if you want a higher smoke point, which is perfect for grilling.
Garlic Powder: I love using minced fresh garlic for an extra punch of flavor, but garlic powder is more convenient if you’re short on time!
How Do You Grill Asparagus Without It Falling Through the Grates?
Grilling asparagus can be tricky, especially with thin spears that might slip through the grates. Here are some tips to keep everything intact:
- Use a grill basket: This has smaller holes and keeps your veggies secure while allowing them to get that grilled flavor.
- Grill perpendicular to the grates: Place the asparagus horizontally across the grill so they won’t fall through.
- Skewers: You can thread asparagus onto skewers to make flipping easier and keep them from falling.
Just remember to watch them closely, as asparagus cooks quickly and can become mushy if left too long. Happy grilling!
How to Make Garam Masala Grilled Asparagus
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bunch (about 1 pound) fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garam masala spice blend
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, to complement garam masala)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time plus about 5 to 7 minutes of grilling. In no time, you’ll have a delicious and healthy side dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will help the asparagus cook quickly and get those nice grill marks.
2. Prep the Asparagus:
Rinse the asparagus under cool running water to clean them. Pat them dry with a paper towel, and then trim the tough, woody ends off the bottom of the stalks to make them more tender and easier to eat.
3. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, garam masala, (if you’re using it) ground cumin, garlic powder or minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely combined. This spicy marinade is what will give your asparagus great flavor!
4. Coat the Asparagus:
Add the cleaned asparagus to the bowl with the marinade. Toss it gently, making sure each spear is coated evenly with the delicious spice mixture. This step ensures that every bite of asparagus is bursting with flavor!
5. Grill the Asparagus:
Once the grill is hot, place the asparagus directly on the grates perpendicular to the bars to prevent them from falling through, or use a grill basket. Grill for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are evenly charred and tender. You want them to be a little crisp but cooked through!
6. Serve It Up!
After grilling, carefully remove the asparagus from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate. If you like, you can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus just before serving to add a refreshing citrus flavor.
Enjoy your Garam Masala Grilled Asparagus warm, either as a delightful side dish or a tasty vegetarian snack. Yum!
Can I Use Other Vegetables for Grilling?
Absolutely! Other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans can also be delicious when grilled with garam masala. Just adjust the grilling time based on the thickness and type of vegetable you choose.
Is There a Vegan Alternative to Olive Oil?
Yes! You can use avocado oil or coconut oil as a substitute for olive oil. These oils also have great flavors and can withstand the heat of the grill beautifully.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Asparagus?
Store any leftover grilled asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can quickly warm them up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for about 30 seconds, just until heated through.
Can I Marinate the Asparagus Longer?
While you can marinate the asparagus for a few hours in the fridge to enhance the flavor, I recommend not exceeding 24 hours to avoid the asparagus becoming too soft. Just toss them in the marinade a bit before grilling for optimal taste!
