Smoked Asparagus

If you're looking for a new and exciting way to cook asparagus, you've come to the right place! This smoked asparagus recipe is simple and delicious and will surely be a hit with your friends and family.

Asparagus is a perennial vegetable with an earthy and grassy flavor and a lot of fiber. When it is smoked, the flavor takes on a deeper, more complex taste that is often described as being similar to bacon. Smoked asparagus is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savory main dishes and side dishes. It is perfect for adding a smoky flavor.

Asparagus is great with almost any main dish including chicken, steak, 3-2-1 ribs, shrimp, and salmon. It is one of our favorite vegetables when it is available.

Ingredients

Asparagus - Asparagus is a perennial flowering plant that grows in temperate climates. The asparagus plant has long, slender stems and small, delicate leaves. The asparagus plant produces small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in the spring. But, most of all, asparagus is delicious when properly prepared. 

Olive Oil - We coat the outside of the asparagus with a little olive oil to help the seasoning stick to it.

Salt & Pepper - Salt and black pepper are two of the most common spices used in cooking. They enhance the natural flavor of the foods they are used on.

How to Make Smoked Asparagus

Step One: Prep the asparagus by snapping off the bottom of each stalk. This removed the tough woody section. Season the asparagus stalks with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step Two: Smoke the asparagus for 35 minutes or until tender on a wood smoker or pellet grill. Serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Expert Tip: Just put them right on the grate. You don't need a grilling basket or foil.

Variations

Balsamic - Drizzle with a little balsamic glaze right before serving.

Cheese - We love parmesan cheese sprinkled on asparagus spears. Other good choices are crumbled cheese like feta or goat cheese, or sprinkle shredded cheese like cheddar or gouda on top when it comes off the grill hot.

Lemon - Drizzle the cooked stalks with a bit of fresh lemon juice.

Seasoning - Add garlic powder, onion powder, or even spices like cumin and chili powder.

Butter - Brush melted butter over the smoked asparagus when it comes off the smoker.

Wood - The type of wood used can definitely change the flavor. We normally use hickory or mesquite pellets in our pellet smoker.

Common Questions

What are good veggies to smoke?

There are a few different types of vegetables that can be smoked in order to create a delicious and unique flavor. There are a few factors to consider when choosing vegetables to smoke.

First, you'll want to choose vegetables that have high water content. This is because the smoking process will cause the vegetables to lose some of their moisture.

Second, you'll want to choose vegetables that are dense and have high sugar content. This is because the smoking process will cause the sugars in the vegetables to caramelize, giving them a sweeter flavor. Some of the best vegetables to smoke are potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic. 

How long does it take to smoke vegetables on a smoker?

Smoking vegetables on a smoker varies depending on the type of vegetable. For example, smoked asparagus generally takes about 35 minutes, while potatoes can take up to 2.5 hours. The best way to determine how long it will take to smoke your vegetables is to consult a smoking chart or guide.

We have a handy one-page free printable with smoking times listed. You can get that HERE.

Why is my cooked asparagus tough?

There are a few reasons why your asparagus might be coming out tough. One possibility is that you're overcooking it. Asparagus is a delicate vegetable and it doesn't take much to overcook it and make it tough. Another possibility is that you're using tough, woody asparagus. To avoid this, make sure you're using fresh asparagus that's in season.

How do I prep asparagus for cooking?

When preparing asparagus for cooking, you will want to snap off the ends. This will help to ensure that the asparagus is cooked evenly and prevents any tough or chewy bits. Once the ends are snapped off, you can then proceed with your chosen cooking method.