How Long Do You Cook Asparagus On The Barbecue

You can cook asparagus on the barbecue in about 5 to 8 minutes over medium-high heat, depending on the thickness of the spears.
 
That short cook time is exactly why asparagus makes such a great grilling side.
 
It’s quick, it’s tasty, and it pairs with almost anything you’re already throwing on the grill.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how long do you cook asparagus on the barbecue, the honest answer is that it depends on a few things.
 
Thin spears cook faster, thick spears take a little longer, and the method you use changes the timing too.
 
In this post, we’ll cover exactly how long to cook asparagus on the barbecue, the best ways to do it, and a few tips so it comes out perfectly every single time.
 
Let’s get grilling.
 

How Long Do You Cook Asparagus on the Barbecue?

When you cook asparagus on the barbecue, timing is everything.
 
Get it right and you’ll have tender, slightly charred spears with a lovely smokey flavor.
 
Get it wrong and you’ll end up with limp, mushy stalks that nobody wants on their plate.
 
Here’s what you need to know about how long to cook asparagus on the barbecue.
 

1. Thin Spears Need About 5 Minutes

Thin asparagus spears are the quickest to cook on the barbecue.
 
If your spears are pencil-thin, they’ll usually be done in about 4 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat.
 
You’ll want to keep an eye on them because they can go from perfectly charred to burnt in seconds.
 
Flip them once halfway through so both sides get that nice grill mark.
 

2. Medium Spears Take 6 to 7 Minutes

Medium-thickness spears are the most common kind you’ll find at the grocery store.
 
When you cook asparagus on the barbecue at this size, plan for roughly 6 to 7 minutes.
 
That gives the inside enough time to soften while the outside picks up that delicious smoky char.
 
Again, turn them once during cooking so they cook evenly.
 

3. Thick Spears Need 8 to 10 Minutes

Thick, jumbo spears take the longest to cook on the barbecue.
 
Give them around 8 to 10 minutes, and consider using a slightly lower heat so the inside cooks through before the outside burns.
 
You can also blanch thick spears for a minute or two beforehand to speed things up.
 
If you’re cooking asparagus on the barbecue at this size, patience is your friend.
 

Best Ways to Cook Asparagus on the Barbecue

There’s more than one way to cook asparagus on the barbecue, and each method has its perks.
 
Here are the most popular approaches and how they affect your cooking time.
 

1. Directly on the Grill Grates

This is the classic method, and it gives you the best char.
 
Lay the spears perpendicular to the grates so they don’t fall through.
 
Coat them lightly in oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill for the times listed above.
 
This is my favorite way to cook asparagus on the barbecue because you get those lovely grill marks.
 

2. In a Grill Basket

A grill basket is perfect if you have thin spears that might slip through the grates.
 
It also makes flipping a breeze since you can just shake the basket.
 
When you cook asparagus on the barbecue in a basket, add a minute or two to the total time.
 
The basket adds a little barrier between the asparagus and the direct flame.
 

3. Wrapped in Foil

Foiling asparagus is a great option for steaming-style results.
 
Wrap the spears with a little olive oil, garlic, and lemon, then seal the foil tightly.
 
Cook asparagus on the barbecue this way for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning the packet once.
 
You won’t get char marks, but the flavor is fantastic and cleanup is a breeze.
 

Tips for Perfect Barbecued Asparagus

Knowing how long to cook asparagus on the barbecue is half the battle.
 
The other half is nailing the prep and paying attention while it grills.
 
Here are a few tips that make a big difference.
 

1. Snap Off the Woody Ends First

Before you cook asparagus on the barbecue, snap off the tough ends.
 
Just bend each spear near the bottom and it’ll break naturally at the right spot.
 
This keeps your finished dish tender from end to end.
 

2. Coat Them in Oil

A light coating of olive oil keeps the spears from sticking and helps them char nicely.
 
Don’t overdo it though, or you’ll get flare-ups on the barbecue.
 

3. Season Simply

Salt and pepper are really all you need when you cook asparagus on the barbecue.
 
A squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of parmesan at the end takes it up a notch.
 

4. Don’t Walk Away

Asparagus cooks fast, so stay close to the grill.
 
Those few minutes are all it takes to go from perfect to past its prime.
 

So, How Long Do You Cook Asparagus on the Barbecue?

You cook asparagus on the barbecue for about 5 to 8 minutes over medium-high heat, depending on the thickness of the spears.
 
Thin spears take around 5 minutes, medium ones about 6 to 7, and thick spears up to 10 minutes.
 
Whether you grill them directly on the grates, in a basket, or wrapped in foil, the key is to keep an eye on them and pull them off while they’re still bright green and slightly charred.
 
Hopefully this post has answered your question about how long to cook asparagus on the barbecue so you can serve up perfectly grilled spears every time.
 
Now fire up that grill and enjoy.