What To Know
- Grill the asparagus for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
- Once your bacon-wrapped asparagus is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
- The combination of crispy bacon and tender asparagus is a flavor sensation that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Grilling season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and visually stunning? Enter bacon-wrapped asparagus, a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish that’s guaranteed to impress. But mastering the art of how to grill bacon wrapped asparagus goes beyond simply wrapping bacon around the spears. It’s about achieving that perfect balance of crispy bacon and tender asparagus, a culinary feat that’s easier than you might think.
Choosing the Right Asparagus
The foundation of any great dish lies in its ingredients, and asparagus is no exception. Opt for fresh, vibrant spears with tightly closed tips. Avoid asparagus that’s limp, wilted, or has yellowed tips.
Prepping the Asparagus
1. Trim the ends: Use a sharp knife to remove the tough, woody ends of the asparagus spears. You can snap the ends off by bending them until they break naturally.
2. Clean the spears: Rinse the asparagus thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Season generously: Salt and pepper are your best friends here. Season the asparagus spears liberally with both, ensuring even coverage.
Wrapping the Asparagus with Bacon
1. Choose your bacon: Thick-cut bacon will give you a crispier bite, but regular bacon works just fine.
2. Slice the bacon: Cut each bacon slice in half lengthwise.
3. Wrap the asparagus: Place a half-slice of bacon on a flat surface. Lay the asparagus spear on top of the bacon, starting at the thicker end. Wrap the bacon around the asparagus, tucking the ends underneath. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
4. Repeat: Repeat the process until all the asparagus spears are wrapped.
Grilling the Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
1. Preheat your grill: Set your grill to medium heat. If using a gas grill, preheat for about 10 minutes. For charcoal grills, let the coals heat until they are covered with a thin layer of white ash.
2. Grease the grill grates: Lightly oil the grill grates with a brush or paper towel dipped in oil. This will prevent the bacon from sticking.
3. Place the asparagus on the grill: Arrange the bacon-wrapped asparagus spears on the grill, leaving some space between each one to allow for even cooking.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes: Grill the asparagus for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
5. Flip the asparagus: Flip the asparagus spears halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Tips for Perfect Grilling
- Don’t overcrowd the grill: Give the asparagus spears enough space to cook evenly.
- Use a grill brush: Clean the grill grates between batches to prevent sticking.
- Watch the bacon closely: Bacon can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on it and adjust the heat as needed.
- Experiment with flavors: Add a touch of sweetness to your bacon-wrapped asparagus by drizzling with maple syrup or honey before grilling. For a smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
Serving Your Masterpiece
Once your bacon-wrapped asparagus is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. The bacon will continue to crisp up as it cools. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra touch of freshness.
Beyond the Basics: Elevating the Dish
- Add a dipping sauce: A simple dipping sauce like aioli, ranch dressing, or even a balsamic glaze can elevate the flavor of your bacon-wrapped asparagus.
- Combine with other grilled vegetables: For a complete meal, grill other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions alongside your bacon-wrapped asparagus.
- Make it a meal: Serve your bacon-wrapped asparagus over a bed of quinoa or rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
The Final Bite: A Delicious Conclusion
Grilling bacon-wrapped asparagus is a simple yet rewarding experience. The combination of crispy bacon and tender asparagus is a flavor sensation that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate. So fire up the grill and get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make, delicious dish.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Can I prepare the bacon-wrapped asparagus ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped asparagus in advance. Simply wrap the asparagus with bacon and refrigerate until ready to grill. This will help the bacon adhere to the asparagus better.
Q: What if my bacon isn‘t crispy enough?
A: If your bacon isn‘t as crispy as you’d like, you can finish cooking it in the oven. Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 5-10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
Q: What other types of meat can I use to wrap asparagus?
A: While bacon is the classic choice, you can also use other types of meat, such as prosciutto, pancetta, or even thin slices of sausage.
Q: Can I grill bacon-wrapped asparagus on a gas grill?
A: Absolutely! Gas grills are a great option for grilling bacon-wrapped asparagus. Just make sure to preheat the grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
