Smoked Asparagus On A Pellet Grill (In 4 Simple Steps)

Smoked asparagus spears are a delicious side dish!

A smoker takes this humble vegetable from boring to DELICIOUS!

This simple recipe will give you everything you need to create a yummy side dish!

Buying Asparagus

When buying spears of asparagus, look for bundles of the same length and thickness. This will you give an even cook.

Look for fresh, crisp heads. Steer clear of anything wrinkled or limp.

This indicates dehydration, and the stalks won’t be as fresh and crisp.

Avoid anything with a grey or white color. This is the woody part and is inedible for grilling.

Look for as vibrant and green as possible, from top to bottom.

Preparing Asparagus

To prepare the fresh asparagus, pre-wash it well.

Asparagus is grown in light sandy soil, so often has soil residue still attached.

Rinse well, and finish off with a soak in cold water to remove any remaining debris.

Smoked Asparagus Recipe

This simple recipe balances the sweet, salty, and smoky with fresh, crisp asparagus.

A few minutes of prep time is needed to create a great-tasting side dish.

Ingredients

• Bunch fresh Asparagus spears
• Olive oil
• 1 tbsp table or kosher salt
• 1 tbsp black ground pepper

Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

Step 1: Trimming the Asparagus

Trim off the bottom woody section on the asparagus stalk. 

Do this by holding each end and bending until it snaps at the natural point of softness.

Takes all the guesswork out of the task!

If you have particularly tough spears, peel the lower part of the skin from the stem with a vegetable peeler.

Step 2: Seasoning the Asparagus

Coat the asparagus with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.

You can use any seasoning you desire.

Garlic butter or barbecue rub are good options.

Step 3: Preparing the Smoker

Set the pellet smoker to 190°F. Keep the temperature low to medium heat.

This will produce the most smoke without burning the vegetables.

Light subtle wood chips are best with vegetables. 

In this recipe, I used hickory pellets, as they were already in the hopper.

But anything light flavored like maple, cherry, or apple wood works as well.

Step 4: Smoking Asparagus

Place the seasoned spears in a baking tray, cast iron skillet, or aluminum tray. You don’t want to lose them down the grill grates!

Lay in a single layer to allow the smoke to permeate through the spears.

Leave the spears to cook on the grill for 2 hours. Then increase the temperature to 300°F for the final 30 minutes.

Step 5: Lemon Butter

Blend the melted butter and lemon juice. Drizzle the sauce mix over the spears and smoke for another 10-20 minutes until tender.

Avoid brushing the sauce on as it may damage the stalk heads.

Step 6: When It’s Ready

The asparagus is ready when it’s a bright green shade. It should be firm but tender. If you can bend it without snapping, it’s ready to eat.

Biting into it should give you a nice crunch without being raw. Soggy asparagus isn’t a pleasant taste sensation!

Recipe Variations:

If you prefer something with a little more tang, drizzle with a balsamic honey sauce.

Or, for a more meaty flavor, glaze the asparagus with a barbecue sauce. Wrap with bacon strips for a barbecue bacon explosion of flavor.

Crush some garlic and combine with melted butter. Pour over the par-cooked spears.

Using An Airfryer!

Don’t have time to fire up the smoker? Why not throw your asparagus in the air fryer!

It bearly takes any prep or cooking time!

See a declious recipe here where they also wrap the asparagus in bacon, yum!

Looking for More Sides

Are you looking for more sides? See some of our favorites below

Smoked Mac and Cheese

Smoked Oysters

Spam Burnt Ends

Seasoning and Sauces for Asparagus

The secret to great smoked vegetables is all in the seasoning. Asparagus is no exception. 

At the least, use salt and pepper seasoning. But rubs, juices, and sauces are also great to jazz up your vegetables.

Serving Suggestions for Asparagus 

Smoked asparagus is a great side dish for most meats. Fish, chicken, beef, or seafood goes great with a side of delicious smoked asparagus.

Try smoked chicken breasts with a side of smoked asparagus.

Add baked potatoes to make a simple, healthy mid-week meal.

Or smoked pork chops with garlic smoked asparagus, grilled corn, and creamed potatoes 

Store any leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days, covered. Leftover vegetables are great to make a great addition to a simple meal. Use in salads, quiches, or throw them together in a breakfast omelet.

Want More Easy And Declious Recipes?

Here are some of my favorite Traeger recipes you can try at home.

Smoked Garlic

Pulled Pork

Smoked Brisket

Smoking asparagus takes an unassuming vegetable and gives it an earthy flavor twist.

Next time you’re smoking your main meal, try throwing some fresh asparagus on the grill. Taste it for yourself!

Smoke On!

Charlie

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