Grilling Asparagus with Bacon: A Mouthwatering Recipe and Expert Tips [Plus Health Benefits and Cooking Times]
What is Asparagus on the Grill with Bacon?
Asparagus on the grill with bacon is a delicious side dish that combines two favorite ingredients for a tasty and nutritious meal. This dish involves grilling fresh asparagus alongside crispy bacon pieces to bring out their flavor and natural sweetness.
- The salty taste of bacon complements perfectly with the earthy flavor of asparagus.
- Cooking asparagus on the grill brings out its natural smokiness, making it more flavorful and crunchy than when steamed or boiled.
- This recipe offers a low-carb, gluten-free option packed full of vitamins A, C, E, K, B6 and fiber.
How to Grill Asparagus with Bacon: Tips and Tricks for Success
As the weather starts heating up, so does our craving for delicious grilled meals. But when it comes to grilling vegetables, many people tend to shy away from them thinking they’re difficult or won’t taste as good compared to meat options. However, one exception is Asparagus – a nutrient-packed and flavorful vegetable that can be elevated to higher levels of delectable delight with the help of some bacon.
Grilled Asparagus with Bacon not only looks impressive on your plate but also generates an explosion of flavors in your mouth. And if you’re convinced that this combination deserves a slot at your next BBQ party then read on because here are some tips and tricks for making perfect Grilled Asparagus with Bacon!
1) Start by preparing fresh asparagus: Look for firm stalks with tightly closed tips – On average, 4-6 spears per person should suffice but feel free to adjust according to preferences.
2) Prep Work: Preheat grill (the ideal temperature would be around 400 F). Rinse asparagus thoroughly under cold water and pat dry using paper towels.
3) Seasoning Goes A Long Way: Drizzle olive oil over both sides of each asparagus spear while lightly seasoning them with salt, pepper and garlic powder exactly how you’d like it.
4) Wrap In Some Flavorful Bacon Strips: Bundle together around six pieces of asparagus along with one strip of bacon wrapped appropriately such that they overlap each other. Continue doing so until all the ingredients have been used leaving sufficient space between the bundles while ensuring that everything stays intact securely before placing it onto medium heat directly above which cooks approximately within 10 minutes giving ample time necessary ingredients need inorder meld well without any burnt ends
5) Keep It Moving To Avoid Sticking & Burning : Ensure flipping once during cooking process keeping uncovered till crispness desired where turning ensures no sticking takes place
6 ) Serve Hot Off The Grill: Remove from heat when the bacon appears crispy and asparagus has been cooked perfectly becoming tender in texture, juicy with a slight charred touch.
7) Preferably chill & serve : Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before carefully removing toothpicks if any holding them together. This way each spear will have absorbed all flavor well enough while still maintaining a distinct taste leaving your guests satisfied!
So there you have it! Grilled Asparagus wrapped up deliciously with bacon makes for an easy yet impressive side dish or mouthwatering appetizer that’s sure to impress anyone. It doesn’t need much time or expertise but simply good quality ingredients coupled with patience and you’ll be ready to prepare this delightful recipe anytime throughout the year.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Perfect Asparagus on the Grill with Bacon
Asparagus is one of those vegetables that only comes around for a few months out of the year, making it all the more special when we can finally get our hands on some crisp stalks. While oven-roasting or sautéing asparagus are both delicious preparation methods, grilling asparagus has a certain charm and smoky flavor that can’t be beat. And if you really want to take things up a notch (and let’s face it – who doesn’t?), adding bacon into the mix just makes everything better.
So here’s an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide for making perfect asparagus on the grill with bacon:
Ingredients:
-1 lb. fresh asparagus
-4 slices of thick-cut bacon
-Olive oil
-Salt and pepper
Directions:
1) Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2) Wash and trim your asparagus by snapping off the woody ends at their natural breaking point (usually about 2 inches from the bottom). Place them in a bowl and drizzle lightly with olive oil, then toss until evenly coated.
3) Cut each slice of bacon in half crosswise so you end up with 8 short strips.
4) Take one piece of bacon and carefully wrap it around one spear of asparagus, starting at one end and spiraling down towards the other. Make sure to overlap slightly where necessary so that no part of the asparagus is exposed.
5) Repeat until all spears have been wrapped in bacon – this should yield roughly 8 bundles total.
6) Sprinkle each bundle generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
7) Place bundles directly onto preheated grill grate (use tongs or spatula to avoid burning yourself!). Cook for approximately 10 minutes total, turning every couple minutes to ensure even cooking. The bacon should be crispy but not burnt!
8) Once fully cooked through, remove from grill using tongs or spatula and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Let sit for a minute or two to cool slightly before serving.
And voila! You now have the perfect summertime side dish that’s sure to impress any guests at your next backyard barbecue. The bacon adds just the right amount of smoky flavor, while also helping keep the asparagus moist and juicy during cooking so you don’t end up with dry stalks. It’s a win-win situation all around.
A couple additional pro-tips:
-If you’re worried about the bacon not getting fully cooked through on the grill (it can happen if your heat is too low), pre-cook it in a pan on the stovetop until it’s partially rendered but still pliable enough to wrap around the asparagus.
-Feel free to experiment with different seasonings – garlic salt, smoked paprika, or lemon pepper would all complement these bundles nicely.
-Have extra asparagus? Make another batch without bacon by simply grilling them naked – they’ll taste great either way!
So fire up that grill and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious greens (with an indulgent twist). Happy grilling!
Top FAQ’s About Grilling Asparagus with Bacon Answered
Grilling asparagus with bacon is one of the most beloved barbeque dishes, especially during summer. Not only does it offer a perfect balance between salty and savory flavors, but it’s also easy to make and healthy too! As inexperienced grillers may have some questions about how best to prepare this dish, we’ve provided answers to some frequently asked questions.
Q: How do I select the right asparagus for grilling?
A: The fresher the better! When selecting your asparagus spears from a store or farmers’ market, look for firm and evenly shaped specimens with vibrant green stems. Stay away from yellowed ends or wilted leaves.
Q: Should I pre-cook my bacon before wrapping around each spear of asparagus?
A: No need – cooking raw bacon directly on the grill will keep it juicy while imparting its smoky flavor onto the stalks of asparagus creating an unbeatable combination!
Q: What temperature should my grill be set at for optimal results?
A: Preheat your grill to medium-high (around 400-450°F). This ensures that both ingredients are cooked evenly without burning either.
Q: Is seasoning necessary when grilling asparagus wrapped in bacon?
A: Seasoning enhances and complements these already delicious components. We suggest brushing on garlic-infused oil onto your spears beforehand or adding salt/pepper after they cook—keeping simple additions allows you savor all aspects of these flavors..
Q; Does Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus complement any dips/sauces well?
A : Definitely so – try making a quick hollandaise sauce consisting of butter, egg yolks,vinegar/lime juice then finished off with rich clarified butter. Be warned though enjoy through moderation due to its calories count,.
Grilled Bacon-wrapped Asparagus has become quite popular over time because It’s ideal cuisine choice – Its sumptuous taste sparks joy within the mouth and brings development to the palate, making this dish worthy of being a part of any summertime feast. So don’t be afraid to experiment with some cheese & herbs or chorizo crumbles mixed for an added flavor!.
The Surprising Benefits of Grilling Asparagus with Bacon You Need to Know
Asparagus is a superfood for all the right reasons. It’s packed with nutrients, vitamins and has anti-inflammatory properties that can boost your overall health.
But let’s be honest – sometimes eating asparagus can be somewhat of an acquired taste. Sure, it’s good with lemon butter or even grilled with some olive oil and salt but what if we told you there was another way to give this vegetable a flavor-packed upgrade? Say hello to bacon! That’s right- everything tastes better when paired with bacon, including asparagus!
Read on to discover all the surprising benefits of grilling asparagus wrapped in crispy bacon.
1) Boosts Flavor
Asparagus often needs added something extra to make it palatable for everyone at mealtime. Bacon serves up that umami flavor (the savory fifth taste sensation), giving plain veggies like asparagus much-needed savoriness. The great thing about bacon is its smoky aroma leaves no corner untouched so just cooking them together fills the whole house with aromas that will send those salivary glads into overdrive!
2) Nutrient-Rich Vegetable + Protein= A Match Made In Heaven!
Bacon provides high-quality protein and additional nutrition beyond traditional vegetables while asparagus delivers essential vitamins A, C, K & E along folic acid which is required by pregnant women during their pregnancy period. So imagine how beneficial it becomes when both combined?
3) Perfect Side Dish For Everyone And Every Occasion
Bacon-wrapped grilled Asparagus isn’t only perfect for family dinners; they are an excellent side option on BBQ days too… think alongside burgers, hotdogs and steaks – without fail guests always gravitate towards the smoky goodness coming off of these tasty little green guys!
4) Easy To Make
If you’re looking for easy-to-make meals that require minimum effort but maximum taste- then look no further! Grilled Asparugus Wrapped With Bacon is a dish that requires no extra preparation, needs only 2 ingredients and can be whipped up in almost under 25 minutes. The prep time is minimal (just a few slices of bacon wrapped around each Asparagus stalk) then simply grill until the bacon turns crispy! That’s it- minimum fuss but maximum flavor!
So there you have it – now you know why Asparagus with Bacon works so well in your menu plans. It combines essential nutritional benefits, awesome deliciousness and easy-to-make convenience into one irresistible package.
Next time you’re stumped for side dishes to complement meals or even hosting an outdoor BBQ; consider wrapping asparagus with bacon on their next day out at the grill to give everyone something they’ll adore! Trust us; they’ll absolutely love this unconventional combination and use any excuse to rustle them up again & again throughout grilling season!
5 Fun Facts About Asparagus on the Grill with Bacon That Will Surprise You
As the summer approaches and BBQs calls, nothing hits the spot better than a juicy grilled entree. While there are plenty of options to put on your grill, asparagus with bacon undoubtedly stands out from the crowd.
Here are five fun facts about asparagus on the grill with bacon that will surprise you:
1. Asparagus thrives in soil rich in minerals
Asparagus is usually grown in soils that contain magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium zinc and iron to promote healthy growth. These nutrients impact its color, flavor and overall nutritional value — so make sure to look for those big green spears.
2. Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Is Surprisingly Low In Calories
Bacon-wrapped asparagus seems like a dish loaded with calories due to its delicious richness- after all we often associate it with fatty meat products . However , if already looking forward towards serving this yummy grilled treat underneath lovely sunny skies while dodging some drones up above..rest easy knowing it’s lighter than other indulgences such burgers or hot dogs.Most of the fat comes from unsaturated fats found in vegetables of which fiber content spikes our metabolic rate translating into efficiently burning more fat throughout your day.
3. It’s great for digestion:
Asparagus works wonders when consumed regularly since it contains dietary fibers; including insoluble ones.These indestructible elements have been proven through numerous scientific research papers indicating they somehow slow down digestive enzymes by binding (or avoiding being damaged) preventing unwanted burn-out Helping maintain optimal liver function.Functionally speaking thus can minimize risk factors associated unhealthy eating habits& inconsistency within meals
4. You Don’t Need A Fancy Grill To Make This Dish Successful: When grilling indoors or outdoors alike one may consider investing fancy equipment but “The most basic rules still apply”. Remember not overcrowding-your-grill-with-too-many-stalks—remembering utensils,tongs and aluminum foil go a long way in any grilling, even if it’s just asparagus!
5. Prosciutto v.s Bacon I always thought that bacon was an ideal partner for grilled veggies-&-meat combo,however
As convenient as crispy bacon seems to be the 90% muscle meat and fat content will yield more high cholesterol influence than using rich proscuitto.A body of research has linked consumption processed meat substitutes with increased risk colorectal cancer or heightened inflammation within the gut-.So swapping your evening slice of smoky pork from time–to-time is a smart alternative when dining out under someone else’s control .
Elevate Your Next BBQ: Impress Your Guests with Grilled Asparagus and Bacon
There’s nothing quite like a good barbecue, is there? The smell of sizzling meat on the grill, the chinking of cold drinks in glasses and the laughter and chatter of friends gathered around. But if you’re looking to take your next BBQ from just another casual cookout to an unforgettable culinary experience, it might be time to up your game with some grilled asparagus and bacon.
Yes, we said it – asparagus can hold its own at any BBQ. This versatile vegetable adds a pop of color and crunch to any spread helpfully combined by crispy bacon which will make this side dish one for your guests’ favorite part of the meal.
But why stop at simply grilling these tasty treats when you can elevate them even further? Try marinating your asparagus before cooking them on the grill – balsamic vinegar or lemon juice are both great options that add flavor without overpowering the taste of the fresh veggies. You could also sprinkle chopped garlic or parmesan cheese over them for added pizzazz.
When it comes time to fire up that grill, don’t skimp on heat. Asparagus cooks quickly but will benefit greatly from some char marks to give a smoky caramelized finish so aim for high temperature (around 400°F). Keep turning those plump spears regularly until they are slightly tender yet still have their firm texture retained without being too soft (we suggest between 5 – 10 minutes depending how crunchy or tender you want yours).
With these simple tips in mind, serve this fancy-looking dish with confidence alongside other staples such as burgers, chicken wings, ribs or brisket; trust us when we say no one truly minds trading in traditional baked beans for something healthier! And while everyone else is happily munching down their vegetables while refilling plates with hot dogs & sausages—your grill-smoked baby back ribs perfection surely earns mountains accolades throughout summer seasons!
So go ahead, bring a touch of sophistication to your next barbecue and wow your guests with some mouth-watering asparagus, bacon and grill magic!
Table with useful data:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Asparagus | 1 lb |
| Bacon | 6 slices |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Information from an expert:
Grilling asparagus with bacon is a delicious way to enhance the natural flavors of both ingredients. Asparagus should be washed and trimmed before being cooked on the grill for about 8-10 minutes, until tender but still firm. Bacon strips can be wrapped around each asparagus spear or cut into small pieces and grilled alongside. The smoky flavor of the grill will complement the saltiness of the bacon, creating a mouth-watering dish that’s perfect as a side or appetizer. I recommend garnishing with fresh herbs or lemon juice for added zest. Enjoy!
Historical fact:
Grilling asparagus with bacon has been a popular culinary technique since the Middle Ages, when it was believed that cooking vegetables over an open flame would enhance their flavor and nutritional value. Bacon was added for its salty, smoky taste and to complement the earthy taste of asparagus. Today, this dish remains a favorite among grill enthusiasts and is enjoyed around the world.
