How to Cook Grilled Asparagus Indoors

Asparagus is abundant in the spring.

When the weather is simply too uncomfortable to be outdoors, try grilling asparagus on a grill pan in the kitchen. It's an easy way to cook asparagus and, unlike boiling, retains many of the vitamins in the vegetable. You can even add a smoky flavor to the asparagus by using a dash of a smoke-flavored liquid used to impart a grilled flavor to food that hasn't been cooked over coals.

Things You'll Need

• Asparagus spears
• Grill pan
• Olive oil
• Liquid smoke product (optional)
• Lemon juice or vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash the asparagus thoroughly. Asparagus is a vegetable that grows up through the soil and tiny amounts of dirt or sand can embed themselves in the tips of the asparagus.

2. Snap off the ends of the asparagus by holding the spear from the bottom and the middle and bending the asparagus. The older, woodier part of the vegetable will pop off. If you want, you can save the ends to create a broth. If you don't have any plans to use a vegetable broth, blanch the ends, place in a food storage bag and freeze for later use. Although the ends may have pith, they still have lots of flavor.

3. Dry the spears and coat with olive oil. Add a thin layer of olive oil to a pan long enough to accommodate the spears. If you want the smoky flavor, add a drop or two of the liquid smoke product into the oil and stir it.

4. Add the asparagus spears to the olive oil and roll around to coat the spears evenly.

5. Turn the stove burner onto medium high and heat the grilling pan. Grilling pans have raised bars inside them that provide the grill marks that outdoor barbecue grills make when food is placed directly on the grill. Turn the asparagus after the marks form on the stalks. Keep rolling the asparagus on the grill until the asparagus reaches the tenderness that you like. This vegetable cooks quickly, especially pencil-thin asparagus. Some people like this vegetable crisp, while others prefer it cooked until soft.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add lemon juice to the olive oil to intensify the flavor of the asparagus or use rice wine vinegar. You can also add a little salt and pepper to the asparagus.

References

• Recipe Tips: Grilling Asparagus
• Grilled Vegetable Recipes: Grilled Asparagus