How to smoke asparagus on a pellet grill

Call me crazy, but I smoke EVERYTHING! Some ingredients turn out not so great, but some, like this Smoked Asparagus, are amazing! This delicious dish is a set-it-and-forget-it dish that pairs so well with, well, just about anything! Hungry? Read on and I, Chef Jenn, will show you all my tips and tricks to make this amazing asparagus side dish!

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One of my biggest pet peeves with my Traeger pellet smoker is all the wasted space. So, if I’m just smoking a few chicken thighs or some beef for dinner, I usually fill up the extra space on the smoker with other things. I’ve smoked everything from sweet potatoes to Brussels sprouts just so all that delicious smoke isn’t going to waste.

That’s how this recipe came to be. Smoking asparagus is quick and easy and look at the color! Such a vibrant green and the kiss of smoke doesn’t overwhelm the delicate flavor of the asparagus.

What You Need To Make Smoked Asparagus

• Smoker – I make my smoker recipes on a Traeger pellet smoker but you can use whatever smoker you have
• Grill basket or grill grids
• Asparagus – see my tips below about prepping asparagus
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

That’s it!

A Word On Asparagus

Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables, and this asparagus Traeger recipe is particularly good. I love how versatile it is, and I love how the delicate flavor pairs so well as an ingredient in other dishes or stands out as the main attraction. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your asparagus:

Buying Asparagus

Look for bundles of asparagus that are roughly the same length and diameter. Thinner or thicker, it doesn’t really matter. Thinner asparagus doesn’t mean it is younger asparagus. Asparagus comes in all sorts of diameters – just make sure you get them about the same thickness for even cooking.

Also check that the asparagus is unwrinkled and that the brushy tops are firm and closed. Here’s another tip: the ends of the asparagus – the more white/grey on the ends, the more you’re going to discard. You’re paying for unusable asparagus because that part is woody and inedible. Good for soups and stocks, but not for eating. So look for bundles that are as green as possible, from end to end.

Preparing Asparagus

Asparagus grows in fine, sandy soil. So it is REALLY important that you wash it well. I usually hold the brushy tips of the asparagus under running water to dislodge any dirt. I do them one or two asparagus spears at a time. Then, working with a handful at a time, I’ll fill a large bowl with water and put the asparagus into the water, swishing it around quite strongly to get rid of any last dirt.

Let the water settle and check the bottom of the bowl for any sediment. If you feel grit at the bottom of the bowl, you should probably repeat the process.

You don’t want to bite into gritty asparagus. There’s nothing that’ll ruin your delicious dish faster than gritty asparagus.

How To Smoke Asparagus

1. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to preheat your smoker.
2. Wash the asparagus, toss it with the olive oil, and add the salt and pepper.
3. Put the asparagus into a grilling basket or a grill grid so that you don’t lose it down under the grates.
4. How long to smoke asparagus? Smoke at 225-F for about an hour. Toss after 30 minutes.

How To Tell When Asparagus Is Cooked

Cooked asparagus should be a bright, vibrant green. If you hold both ends of the asparagus between your hands and bend it, it should have some bend but still a bit of a snap if you break it in half.

Asparagus should be served tender-crisp – that is, it should still have a bit of crunch when you bite into it. For the best smoked asparagus, make sure it is tender-crisp!

Chef Jenn’s Tips To Make Perfect Smoked Asparagus

• Use a milder flavored pellet like applewood or cherry when making asparagus on the Traeger. I also like the Signature Blend. Hardwood pellets could be a little strong for the asparagus.
• For maximum flavor, smoke the asparagus in a single layer.
• Add a pinch of red chili flakes if you like it a bit spicier, or toss the asparagus with a minced garlic clove.
• Don’t overcook the asparagus! See the notes above above about how to tell when asparagus is properly cooked.

What To Serve With This Smoked Asparagus Recipe

Smoked Asparagus goes great with fish, shrimp or shellfish, chicken, beef…heck, just about anything! A few of my favorites include: Smoked Chicken Thighs (and make use of the extra smoker room), Pork Chops with Green Onion & Tomato Relish, and Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Another tasty pick is this easy Salisbury Steak recipe.

How To Store Cooked Asparagus

This is one of my favorite Traeger asparagus recipes, but asparagus doesn’t freeze well. You can freeze it, but it’ll go watery and mushy. This is one of those veggies that’s best eaten fresh.

It will, however, keep well in the fridge for up to a week. Keep it tightly covered and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Step By Step Process

Top 4 how to smoke asparagus on a pellet grill edited by Family Cuisine