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Grilled Asparagus with Spicy Butter

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Crispy grilled asparagus is brushed with spicy butter. It’s a great side dish for BBQ chicken or glazed grilled pork chops. 

Grilled Asparagus with Spicy Butter

I hope you’re ready for grilling season because I sure am. On the California Central Coast, there’s about six weeks of enjoyable grilling weather. From late April to Memorial Day weekend, the temperatures usually hover between 80 and 90 degrees in the afternoon, cooling down ever so slightly in the early evening. While people who are used to cooler temperatures might be sweating just thinking about it, it’s so much more enjoyable than once the temperatures reach triple digits and the only place that’s pleasurable is standing in the freezer section at the grocery store. #truestory

The past couple of weeks, the weather has been perfect for firing up the Traeger and experimenting with different recipe ideas I’ve wanted to play with since the fall. I suppose it’s safe to say that the Goldman household has officially jumped on the Traeger train and we have yet to use the regular grill this season, and why would we when you can make delicious recipes such as Dijon crusted rack of lamb or skirt steak and poblano pepper tacos? Even though I am not much of a gambler, I think you can safely put money on there being lots more Traeger recipes in the coming weeks and months. 

Asparagus is something that can be very hit or miss in my book. I guess you could say I am a picky asparagus eater and generally shy away from eating it unless I am the one who cooked it. That being said, grilling asparagus with butter on it is hands down my favorite way to eat asparagus. If you don’t enjoy the soggy boiled asparagus your father makes, you’re going to love this recipe. 

Aside from how delicious asparagus is when it’s grilled, my absolute favorite thing about this recipe is how easy it is. Clean and trim it, melt some butter, add the cumin and coriander to the melted butter. Add asparagus to grill, brush with spicy butter mixture. BOOM. More time for dancing around the kitchen which is basically how I stay sane… can you relate?

Enough about dancing.

This grilled asparagus recipe is so simple. I know I say that a lot, but it’s absolutely true, which is one of the reasons why I absolutely love this recipe. Plus, the spices used in the butter mixture can be mixed and matched to better pair with any other dishes you’re making that particular day. Want to keep things simple? Just add some minced garlic or garlic powder and black pepper to the melted butter. Lemon butter, anyone? Lemon zest + melted butter and off you go.

While you can grill the asparagus on a regular gas or charcoal grill, I found that the Traeger not only proceeded the best flavored asparagus, it also had the best texture. It wasn’t at all mushy or too chewy. There was still a crispness to each and every bite, which I personally prefer.

As of late, I am trying to be better about wine recommendations and pairings. Sauvignon Blanc is my go-to wine when I am eating asparagus. While I wouldn’t recommend it with BBQ meat, if you’re going to make this grilled asparagus with spicy butter recipe by itself, then absolutely open up a bottle of sauv blanc and put your feet up. Some of my personal favorites are Wrath EX Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ($20), Tolosa Winery Edna Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2016 ($25) and Vina Robles Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($16 — we have been drinking this stuff like it’s water lately, it’s that delicious).

Grilled Asparagus with Spicy Butter Ingredients & Cooking Instructions

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