How to Cook Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus on the Grill?
Grilling bacon-wrapped asparagus is simple: wrap fresh asparagus spears with bacon, secure with toothpicks, and grill over medium heat until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender, resulting in a flavorful and easy side dish.
An Ode to Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon-wrapped asparagus on the grill isn’t just a side dish; it’s an experience. The smoky char of the grill, the salty, savory bacon, and the slightly sweet, earthy asparagus create a symphony of flavors that will elevate any meal. This dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend barbecues.
Why Grill Asparagus?
While asparagus can be cooked in numerous ways, grilling imparts a unique smoky flavor that complements the bacon perfectly. The high heat of the grill also helps to quickly cook the asparagus, preserving its vibrant green color and preventing it from becoming mushy. Grilling also adds a slight char, enhancing the overall texture and taste.
Choosing the Right Asparagus and Bacon
The key to a successful dish lies in selecting high-quality ingredients.
- Asparagus: Look for firm, bright green spears with tightly closed tips. Thicker spears are generally preferred as they hold up better on the grill and are less likely to overcook.
- Bacon: Opt for a bacon that isn’t too thick nor too thin. Thin bacon will burn easily, while very thick bacon may not cook through before the asparagus is done. Center-cut bacon is a good choice as it tends to have a good balance of fat and lean meat. Avoid overly sweet bacons as the sugar can caramelize and burn quickly on the grill.
The Grilling Process: Step-by-Step
Here’s a detailed guide to grilling perfect bacon-wrapped asparagus:
- Prepare the Asparagus: Wash the asparagus and trim off the tough ends. Snap them off; they naturally break where the woody end begins.
- Wrap the Asparagus: Bundle 3-5 asparagus spears together. Wrap each bundle with one or two slices of bacon, depending on the thickness of the bacon. Overlap the bacon slightly to ensure it stays in place.
- Secure with Toothpicks: Insert toothpicks through the bacon and asparagus to hold everything together. Make sure the toothpicks are evenly spaced to prevent the bacon from unraveling.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C).
- Grill the Asparagus: Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles directly on the grill grates. Grill for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Optional Glaze: In the last few minutes of grilling, you can brush the bundles with a glaze of your choice, such as maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, or a mixture of honey and soy sauce.
- Remove and Serve: Carefully remove the asparagus from the grill and let it rest for a minute or two before removing the toothpicks and serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Grilling in batches will allow for even cooking and prevent the temperature from dropping too low.
- Use a Grill Basket: If you’re concerned about the asparagus falling through the grill grates, use a grill basket. This also makes it easier to turn the asparagus.
- Adjust Grilling Time: The grilling time will vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus and the temperature of your grill. Keep a close eye on the asparagus and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Seasoning: While the bacon provides plenty of salt, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes before grilling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Asparagus That is Too Thin: Thin asparagus tends to overcook and become limp on the grill.
- Overcooking the Asparagus: Overcooked asparagus becomes mushy and loses its flavor. Aim for a tender-crisp texture.
- Burning the Bacon: Keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent it from burning. If the bacon starts to brown too quickly, move the asparagus to a cooler part of the grill.
- Forgetting the Toothpicks: Toothpicks are essential for holding the bacon in place. Without them, the bacon is likely to unravel during grilling.
- Grilling at Too High a Temperature: High heat can cause the bacon to burn before the asparagus is cooked. Medium heat is ideal.
Variations and Flavor Enhancements
Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste.
- Cheese: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled blue cheese, or goat cheese after grilling.
- Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or chives.
- Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Dips: Serve with a dipping sauce such as aioli, hollandaise sauce, or a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette.
Bacon and Asparagus Pairing
Here is a table with suitable bacon and asparagus pairings based on flavor profile:
| Bacon Type | Asparagus Thickness | Flavor Profile | Pairing Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hickory Smoked | Medium to Thick | Bold, smoky, slightly sweet | Complements the earthy asparagus; provides a strong contrast. |
| Applewood Smoked | Medium | Sweet, fruity, subtly smoky | Offers a balanced flavor profile; enhances the natural sweetness of asparagus. |
| Peppered Bacon | Thick | Spicy, savory | Adds a kick of heat; best with thicker asparagus spears to balance the intensity. |
| Uncured Bacon | Any | Natural, less salty | Allows the asparagus flavor to shine through; ideal for those sensitive to salt. |
| Maple Glazed Bacon | Thin | Sweet, rich | Use sparingly; best with thinner asparagus as the sugar can burn easily. Consider using a glaze on the bacon after grilling to prevent burning. |
| Turkey Bacon | Medium | Leaner, milder bacon flavor | A healthier alternative; requires closer attention to prevent drying out. Consider wrapping two slices per bundle, and don’t overcook. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen asparagus?
No, frozen asparagus is not recommended for grilling. It tends to become mushy and watery when thawed and grilled. Fresh asparagus is always the best choice for this recipe.
Can I prepare the bacon-wrapped asparagus ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bacon-wrapped asparagus several hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, for optimal results, it’s best to grill it shortly before serving.
What’s the best way to prevent the bacon from burning?
Grilling over medium heat and monitoring the bacon closely are key. If the bacon starts to brown too quickly, move the asparagus to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat.
How do I know when the asparagus is done?
The asparagus should be tender-crisp, meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite. You can test this by piercing a spear with a fork. It should pierce easily but not be completely soft.
Can I use a gas grill instead of a charcoal grill?
Yes, you can use either a gas grill or a charcoal grill. Both will work well. Gas grills offer more precise temperature control, while charcoal grills impart a more pronounced smoky flavor.
Do I need to oil the grill grates before grilling the asparagus?
Yes, oiling the grill grates will help prevent the asparagus from sticking. Use a high-heat oil such as canola oil or vegetable oil. Be careful when applying oil to a hot grill.
Can I add a sauce to the bacon-wrapped asparagus?
Absolutely! Brushing with a glaze in the last few minutes adds a delicious layer of flavor. Consider using a glaze of maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, or a mixture of honey and soy sauce.
What other meats pair well with bacon-wrapped asparagus?
Bacon-wrapped asparagus pairs well with a variety of grilled meats, including steak, chicken, pork chops, and salmon. It also makes a fantastic addition to any barbecue spread.
How long can I store leftover bacon-wrapped asparagus?
Leftover bacon-wrapped asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to maintain its texture and flavor.
Can I bake bacon-wrapped asparagus if I don’t have a grill?
Yes, you can bake bacon-wrapped asparagus in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender. Baking will not provide the same smoky flavor, but it’s a viable alternative.
What can I use if I don’t have toothpicks?
If you don’t have toothpicks, you can use kitchen twine to tie the bacon around the asparagus. Be sure to remove the twine before serving.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
While bacon is the defining feature, you can wrap asparagus with marinated tempeh or halloumi cheese for a vegetarian-friendly version. It will change the flavor profile, but offers a similar grilling experience.