Smoky Garlic Asparagus on Blackstone – Quick & Easy Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links.
Tender, garlicky asparagus seasoned with smoked paprika and chili powder–this smoky garlic asparagus on Blackstone is the perfect healthy summer side dish full of robust flavors and grilled to perfection!
Spring and summer is the perfect time to get fresh, crunchy asparagus. The Blackstone is a great way to cook up this delicious dish. There are so many ways to season and cook asparagus, but the spice mix we use in this recipe gives it a smoky garlic flavor which is just perfect for a healthy side dish on a warm summer evening.
This recipe is also super easy. Anyone can do it. You probably have most of what you need, but the most important spice is smoked paprika. If you don’t have smoked paprika, I highly recommend getting some. It can be found at most larger grocery stores and is key for getting the smoky flavor in this Blackstone griddle asparagus recipe.
If you do not have a Blackstone, no worries! You can use any flat top griddle, cast iron skillet, grill, pellet grill, etc.
How to Pick Asparagus in the Store
Asparagus can be found in varying thicknesses. Look for asparagus that is bright green, crisp, firm, smooth, and medium thickness.
When it comes to cooking asparagus on a griddle, grill, or skillet, medium stalks are the best because they have the best texture.
Thinner asparagus stalks are less tender and easy to overcook. The thicker stalks are better suited for longer cooking methods, like roasting, and can often be hard to bite or chew.
For the relatively quick cook on the Blackstone griddle, medium thickness is best.
Ingredients
This delicious side dish only needs a few ingredients:
Fresh Asparagus – Choose the best bundle you can fine. See the info box above for some great tips!
Olive Oil – Choose extra virgin olive oil, ideally sourced from a single region for the best quality.
Minced Garlic – I use jarred garlic for quickness and ease, but you can certainly mince 3-4 fresh cloves.
Smoked Paprika – This is the seasoning that gives our asparagus it’s smoky flavor. Regular paprika does not have the smoky taste, so make sure your bottle says Smoked Paprika.
Other Spices - Chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper round out our flavors nicely.
Instructions
This smoky garlic asparagus on Blackstone is a super simple recipe.
1. Preheat the Blackstone Griddle
Turn the Blackstone temperature dials to medium-high. I have a large 36″ griddle and I prep 2 burners for this recipe to give them plenty of space.
2. Prep Asparagus
Wash the asparagus and trim the woody ends of the asparagus. Place them on a plate. Drizzle the olive oil and minced garlic over the asparagus.
3. Season the Asparagus
Whisk together the smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small dish. Sprinkle the seasonings over the asparagus bundle, and then use your hands to toss and evenly coat all of the spears in the oil, garlic, and spices.
4. Cook
Place the seasoned asparagus spears in a single layer on the preheated griddle. Cook, stirring every couple of minutes, for about 10 minutes total or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Substitutions
Here are some ideas for different variations or subs you can use in this Blackstone asparagus recipe.
Garlic - You can use garlic powder if you wish, but I’d start with 1/4 tsp. Garlic powder can easily get overwhelming in a way that jarred minced garlic or fresh garlic don’t.
Smoked Paprika – If you don’t want to get smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika but this dish will no longer have a smoky taste.
Cooking Method – While I developed this recipe for the Blackstone, there’s no reason why you can’t cook this on the grill, a cast iron skillet, or an electric tabletop griddle. If using a grill, make sure you arrange the asparagus to lay perpendicular across the grill grates so you don’t lose any in the abyss.
If desired, add some lemon for garnish.
Serving Suggestions & Related Recipes
Serve this delicious asparagus recipe with any of the following main dishes:
- Simple Smoked Spatchcock Chicken with Citrus Rub on Traeger
- Smoked Chicken Legs with Chimichurri on Traeger
- Easy Traeger Smoked Whole Chicken with Chili Lime Rub
- The Best Smoked Boneless Pork Roast Recipe- Juicy & Easy
- The Best Juicy Smoked Burgers on the Traeger Grill
Try out some of these other delicious Blackstone recipes or other veggie side dishes:
- Blackstone Steak Fajitas
- Jamaican Jerk Blackstone Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
- Kale Crunch Salad (Chick-Fil-A Copycat)
- Turkish Red Cabbage Salad
Enjoy this Delicious Asparagus Recipe Today!
Leave a comment and review to let me know how it went for you. I do my best to reply to each one. 🙂
Smoky Garlic Asparagus on the Blackstone
Equipment
- Blackstone can also use a griddle, cast iron pan, or grill.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
Instructions
- Preheat your Blackstone (or grill, pan on the stove, etc) to medium-high heat.
- Wash the asparagus and trim the woody ends. Place on a plate. Drizzle the olive oil & garlic over the asparagus.
- Whisk together the smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small dish. Sprinkle the seasonings over the asparagus bundle, and then use your hands to toss and evenly coat all of the spears in the oil, garlic, and spices.
- Place the asparagus in an even layer on the griddle. Cook, stirring every couple of minutes, for about 10 minutes total or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Video
This was really tasty! Easy to make, too. Love the smoked paprika to give the asparagus a bit of pizazz.