Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450g) fresh asparagus, thick or medium spears
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat (pinch)

Instructions:

  1. Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears.
  2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper (plus red pepper flakes, if using). Whisk well.
  3. Place asparagus in a bowl and drizzle with the marinade. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  5. Place asparagus on the preheated grill, perpendicular to the grates to prevent them from falling through.
  6. Grill for 5-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender-crisp and slightly charred. Look for grill marks.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with extra lemon zest if desired.