This smoked asparagus recipe is the perfect summer side dish which is kicked up a notch with just the right amount of smoke flavor.

The summer is all about the grill, especially smoked recipes - from smoked lobster tails to smoked pork butt to smoked burgers to a smoked spatchcock chicken.
And while a smoker is typically used for main dishes, it is plenty versatile to use for sides as well and that's where this smoked asparagus comes into play.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple - with just 5 ingredients (4 if you omit the garlic), it is super easy to prepare. You just let your smoker do the work.
- Healthy - asparagus is low on calories but high in nutrients.
- Flavorful - while there is minimal ingredients, you get a subtle smoke flavor with every bite which makes it quite addicting.
Jump to:
Ingredient Notes
- Asparagus - one of the best summer vegetables. Avoid stalks that appear limp or wilted.
- Olive oil - adds some fat and helps coat garlic, salt and pepper to the asparagus.
- Garlic - you can omit, but garlic and veggies just go together.
- Salt and pepper - enhances the flavor of the asparagus.
Step-by-Step Photos
Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.
Create an aluminum foil basket and toss the asparagus with the rest of the ingredients. Smoke at 225°F for 45 minutes or until cooked.
FAQs
You want wood that will produce a slightly sweet flavor so maple is best. However apple can be used as well.
If smoking at 225°F, it should take about 45 minutes to an hour. If you're short on time, you can smoke at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, but you'll have less smoke flavor.
You know it's cooked when it is tender/crispy but not mushy and limp. If it's mushy, it is overcooked. The color should turn from a vibrant green to a dull olive green.
You can keep the cooked asparagus in an airtight container for 3 days in the fridge.
Freshly smoked asparagus is best however if you have leftovers you can reheat in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes.
Variations
While I like just some garlic, salt and pepper, you can kick the heat up by adding some crushed red pepper flakes. Some fresh lemon juice also enhances the dish.
It really just depends on your preference for the day.
Equipment
The type of equipment you use can have a big impact on the flavor of the recipe. Since this is a smoked recipe, you need to impart some smoked flavor. You have a few different options, including:
- Pellet grill - my favorite as I love the simplicity and flavor.
- Charcoal grill - you can use indirect heat and add some wood chips to the charcoal to create that smoke flavor.
- Smoker - whether it is electric, gas or charcoal, any of them will work to make a great dish.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Use a sweet wood for a subtle smoke flavor like maple or apple.
- Asparagus will have woody ends that aren't edible, so if you hold the asparagus near the end with two hands and bend it until it snaps, it should break right at the correct place.
- If you're short on time, you can smoke at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, but you'll have less smoke flavor.
- Cooked asparagus should still have a slight snap to it, so be careful not to overcook.
Other Side Dish Recipes
If you’ve tried this smoked asparagus recipe or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.
Smoked Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and washed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 225°F. Take some aluminum foil and create a basket for the asparagus
- Toss the asparagus with the olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Add to the basket and smoke the asparagus for 45 min to an hour or until cooked.
Notes
- Use a sweet wood for a subtle smoke flavor like maple or apple.
- Asparagus will have woody ends that aren't edible, so if you hold the asparagus near the end with two hands and bend it until it snaps, it should break right at the correct place.
- If you're short on time, you can smoke at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, but you'll have less smoke flavor.
- Cooked asparagus should still have a slight snap to it, so be careful not to overcook.
Leave a Reply