One of the advantages of the best portable flat top grill is that it can cook diverse foods. Instead of boiling asparagus and risk losing the taste, try griddling it.
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Why Cook Asparagus On a Flat Top Grill?
There are many reasons to cook the nutrient reach asparagus on a flat top grill. That includes the following;
Improved Flavor
Cooking asparagus on a flat top grill delivers superior results than boiling or steaming. Whereas boiling it often makes it flabby, griddling delivers a crunchy texture.
The top flat grill help caramelize the vegetable and hence the superior taste. But make sure you clean the flat top grill[ how to clean a flat top grill] first.
Preserving the Nutrients
Asparagus is rich in valuable nutrients. But if you don’t cook it correctly, you stand to lose most of its nutrients and anti-oxidant. Cooking asparagus on a flat top grill help preserve most of its nutrients and antioxidants.
Quick
When you have limited time to cook lots of vegetables, a flat top grill comes in handy. The vast flat surface of the flat top grill accommodates lots of vegetables.
You can thus serve many customers within a short time. Besides, the even heat of the grill works in your favor.
What Temperature Should You Cook Asparagus On a Flat Top Grill?
First, preheat the flat top grill on high heat settings (400 degrees Fahrenheit). But when you have tossed the vegetable, reduce the heat level to medium (about 350 degrees Fahrenheit)
How Long Does It Take To Cook Asparagus On a Flat Top Grill?
Provided you have prepared and preheated the flat top grill, cooking asparagus takes 6 to 8 minutes.
Remember that the exact cooking time depends on how tender the stem is. For example, young and tender stems may require only 3 minutes for each side. On the other hand, thick and old stems take a longer duration; approximately 4 minutes for each side.
How To Cook Asparagus On a Flat Top Grill?
Before tossing the asparagus onto the flat top grill, there are a few preparations you have to make on it.
Preparation
Chop Off The Woody Part
The initial step is to cut off the bottommost woody part of the vegetable. Identify the section where the woody stem begins; that is the area where the color starts to fade off and chop off that end. It’s especially important when the asparagus is somehow more mature.
Trim Them to The Same Length
This step is optional. If you want asparagus that’s appealing in the plates, trim them to the same length. But if appearance isn’t a big deal to you, then don’t mind about their irregular lengths.
Peel Off The Thick and Tough Skin
Take a look at your asparagus. If the skin is thick and tough on the lower ends, peel it off carefully. A standard vegetable peeler comes in handy for the task. Nevertheless, the young asparagus are tender and thus require no peeling.
Preheat the Flat Top Grill
When you are through with the preparation, turn on the grill to preheat to a high heat level (400 degrees Fahrenheit). Such a temperature is appropriate for griddling the asparagus.
Wash the Asparagus Using Fresh Cold Water
Wash the asparagus with clean cold water to eliminate dirt and sand. After that, dry the excess water using a piece of paper towel.
Drizzle With Vegetable Oil
Place them in a clean bowl and drizzle about 2 to 3 tablespoonful of vegetable oil on them. That volume of oil holds for a handful of asparagus. Then roll them over a couple of times so that the oil spreads evenly on all parts.
Season With Salt and Pepper
Having drizzled with oil, sprinkle salt and freshly grounded pepper lightly on the vegetable. Shake the bowl to spread the seasonings on the entire asparagus.
Toss Into the Griddle
Take the asparagus and toss it in the flat top grill you had preheated to high temperatures. Once you have placed the asparagus on the grill, lower the heat level to a medium-high.
Cook For 6 to 8 Minutes
Cook the asparagus for about 6 to 8 minutes. That is about 3 to 4 minutes before turning. The cooking duration depends on how tender or thick they are. When it grows soft and light charred color, it means it’s ready.
Remove and Serve
Take out the asparagus from the flat top grill, transfer it to a plate and serve as a side dish. For example, you can serve it alongside previously cooked salmon on a flat top grill[how to cook salmon on a flat top grill].
Conclusion
A green and fresh asparagus has an abundance of nutrients. And it blends with a variety of dishes. A flat-top grill makes cooking the cooking easier, healthy, and faster. Moreover, it doesn’t take so much time from you. If you haven’t tried it, you don’t how much you are missing!