Smoked Asparagus

Call me crazy, but I smoke EVERYTHING! Some ingredients turn out not so great, but some, like this Smoked Asparagus, are amazing! This delicious dish is a set-it-and-forget-it dish that pairs so well with, well, just about anything! Hungry? Read on and I, Chef Jenn, will show you all my tips and tricks to make this amazing asparagus side dish!

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One of my biggest pet peeves with my Traeger pellet smoker is all the wasted space. So, if I’m just smoking a few chicken thighs or some beef for dinner, I usually fill up the extra space on the smoker with other things. I’ve smoked everything from sweet potatoes to Brussels sprouts just so all that delicious smoke isn’t going to waste.

That’s how this recipe came to be. Smoking asparagus is quick and easy and look at the color! Such a vibrant green and the kiss of smoke doesn’t overwhelm the delicate flavor of the asparagus.

ingredients

• Smoker – I make my smoker recipes on a Traeger pellet smoker but you can use whatever smoker you have
• Grill basket or grill grids
• Asparagus – Trim the woody ends before cooking. I like choosing medium-thick spears because they hold up better on the smoker and don’t overcook as quickly (see my tips below).
• Olive oil – A light drizzle is all you need. It helps the asparagus cook evenly and keeps the seasoning from falling off.
• Salt and pepper – Season to taste.

How To Smoke Asparagus

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.

Preheat your smoker following the manufacturer’s instructions and bring it to 225°F. A steady, low heat gives the asparagus a gentle smoky flavor without drying it out.

Wash the asparagus and pat it dry, then toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Arrange the spears in a grill basket so they don’t slip through the grates.

Place the basket in the smoker and smoke at 225°F for about 1 hour, tossing once halfway through. The asparagus is done when tender with lightly wrinkled skins and a subtle smoky aroma.

Remove from the smoker and serve warm, or let it cool slightly before finishing with a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Chef Jenn’s Tips To Make Perfect Smoked Asparagus

• Use a milder flavored pellet like applewood or cherry when making asparagus on the Traeger. I also like the Signature Blend. Hardwood pellets could be a little strong for the asparagus.
• For maximum flavor, smoke the asparagus in a single layer.
• Add a pinch of red chili flakes if you like it a bit spicier, or toss the asparagus with a minced garlic clove.
• Don’t overcook the asparagus! See the notes above above about how to tell when asparagus is properly cooked.

What To Serve With This Smoked Asparagus Recipe

Smoked Asparagus goes great with fish, shrimp or shellfish, chicken, beef…heck, just about anything! A few of my favorites include: Smoked Chicken Thighs (and make use of the extra smoker room), Pork Chops with Green Onion & Tomato Relish, and Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Another tasty pick is this easy Salisbury Steak recipe.