High-Protein Grilled Lemon-Pepper Asparagus is a simple and flavorful side dish. It contains asparagus, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and grilled lemon. These are simple ingredients that are easily findable and prepared simply to provide a light & satisfying dish. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, low-carb, vegetarian, Mediterranean-friendly, and provides a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. It takes 18 minutes to prepare, nice option for busy weeknights, or family meals. High-Protein Grilled Lemon-Pepper Asparagus pairs with grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, tofu, quinoa, or fresh salads. This dish prepares easily in advance and stores properly without ruining the taste and texture.
STATS:
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Duration for cooking: Eight minutes
- Overall duration: Eighteen minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Portions: 4
- Diet: High-Protein
- Serving Size: About 1 cup of asparagus
- Course: Side Dish
EQUIPMENT:
- Grill
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Sharp knife
- Serving platter
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 medium bunches asparagus
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. crushed black pepper
- 1 medium lemon
INGREDIENT NOTES:
ASPARAGUS:
- Fresh asparagus is used to make the crispy and tender side dish. It will provide a good texture and also add folate, antioxidants, and fiber content to this dish. Use the firm stalks to make a fresher and tastier dish.
SALT:
- Salt will boost the sweet taste of the asparagus and also stabilize the acidity of the lemon juice. Use the finer sea or kosher salt for this purpose.
BLACK PEPPER:
- Use the black pepper to add a light spice and also balance the smoky grilled taste of the dish. It is good to utilize the freshly ground black pepper for its strong flavor.
LEMON:
- Grill the lemon to boost the sweetness and also decrease the acidity. It will also add freshness and brighten the dish.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Pre-heat the grill on the moderate to high flame, then oil it lightly so the asparagus will not stick.
- Now, trim the asparagus & put it in the vessel, add the oil.
- Then, include the black pepper and salt and combine properly to coat the asparagus.
- Now put the asparagus and lemon from the cut side on the grill.
- Now grill the lemon for 2 to 3 minutes till it gets charred slightly.
- Then grill the asparagus for six to eight minutes by changing the sides when required, till crisp and soft.
- Add the asparagus to the serving plates, squeeze the lemon over them, and serve hot.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
PROTEIN PAIRINGS:
- Grilled Chicken Breast
- Lemon Herb Salmon
- Garlic Shrimp
- Turkey Cutlets
- Grilled Steak
- Roasted Tofu
GRAIN & STARCH:
- Quinoa Pilaf
- Brown Rice
- Wild Rice
- Couscous
- Farro
- Roasted Baby Potatoes
LOW-CARB PAIRING:
- Zucchini Noodles
- Mashed Cauliflower
- Cauliflower Rice
- Cucumber Salad
- Avocado Salad
- Spaghetti Squash
SALAD PAIRING:
- Greek Salad
- Chickpea Salad
- Tomato Cucumber Salad
- Arugula Salad
- Kale Caesar Salad
- Spinach Salad
MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED:
- Hummus Platter
- Tzatziki
- Falafel
- Grilled Halloumi
- Tabbouleh
- Baba Ganoush
SAUCE & DIP:
- Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- Lemon Tahini Sauce
- Pesto
- Chimichurri
- Herb Aioli
- Parmesan Dip
BRUNCH & LUNCH:
- Poached Eggs
- Omelet
- Frittata
- Avocado Toast
- Cottage Cheese Bowl
- Smoked Salmon Plate
VEGETARIAN PAIRING:
- Lentil Patties
- Black Bean Burgers
- Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
- Baked Tempeh
- White Bean Salad
- Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
TIPS:
- Utilize medium to thick asparagus stalks to provide a good texture to the girl.
- Don’t overcook the asparagus, so it will maintain the lightly crunchy taste.
- Sprinkle the parmesan cheese last to make it look rich.
- Garnish the dish with the herbs to provide freshness.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Include the cooled asparagus in the vessel & store for 4 days.
FREEZER:
- Include them in the container and freeze them for 2 months.
FAQs:
Will I prepare it on the grill pan?
- We can easily prepare it on the grill pan, and it provides the same texture and taste.
How to know if the asparagus is cooked?
- You can check with the form for its tender and light crisp texture.
Would I make this in advance?
- Yes, trim the asparagus and season it, and store them, then grill them when required.
Could we make this recipe in advance?
- Yes, you can trim and season the asparagus several hours before grilling.
Could we have this side dish on a keto diet?
- Yes, we would easily have this dish on a keto diet as it has all the low-carb items in it.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Servings: 4
Calories: 70 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Over-all Carbs: 6 g
Fat: 4.5 g
Sodium: 0.31 g
Fiber: 3 g
Potassium: 0.28 g
Calcium: 0.03 g
Net Carbs: 3 g
Iron: 0.002 g
Vitamin A: 0.00005 g
Serving Size: About 1 cup grilled asparagus
