Grilled Asparagus & Scallions
This Grilled Asparagus and Green Onions is a winning combination when grilled together and tossed in a slightly sweet sesame and garlic sauce. This is the perfect summer side dish that takes just minutes to make.
When the warmer weather rolls around, I will find literally any excuse to use the grill…lunch, dinner, dessert, salads, or sides. Is there anything that doesn’t taste amazing when it’s grilled? Asparagus is a favorite vegetable of mine to cook on the grill. I love the delicious, nutty flavor it develops when it’s grilled, which reminds me of the yakitori you can get at a Japanese restaurant. On top of that, grilling green onions completely transforms the flavor from a sharp oniony taste to a delicious sweet and much milder flavor. You don’t want to skip out on this delicious side dish with a perfect crisp-tender texture.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Grilled Asparagus and Green Onion Recipe
- With very little chopping, this simple recipe takes less than 5 minutes to prep and only a short cook time.
- The rich, umami flavor in the sauce takes these delicious veggies to the next level.
- Use the leftovers of this easy recipe on salads, in wraps, in your eggs, and more.
- It’s perfect for everyone who is dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, Paleo, SCD, and modifiable for more diets.
Ingredients You Need
- Asparagus: I prefer thin fresh asparagus for this recipe, but you can definitely use frozen asparagus spears.
- Green onions: Also known as scallions or spring onions. You could also use chives or leeks, regular onions, or Chambray onions, if you can find them.
- Fresh Garlic: I recommend using a garlic press to make sure they are nicely minced. Pre-minced garlic or garlic powder will also work.
- Sesame Oil: A nutty, umami flavor that is classic for Asian sauces. A little goes a long way.
- Honey: The sweetness of the honey is perfectly balanced with the other flavors. You can also use maple syrup.
- Coconut Aminos: A classic, gluten-free soy sauce substitute that is so sweet, salty, and delicious. Swap with soy sauce or tamari
- Sesame Seeds: One of the most popular toppings in Asian cuisine. I love the little bites of nutty crunch that sesame seeds give.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Outdoor Grill (Gas grill or Charcoal grill) or grill pan
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
- Grill Tongs
How to Make This Grilled Asparagus and Green Onion Recipe
- Turn on the grill and set it to medium heat.
- Cut off the tough woody stems of the asparagus, wash the green onions, and remove any wilted greens. I like to cook whole scallions and cut off the root end before eating but feel free to remove those before grilling.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients (not the sesame seeds yet).
- Place onions and asparagus on the grill rack of your hot grill and brush with the sauce. Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side until they are tender with char marks. Adjust cooking time if you have thicker asparagus.
- Place the grilled vegetables on a serving plate, top with the remaining marinade, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
You can find the recipe card below for thorough instructions
Ways to Modify
- If you don’t have sesame oil on hand or don’t care for the flavor, swap it for olive oil or avocado oil.
- Exchange the coconut aminos for tamari or soy sauce.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice, fresh lemon zest, or fresh lime juice for a brighter flavor.
- Add spice with a bit of black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Add garlic scapes for a nice addition!
Dietary Customizations
- Use Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar instead of honey if you are vegan.
- Omit the garlic if you are on FODMAP.
Prepping Ahead and Storing Leftovers
- Meal-prep: You can prep the asparagus and green onions 4-5 days in advance, and make the Asian sauce also. I recommend storing them in separate airtight containers and then tossing them right before you’re ready to cook everything.
- Leftovers may become a bit wilted after the first day, but will still taste yummy. Store asparagus and green onions in the fridge in an airtight container. You can enjoy them on salads, cold or at room temperature, or rewarm them in the air fryer, microwave, or on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
Serving Suggestions
This will be delicious along with a main dish of chicken, pork, beef, or seafood. Some of my favorites are:
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Super quick and easy, and so delicious!
- Korean Gochujang Chicken with Cilantro Chimichurri: A delicious combination of spicy and fresh flavor
- Bone-In Ribeye Steak: Cooked in the skillet and served with a garlic and herb compound butter.
- Asian Grilled Salmon Skewers: Quick, simple, and pairs wonderfully with this asparagus and green onion recipe.
Other Cooking Options
- Stovetop grill pan: For a convenient indoor option, cook on a grill pan until they are crisp, tender, and golden brown.
- Air Fryer: Toss your asparagus and green onions in the sauce and add to the air fryer basket in an even layer. Cook at 375 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes, tossing halfway through until the top of the asparagus and green onions are charred.
- Oven: Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes or until they become beautifully golden brown. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Vegetable Grill Basket: An easy method to reduce the risk of asparagus and green onions falling through the grill grates. You won’t get the grill marks, but the flavor will still be amazing.
- Foil Packet: For easy clean-up, if you don’t care about the charred flavor, you can wrap the veggies and sauce with delicious results.
More Grilled Vegetable Recipes You Will Love:
- Grilled Broccolini Caesar
- Grilled Eggplant
- BBQ Cauliflower Steak with Chimichurri
- Charred Asparagus
- Grilled Kale Caesar with Chorizo
- Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Walnut Arugula Pesto
If you make these Grilled Scallions & Asparagus recipe let me know in the comment section below, I would love to hear what you think or take a photo and tag me (@everylastbite_) on Instagram, I love seeing your photos!
Grilled Asparagus & Scallions
This Grilled Asparagus and Green Onions is a winning combination when grilled together and tossed in a slightly sweet sesame and garlic sauce. This is the perfect summer side dish that takes just minutes to make.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus approx 10-12 spears
- 2 bunches scallions/green onions
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos/tamari)
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Turn on the barbecue and set to medium heat
- Cut off the tough woody ends of the asparagus. Wash the scallions and peel off or cut any wilted greens, cut off the root part at the ends.
- In a bowl whisk together the garlic clove, sesame oil, honey and soy sauce
- Place the scallions and asparagus in a baking dish and pour the sauce overtop. Use tongs or your hands to toss to ensure all of the pieces are well coated.
- Place the scallions and asparagus on the barbecue and brush with the sauce. Cook for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side (10 minutes total) until they are tender with char marks. You may require more time depending on the size and thickness of the vegetables
- Place the grilled vegetables on a serving plate, if there is any sauce left at the bottom of the baking dish pour it overtop and garnish with sesame seeds.
Nutrition
Calories: 74kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 253mgPotassium: 38mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 90IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 0.3mg
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below and let us know how it was!
This post was originally published on June 18, 2017 and updated with new copy and photos on May 22, 2025.
I have never seen any Garlic dish like before. It looks so different I can’t wait.
I think you will love it! Their flavours change when they are grilled and they become a lot sweeter, so good!