Smoked Asparagus

Smoked asparagus is tender, flavorful, and infused with a smoky lemon-garlic butter that elevates this classic vegetable side to next-level status without any extra fuss.

Also check out my homemade smoked beef jerky, this smoked cream cheese (it’s so good!) and tasty smoked Caribbean jerk spiced shrimp.

Why You’ll Love It

Packed with flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic and smoked butter gives this asparagus a zesty flavor that’s hard to resist.
Foolproof: This recipe is surprisingly simple and virtually impossible to mess up which makes it perfect for just about anyone, even beginners!
Crowd pleaser: Not only is this smoked asparagus recipe delicious, but it’s also a real showstopper. The smoky, tangy flavors are sure to impress your guests! Trust me, you’ll want to serve this for your next dinner party. 

Smoked Asparagus Recipe Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Asparagus: The star of this smoked vegetable recipe, asparagus brings a unique, earthy flavor to the dish. You can use green, white or purple varieties, but I recommend medium to thick spears to guarantee that they don’t soften too quickly on the smoker.
Olive oil: This ingredient helps to coat the asparagus, allowing the other flavors to adhere to the vegetable. It also aids in the cooking process, ensuring the asparagus doesn’t dry out on the smoker.
Lemon pepper: It adds a zesty twist to the asparagus, complimenting the earthy tones of the vegetable with a citrusy kick.
Lemons: The juice of lemons adds a fresh, tangy flavor to the asparagus, balancing the smoky and salty elements of the dish.
Salted butter: Butter adds a rich, creamy element to the dish, helping to mellow out the strong flavors and adding a smooth texture to the asparagus.
Garlic paste: A handy ingredient, garlic paste infuses the asparagus with a robust, aromatic flavor. Be sure to check the packaging before buying, as some brands include sugar. Look for pure garlic and oil as the only ingredients for the best flavor.

How to Smoke Asparagus

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Prepare the asparagus: Trim the ends off the asparagus and discard. In a large bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and lemon pepper.
Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine lemon juice, butter, and garlic paste.
Smoke the asparagus and sauce: Place the asparagus and saucepan in a preheated smoker and smoke for 1 hour. Halfway through, brush the asparagus with the smoked butter from the saucepan.
Serve: Remove the asparagus from the smoker, plate, and pour the remaining butter over the top.

Substitutions and Variations

Spice it up: Swap the lemon pepper for black pepper or a pinch of chili flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
Butter: For a dairy-free version, replace the salt and butter with a gluten-free, dairy-free butter substitute or use a drizzle of olive oil instead.
Garlic: If you don’t have garlic paste, you can use fresh minced garlic or garlic powder.
Lemon: Substitute lime for a slightly different citrus profile.
Grill instead of smoke: If you don’t have a smoker, a covered grill will do.
Optional additions: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a handful of toasted slivered almonds.

Serving Suggestions

With a main dish: This smoked asparagus side dish pairs with anything from fish to chicken, steak or pork. Try it alongside some delicious grilled pepper and chicken kebabs, apple cider grilled chicken skewers, or butter-herbed shrimp and juicy seared pork chops.
With a salad: For a lighter option, consider adding smoked asparagus to a fresh salad. The smoky asparagus adds a unique twist to a classic chicken Caesar salad or Greek salad.
For breakfast: Asparagus is also great along with some hearty eggs in the morning or for your next Sunday brunch. They’re great on the side of these sheet pan eggs benedict.

How to Store Smoked Asparagus

Store: Smoked asparagus is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, place them in an airtight sealed container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Unfortunately, freezing smoked asparagus isn’t recommended. The freezing process can cause the asparagus to become mushy and lose its appealing texture when thawing.
Reheat: To reheat your smoked asparagus, simply pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up, or place in a preheated oven until heated through.