1. Generously brush the stalks with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

2. If grilling asparagus on a charcoal grill, place the spears directly on the grill rack over medium coals, perpendicular to the wires on the rack. If grilling asparagus on a gas grill preheat the grill. Reduce heat to medium and place asparagus directly over the heat, perpendicular to the wires on the rack.

3. Grill the asparagus, uncovered, 4 to 7 minutes or until crisp-tender, rolling asparagus occasionally to ensure even cooking.

How to Grill Asparagus in Foil

Grilling asparagus in foil makes cleanup easy. Here's how to grill asparagus on the grill in foil:

• Wash and trim the asparagus. Pat dry.
• Place asparagus spears on a sheet of heavy-duty foil; drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and, if desired, other spices or herbs (dill and/or mint are excellent).
• Fold foil around asparagus to enclose.
• Place on the grill and cook until crisp-tender, 10 to 15 minutes total, flipping after 5 minutes. Long-handled grilling tongs are especially handy for flipping the packs. Note: Open the packets very carefully, as they will release hot steam.
  

How to Grill Asparagus Wrapped in Bacon

Enhance the smoky flavor of grilled asparagus by wrapping it in bacon. Follow these steps for bacon-wrapped asparagus grilled to perfection:

• Wash and trim 12 ounces of fresh asparagus.
• On a plate, arrange 12 bacon slices between four sheets of paper towels. Microwave 1½ to 2 minutes or until partially cooked but not brown; cool.
• Divide asparagus into six portions. Wrap two slices of bacon around each portion and secure with toothpicks.
• Grill asparagus bundles, covered, on a greased rack over medium 8 to 10 minutes or until bacon is crisp and asparagus is crisp-tender, turning frequently to avoid burning.