Garlic Butter Grilled Asparagus

 

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 tsp. finely grated lemon peel

2 T. fresh lemon juice

1  1/2 pounds asparagus, trimmed

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

 

Place the butter in a skillet, and heat over medium heat until melted. Add the garlic and lemon peel to the butter, and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Remove the skillet from the heat, and then whisk in the lemon juice. Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the asparagus in a bowl and toss with the oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 6 to 8 minutes, rotating every 2 minutes. Toss the asparagus in a bowl with the butter mixture. Serve warm.