Imagine a dish that captures the essence of spring in just minutes, combining the wild, garlicky flavor of ramps with a simple yet sophisticated grilling technique. This Sea Salt and Lemon Grilled Ramps recipe is not just a side dish—it's a celebration of seasonal ingredients that will elevate your cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, these grilled ramps will transport your taste buds to a world of vibrant, fresh flavors that scream springtime.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch ramps
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the ramps under cold running water, carefully removing any dirt or debris. Pat them completely dry using clean paper towels or a kitchen towel.
- Trim off the root ends of the ramps, keeping the white and purple base intact. If the leaves appear wilted, gently remove any damaged outer leaves.
- Place the cleaned ramps in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Gently toss to ensure each ramp is evenly coated with the oil.
- Sprinkle sea salt evenly over the oiled ramps, using your hands to distribute the salt and ensure complete coverage.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, approximately 400-450°F. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the ramps perpendicular to the grill grates to prevent them from falling through. Grill for 3-4 minutes on the first side, allowing beautiful char marks to develop.
- Carefully flip the ramps using long tongs, grilling the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are tender and slightly crispy at the edges.
- Remove the grilled ramps from the heat and transfer to a serving platter. Immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot ramps.
- Let the ramps rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the lemon juice to slightly sizzle and infuse flavor. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ramps: Select ramps with bright green leaves and firm white bulbs for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep with Care: Make sure to clean ramps thoroughly and pat them completely dry to ensure perfect grilling and prevent steaming.
- Oil and Season Evenly: Gently coat ramps with olive oil and distribute salt uniformly to guarantee consistent flavor in every bite.
- Grill Temperature Matters: Maintain a medium-high heat (400-450°F) to achieve those beautiful char marks without burning.
- Don't Overcrowd: Grill ramps in a single layer to allow proper heat circulation and even cooking.
- Watch the Timing: 3-4 minutes per side is typically perfect—look for slight charring and tender texture.
- Lemon Juice Tip: Add fresh lemon juice immediately after grilling for a bright, zesty finish that enhances the ramps' natural flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Ramps are best enjoyed hot, right off the grill, to preserve their delicate texture and vibrant taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
