Crest factor reduction (CFR) techniques are provided using asymmetrical pulses. A crest factor reduction method comprises obtaining one or more data samples; detecting at least one peak in the one or more data samples; performing peak cancellation on the at least one detected peak by applying an asymmetric cancellation pulse to the at least one detected peak; and providing processed versions of the one or more data samples. The asymmetric cancellation pulse is generated, for example, by a minimum phase filter and has a substantially minimum group delay. New peaks associated with peak re-growth are introduced substantially only to the one side of the asymmetric cancellation pulse. The process can optionally rewind by an amount greater than or substantially equal to a group delay of the asymmetric cancellation pulse to address the limited number of pre-cursors that may be present in the asymmetric cancellation pulse.