Roasted Asparagus Balsamic Reduction (Printable)
Tender asparagus roasted and finished with a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 pound fresh asparagus spears, ends trimmed
→ Oils & Seasonings
02 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Balsamic Reduction
05 - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
06 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
→ Garnish
07 - 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts
08 - Shaved Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan)
09 - Additional freshly cracked black pepper
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
02 - Arrange trimmed asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper, and toss gently to coat each spear.
03 - Roast for 12 to 15 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized, shaking the pan halfway through for even cooking.
04 - While asparagus roasts, combine balsamic vinegar and maple syrup (if using) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until liquid reduces by half and thickens to syrup consistency. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
05 - Transfer roasted asparagus to a serving platter. Drizzle with balsamic reduction and garnish with pine nuts, shaved Parmesan (if using), and extra black pepper. Serve immediately while warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast between tender roasted spears and sweet tangy glaze hits every craving
- It transforms humble asparagus into something restaurant worthy with almost no effort
02 -
- The balsamic reduction keeps thickening as it cools so remove it from heat while it still looks slightly thinner than you want
- Thin asparagus spears will finish faster than thick ones so check early and pull out any pieces that are done
03 -
- Watch your reduction like a hawk in the final minutes because burnt balsamic cannot be saved
- Room temperature asparagus roasts more evenly than cold straight from the fridge spears