Balsamic Glazed Asparagus! Simple, elegant and absolutely delicious, this easy asparagus side dish is perfect for both weeknight dinners and holiday meals!
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Need a quick and easy vegetable side dish that works for weeknight dinners and holiday hosting? Look no further than Balsamic Glazed Asparagus!
Tender-crisp, roasted asparagus pairs like a dream with a drizzle of sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, and is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.
This flavorful, healthful recipe can be dressed up with a variety of complementary toppings or served as-is for a straightforward, crowd-pleasing vegetarian side dish.
Looking for more ways to enjoy asparagus? Try my Baked Parmesan, Asparagus & Mushroom Rice Pilaf or Farro Salad with Burrata & Asparagus.
This recipe is naturally gluten free, dairy-free and vegan.
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Ingredients
- Olive oil.
- Asparagus. See my tips on how to clean and prepare asparagus!
- Sea salt.
- Balsamic Glaze. If your grocery store does not carry pre-made balsamic glaze, you can easily make some yourself! See below for details.
- Optional: Additional Toppings. I've shared a few good options below!
How to Clean and Prepare Asparagus
Asparagus is very easy to prep! Here's how I do it:
- Clean: Start by giving the asparagus a good rinse under cool, running water. Be sure to dry the asparagus completely; this will ensure that the oil and any seasonings adhere well allow the asparagus to roast properly.
- Trim. Asparagus can have woody stems that aren't pleasant to eat. To find the right place to trim them for a tender bite, you can hold a piece of asparagus close to the end and bend it until it snaps. It will break naturally at the part where the tough stem stops and the more tender stem begins.
- Peel. For thicker asparagus (or varieties like white asparagus), you can also use a vegetable peeler to peel away the exterior, exposing the the more tender layer underneath.
Tip: If you're not using the asparagus right away, you can store it in the refrigerator wrapped in a moist paper towel, or place the trimmed ends in a shallow glass of water until you're ready to use it. This will keep the asparagus fresh and crisp and keep it from drying or shriveling.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a baking pan by lining with parchment paper or foil. Set aside.
Place trimmed asparagus on the baking pan and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to make sure each piece of asparagus is fully coated.
Sprinkle with sea salt. Roast the asparagus for 12-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the asparagus.
Remove from the oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Before serving, add desired toppings such as shaved Parmesan cheese, crisped bacon or prosciutto, pine nuts or you favorite toppings.
This asparagus recipe can be served hot, at room temperature or chilled. use captions.
Homemade Balsamic Glaze
If you're unable to find balsamic glaze at your grocery store, not to worry, it's easy to make at home!
In a small saucepan combine 1 cup of good-quality balsamic vinegar with ¼ cup brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and allow it to bubble over low heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about half. It will be thick and syrupy.
Cool and store in the refrigerator in an air-tight container until ready to use.
Recipe FAQ's
If your asparagus is soggy or stringy, you may be roasting it too long. Depending on the thickness of the asparagus you're using, it's best to roast the asparagus until it's bright green and tender crisp. A fork should be able to pierce the asparagus but still have some give.
It's entirely up to you how you want to trim your asparagus ends. Snapping is easy and effective, but will often cause you to lose almost half of the spear. Cutting the ends with a knife will ensure that the asparagus are all around the same length for a better presentation. Either way, you'll want to trim off ½ inch to 1 inch the tough ends for the best eating experience.
If you want to try a cooking method other than roasting, you can also: Pan-fry (7-10 minutes in a bit of olive oil), blanche (boil 3-4 minutes in salted water, then plunge into ice bath to stop cooking), steam (6-7 minutes in a steamer) or air fry (390 degrees for 7-10 minutes).
Serving Suggestions
Asparagus is a wonderful, versatile vegetable that pairs well with so many dishes. Try serving balsamic glazed asparagus alongside:
- Grilled, roasted or air fried salmon or other fish
- Grilled chicken breast
- Your favorite pasta dish
Variations & Substitutions
Want to shake things up a bit? Try these flavorful variations:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice or lemon zest onto roasted asparagus and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Add crunch by toasting buttered breadcrumbs in a skillet then sprinkling over top of finished asparagus or by adding toasted pine nuts, walnuts or almonds over top.
- Pan-sear chopped cherry or grape tomatoes and serve over top of asparagus for a burst of color and flavor.
Diet-Specific Substitutions
This recipe is naturally gluten free, dairy-free and vegan, making it a perfect choice for gatherings with guests that have different dietary needs!
Balsamic Glazed Asparagus
Ingredients
- 2 pounds asparagus spears cleaned and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Prepare a baking pan by lining with parchment paper or foil. Set aside.
- Place trimmed asparagus on the baking pan and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to make sure each piece of asparagus is fully coated.
- Sprinkle with sea salt. Roast the asparagus for 12-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the asparagus. (It should be able to be easily pierced with a fork when done.)
- Remove from the oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Before serving, add desired toppings such as shaved Parmesan cheese, crisped bacon or prosciutto, pine nuts or you favorite toppings. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Notes
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice or lemon zest onto roasted asparagus and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Add crunch by toasting buttered breadcrumbs in a skillet then sprinkling over top of finished asparagus or by adding toasted pine nuts, walnuts or almonds over top.
- Pan-sear chopped cherry or grape tomatoes and serve over top of asparagus for a burst of color and flavor.
- This recipe is naturally gluten free, dairy-free and vegan, making it a perfect choice for gatherings with guests that have different dietary needs!
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