Give fresh asparagus a flavorful upgrade with this Baked Asparagus with Balsamic Butter Sauce. It’s a simple side dish that pairs tender oven-roasted asparagus with a rich, tangy sauce made from butter, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. The combination is easy to prepare, yet it brings a savory depth that makes this vegetable feel special enough for company and practical enough for a weeknight dinner.
The recipe starts with fresh asparagus, trimmed and arranged in a single layer on a baking sheet. A light coating of cooking spray and a little salt and pepper are all the seasoning the spears need before they go into a 400°F oven. After about 12 minutes, the asparagus should be tender, with some darker, crisp edges that add extra roasted flavor.
While the asparagus bakes, prepare the balsamic butter sauce on the stovetop. Melt the butter, remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. Once the asparagus comes out of the oven, pour the warm sauce over the spears and serve. The butter adds richness, the soy sauce contributes a savory note, and the balsamic vinegar brings a pleasant tang.
For the best texture, trim away the tough, woody ends of the asparagus and spread the spears out rather than piling them on top of one another. A sturdy rimmed baking sheet makes it easy to roast the asparagus evenly and keep the preparation simple.
This versatile vegetable side dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled meats, or a special steak dinner. With just a handful of ingredients and about 25 minutes from start to finish, Baked Asparagus with Balsamic Butter Sauce is an easy way to add a little extra flavor to your meal without making dinner complicated.
This recipe pairs well with Roman-Style Chicken, Roast Chicken or this wonderful Bourbon’d Filet Mignon. Asparagus is such a versatile vegetable, check out more Aparagus Recipes.
Baked Asparagus with Balsamic Butter Sauce
- Total Time: :25
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
- cooking spray
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Arrange the asparagus on a baking sheet. Coat with cooking spray, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake asparagus 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until tender.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat, and stir in soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. Pour over the baked asparagus to serve.
Notes
- Trim the woody ends. The bottom of asparagus spears are super tough and nearly impossible to bite through, even when cooked. Cut them off!
- Season generously. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper or else your asparagus can turn out v bland.
- Roast in a single layer. If you overcrowd the pan, you risk steaming the asparagus, which would prohibit char. Char is good!
- Aluminum foil can be used to keep food moist, cook it evenly, and make clean-up easier.
- Prep Time: :10
- Cook Time: :12
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Oven
