Salt and pepperabout ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon pepper--freshly ground is best
½cupbalsamic vinegar
Instructions
Roasted Asparagus
Preheat oven to 400°F. For superior caramelization, preheat the sheet pan too.
Toss asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. To promote browning, we did not line the pan with parchment paper. But, you can to make clean-up easier.
Roast for 8-10 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender but not soggy and slightly browned. The exact timing depends on the thickness of the asparagus. Thin stalks can cook in about 6 minutes and super thick ones can take up to 15 minutes.
To serve, drizzle balsamic glaze over asparagus and serve a little more on the side. Sprinkling Parmesan cheese or feta cheese is another easy way to add another flavor dimension.
Balsamic Glaze
In a small saucepan, bring balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the temperature and simmer until the amount is reduced by half and has a nice syrupy consistency. It should continue to bubble while it cooks. Stir occasionally and don't let it burn. It will take 15-20 minutes depending on the dept of the pan.
Notes
See step-by-step pictures, serving ideas, and more above.Top TipPreheat the sheet pan in the oven for top-notch caramelization. When the asparagus are placed on the hot pan, they start to sear immediately, creating a superior caramelized crust.StorageStore leftover asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or saute them on the stovetop. Low heat warms the asparagus without turning it too mushy. An air fryer can be used instead.