This balsamic roasted asparagus is an easy, nutritious, flavorful side dish. This quick recipe calls for just a few pantry staples and some fresh asparagus. This dish is perfect for entertaining and complements most main courses.
What to serve with this balsamic roasted asparagus
If you’re looking for another side dish to serve with this baked asparagus, try these mouthwatering garlicky roasted potatoes. They’re perfectly crispy and loaded with flavor.
Main ingredients and substitutions
This asparagus recipe couldn’t be much simpler. It’s just some olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder (or fresh garlic if you prefer) and a little salt and pepper. The balsamic vinegar adds a subtle hint of sweetness and tanginess which complements the flavor of the asparagus nicely.
The best part about baking asparagus, or practically any vegetable for that matter, is the slight caramelization you can achieve. The tips get just a little crispy when you bake them which adds a depth of flavor that’s missing from boiled or steamed asparagus.
While grilling asparagus on a barbecue is also great for achieving some good caramelization, I find the width of the asparagus spears are too narrow and at least a couple of the asparagus spears inevitably turn in the wrong direction and fall through the grill. I love the simplicity of this roasted asparagus.
How to make it
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating, rinse and trim the asparagus. Cut off 1-2 inches of the thicker, woody ends of the stalks to ensure the end result is tender and delicious.
Alternatively, you can bend each asparagus stalk until it snaps and discard the short ends, but I prefer to simply line them all up on a cutting board and trim about 2 inches off the ends using a large, sharp knife.
Once the asparagus have been trimmed, place them on a parchment paper lined sheet pan. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pan, then use your hands to toss the asparagus to ensure they’re evenly coated.
The last step is to bake the asparagus for 30 minutes or until they’re tender and the tips are slightly caramelized. Serve this dish hot, warm, or at room temperature.
Storage
Store this balsamic roasted asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
More easy recipes to try
- If you’re looking for another easy vegetable side dish, try this oven baked okra.
- This tahini pasta is filling, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
- These roasted onions are a simple and delicious side dish.
- These garlicky roasted radishes are a tasty, low-carb alternative to potatoes.
Balsamic Roasted Asparagus
Equipment
- Sheet pan
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 30 asparagus spears
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Trim the asparagus spears to remove 1-2 inches of the wide ends and place on a parchment paper lined sheet pan.
- Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder and toss the asparagus spears around on the baking sheet until they are evenly coated.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or until the asparagus are tender and the tips are slightly caramelized.
Notes
- You can prepare this dish in advance and reheat before serving or serve at room temperature.
- Store this balsamic roasted asparagus in the fridge for up to three days.