Grilled Asparagus with Savory Balsamic Brown Butter Drizzle
This delightful recipe transforms fresh asparagus into a flavorful side dish that becomes a summer staple at our gatherings and barbecues. Sourced from Cooking Light, it's a brilliantly simple yet elegant way to prepare asparagus. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the asparagus, while the balsamic brown butter sauce adds a rich, savory depth that perfectly complements the dish. Whether cooked on a grill or baked in the oven, this recipe brings out the best in this green vegetable, making it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their vegetable servings. Enjoy it as a side for grilled meats or as part of a light summer feast.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
asparagus spears
2 lbs (trimmed or peeled if tough)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for coating)
kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (for browning)
soy sauce
2 teaspoons (for flavoring)
balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon (for flavoring)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Prepare the asparagus by trimming off the woody ends and peeling any tough stalks if necessary.
3
Place the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to ensure all spears are well coated.
4
Season the asparagus with kosher salt and black pepper, spreading them evenly on the sheet.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until just tender; they should retain a slight crispness.
6
While the asparagus is baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally and watch closely for about 3 minutes until the butter is golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, taking care not to let it burn.
7
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately whisk in the soy sauce and balsamic vinegar until well combined.
8
Once the asparagus is done baking, drizzle the balsamic brown butter sauce evenly over the spears. Toss gently to ensure all pieces are well coated in the sauce.
9
Serve immediately, and relish the fantastic flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main vegetable in this recipe?
The main vegetable used in this recipe is asparagus.
How much asparagus do I need?
You will need 2 pounds of asparagus spears.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare the asparagus spears?
Trim off the woody ends and peel any tough stalks if necessary before cooking.
What type of oil is used to coat the asparagus?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to coat the asparagus.
How long should the asparagus bake in the oven?
Bake the asparagus for about 12 minutes until they are just tender.
What are the ingredients for the savory drizzle?
The drizzle consists of unsalted butter, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar.
How do I brown the butter?
Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes until it is golden brown and smells nutty.
What kind of salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt.
What kind of pepper should I use?
Use 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper for seasoning.
When do I add the soy sauce and balsamic vinegar?
Remove the skillet from the heat once the butter is browned and then whisk them in immediately.
Can this recipe be made on a grill?
Yes, this recipe can be prepared on a grill or baked in the oven.
What is the texture of the cooked asparagus?
The asparagus should be just tender while still retaining a slight crispness.
How much butter is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How much soy sauce is used?
You will need 2 teaspoons of soy sauce.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar.
What should I do after the asparagus is done baking?
Drizzle the balsamic brown butter sauce evenly over the spears and toss gently.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy side dish and sourced from Cooking Light.
What kind of dish is this?
This is a vegetable side dish, perfect for summer gatherings and barbecues.
How should I arrange the asparagus on the baking sheet?
Place the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe was sourced from Cooking Light.
Should I serve this dish hot?
Yes, the recipe suggests serving the dish immediately for the best flavor.
What does the balsamic brown butter add to the dish?
It adds a rich, savory depth that complements the natural sweetness of the asparagus.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients.
What happens to the asparagus during roasting?
Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the asparagus.
What should I watch out for when browning the butter?
Watch closely and stir occasionally to ensure the butter does not burn.
What can I serve this asparagus with?
It is a great accompaniment for grilled meats or as part of a light summer feast.
What color should the butter be when finished?
The butter should be a golden brown color.
Can I use regular table salt?
While the recipe specifies kosher salt, you can use table salt though you may need to adjust the quantity.
Is the asparagus peeled?
The asparagus is only peeled if the stalks are particularly tough.