With just 5 ingredients, Steamed Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze is bursting with sweet, complex flavor. This simple side dish makes any meal look gourmet.
This asparagus dish holds a special place in my heart. Keith made it for me on our first Valentine's Day, with Oscar Style Steak and Creamy Mashed Potatoes. His easy Balsamic Glaze adds just the right amount of flavor to any veggie (our Balsamic Glazed Carrots are a fan favorite). This glaze is so naturally sweet, it tastes almost sinful... but it's not!
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Ingredients
- ASPARAGUS: fresh asparagus stalks
- BALSAMIC VINEGAR: use the best quality Italian balsamic vinegar (Aceto Balsamico) you can afford
- ROSEMARY: we prefer dried rosemary for this recipe
- SUGAR: granulated sugar or brown sugar
- BLACK PEPPER: ground black pepper
- ORANGE ZEST: 1 pinch
Instructions
- Make Balsamic Glaze: Heat vinegar in medium sauce pan over medium heat for 10 minutes. Add rosemary, sugar, and black pepper and heat for 10 more minutes over medium heat. Add orange zest and cook until mixture reduces to about half (about 15 minutes )
- Steam Asparagus: Cut rough end off asparagus and steam (covered) in large sauté pan with ¼ C water until tender (about 10 minutes).
- Plate and Serve: Remove asparagus from pan and place on plate. Drizzle balsamic glaze over and enjoy.
Expert tips
- To prepare the asparagus for steaming, simply snap off the ends using your hands. The natural breaking point will remove the woody part of the stem.
- We prefer pencil thin asparagus for this recipe. It cooks faster, and it has a sweeter taste than thicker asparagus.
- Try our Balsamic Glaze on your favorite vegetables: fresh tomatoes, zucchini, roasted peppers, or roasted carrots.
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Variations
- SPICY: add a pinch of red pepper flakes, paprika (or both) to spice things up
- CHEESY: Add some more layers of flavor by sprinkling with freshly grated parmesan cheese, a pinch or kosher salt, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- CRUCHY: add toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or pomegranate seeds
Storage
- Store in refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Reheat in a sauté pan with a little oil or in the microwave.
FAQ
The cooking time for steaming asparagus depends on the thickness of the spears. Thin spears may take around 3 minutes, while thicker ones may require 5 minutes or more.
Yes, store-bought balsamic glaze is a convenient alternative to homemade. Look for high-quality brands that use real balsamic vinegar and minimal additives for the best flavor.
Yes, you can prepare steamed asparagus ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or steam for a few minutes, then drizzle with Balsamic Glaze.
Steamed asparagus is done when it turns bright green and can be pierced easily with a fork while still retaining some crispness. Avoid overcooking, as it can become mushy.
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Steamed Asparagus recipe
With just 5 ingredients, Steamed Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze is bursting with sweet, complex flavor. This simple side makes any meal look gourmet.
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- 1 ½ C balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 pinch black pepper
- pinch of orange zest
Instructions
- Heat vinegar in medium sauce pan over medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Add rosemary, sugar, and black pepper and heat for 10 more minutes over medium heat.
- Add orange zest and cook until mixture reduces to about half ( about 15 minutes )
- Cut rough end off asparagus and steam (covered) in large sauté pan with ¼ C water until tender (about 10 minutes).
- Remove asparagus from pan and place on plate. Drizzle balsamic glaze over and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Side Dish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 36
- Sugar: 4.1 g
- Sodium: 4 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 7.4 g
- Protein: 2.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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