With just 5 ingredients, this simple Balsamic Reduction recipe adds complex flavor to any vegetable. We especially love it on tender stalks of steamed asparagus.

I love asparagus. It's a funny looking vegetable that tastes oh-so-good. I had always eaten it steamed or sautéed and plain until I met Keith. His easy balsamic reduction adds just the right amount of flavor to this already perfect veggie. It tastes almost sinful, but it's not.
This asparagus dish holds a special place in my heart. Keith made this for me on our first Valentine's Day as part of a spectacular meal. I will never forget that day. Keith's cooking has a way of making you feel loved and taken care of. He effortlessly created this reduction with balsamic vinegar, rosemary, and a bit of sugar. It makes every bite of one of my favorite vegetables even better.
Ingredients:
- FRESH ASPARAGUS STALKS: 1 pound
- BALSAMIC VINEGAR: 1 ½ cups
- ROSEMARY: 1 teaspoon, dried
- SUGAR: 1 teaspoon
- FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER: 1 pinch
- ORANGE ZEST: 1 pinch
How to Make Balsamic Glaze (Balsamic Reduction):
- 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 )
How to Steam Asparagus:
- Cut (break) the rough end off of the asparagus.
- Steam stalks by placing them in a large sauté pan (covered) with ¼ C water until tender (about 10 minutes).
- Remove asparagus from pan and place on plate. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the steamed asparagus and enjoy.
What better way to show your love for someone than to prepare them a gorgeous and flavorful plate of veggies drizzled in sweet Balsamic Glaze? It also works with a variety of other veggies.
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.
- 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.
- try our Balsamic Glaze on your favorite vegetables: fresh tomatoes, zucchini, roasted peppers, or roasted carrots.
more of our favorite asparagus recipes:
Oven Roasted Asparagus Flatbread
Rustic Asparagus & Mushroom Quiche
Asparagus Tortellini with Blue Cheese & Pesto
PrintSteamed Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze recipe
With just 5 ingredients, this simple Balsamic Reduction recipe adds complex flavor to any vegetable. We love it on stalks of steamed asparagus.
- 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
Keywords: asparagus, vegetable, vegetarian, balsamic, vinegar, easy, reduction, simple, glaze, steamed
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