Asparagus with Balsamic Vinegar Butter Sauce

Asparagus is a delicious vegetable, and this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Bake the asparagus in the oven, then pour over the butter, balsamic vinegar and soy sauce. It may seem like a strange combination, but it turns out great.

Ingredients

1 lb. asparagus
cooking spray or olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbs. butter
1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. or more onion powder
1/2 tsp. or more garlic powder

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°.

Wash and trim away the woody parts of the asparagus. Arrange the asparagus spears in a baking pan, so they are spread out over the baking pan.

Spray them with cooking spray, or drizzle a bit of olive oil over them, but don't use too much, or it will be too oily tasting.

Season the asparagus with salt and pepper to taste. 

Bake the asparagus for about 12 minutes, or until tender.  

As the asparagus cooks, it is time to prepare the sauce.

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook and stir until the butter browns, but do not let it burn. Browning the butter gives the sauce more flavor. Remove from heat.

Pour in balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, onion powder and garlic powder.  Whisk well.

When the asparagus is done, remove the spears to a serving platter.  Pour the sauce over the top of the asparagus.  

Serve and enjoy.