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Broiled Asparagus with Reduced Balsamic Vinaigrette and Parmesan

By America's Test Kitchen

Published on August 22, 2007

Yield

Serves 6

Broiled Asparagus with Reduced Balsamic Vinaigrette and Parmesan

Ingredients

Broiled Asparagus

2 pounds thin asparagus spears (2 bunches), tough ends trimmed (see illustration below)1 tablespoon olive oil

Reduced Balsamic Vinaigrette and Parmesan

¾ cup balsamic vinegar ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese

Before You Begin

The balsamic glaze will keep in the refrigerator for a week.

Instructions

  1. Adjust oven rack to uppermost position and heat broiler (about 4 inches from the heating element). Toss asparagus with oil and salt and pepper, then lay spears in single layer on heavy rimmed baking sheet. Broil, shaking the pan halfway through to turn spears, until asparagus are tender and lightly browned, 6 to 10 minutes.
  2. Bring the vinegar to a boil in an 8-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer slowly until the vinegar is syrupy and reduced to 1/4 cup, 15 to 20 minutes. Arrange the broiled asparagus on a serving platter. Drizzle the balsamic glaze and olive oil over the asparagus. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and serve immediately.
Broiled Asparagus with Reduced Balsamic Vinaigrette and Parmesan

Broiled Asparagus with Reduced Balsamic Vinaigrette and Parmesan

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By America's Test Kitchen
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Yield

Serves 6

Ingredients

Broiled Asparagus

2 pounds thin asparagus spears (2 bunches), tough ends trimmed (see illustration below)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Reduced Balsamic Vinaigrette and Parmesan

¾ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese

Test Kitchen Techniques

Ingredients

Broiled Asparagus

2 pounds thin asparagus spears (2 bunches), tough ends trimmed (see illustration below)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Reduced Balsamic Vinaigrette and Parmesan

¾ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese

Test Kitchen Techniques

Ingredients

Broiled Asparagus

2 pounds thin asparagus spears (2 bunches), tough ends trimmed (see illustration below)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Reduced Balsamic Vinaigrette and Parmesan

¾ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese

Test Kitchen Techniques

Why This Recipe Works

We developed a perfect asparagus recipe, including a simple sauce, that can be completed in just 10 minutes. We broiled the asparagus to concentrate the flavor and lightly caramelize its peel. While the asparagus cooked, we whisked together a simple, flavorful vinaigrette to drizzle over the hot asparagus before serving.

Before You Begin

The balsamic glaze will keep in the refrigerator for a week.

Instructions

  1. Adjust oven rack to uppermost position and heat broiler (about 4 inches from the heating element). Toss asparagus with oil and salt and pepper, then lay spears in single layer on heavy rimmed baking sheet. Broil, shaking the pan halfway through to turn spears, until asparagus are tender and lightly browned, 6 to 10 minutes.
  2. Bring the vinegar to a boil in an 8-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer slowly until the vinegar is syrupy and reduced to 1/4 cup, 15 to 20 minutes. Arrange the broiled asparagus on a serving platter. Drizzle the balsamic glaze and olive oil over the asparagus. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and serve immediately.

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