Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Butter Sauce

This is one of my favorite ways to eat asparagus.  Actually, it just may be my very favorite.  The asparagus is roasted until the tips are slightly crispy (don't go overboard with that, like I did) and then drizzled with a delicious balsamic vinegar & butter sauce.  I could just drink the sauce- it is so good.  Short on time, or saucepans?  Make the sauce in the microwave. 

Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Butter Sauce
adapted from Allrecipes

1 bunch fresh asparagus, rinsed and tough ends trimmed
cooking spray
1-2 teaspoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

2.  Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.  Arrange the asparagus on a baking sheet in a single layer.  Drizzle lightly with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

3.  Bake asparagus 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until tender.

4.  Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat (or in the microwave).  Remove from heat, and stir in soy sauce and balsamic vinegar.  Pour over the baked asparagus to serve.  (Or, serve sauce separately at the table, so everyone can add their own). 
 

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