Balsamic Glaze: the effortless recipe for a versatile homemade condiment

Perfect for everything from drizzling over grilled meats to swirling into risotto, or to add a pop of flavor to bruschetta, or a fresh green salad, balsamic glaze is one homemade condiment you should always have on hand. Balsamic reduction is super easy to make and it adds so much flavor and color to your cooking.

It's a phenomenal way to jazz up virtually any dish, and can even be used over fruit and sweets! Balsamic glaze has a sweet, tangy flavor and a thick, rich texture similar to warm honey. With its gorgeous glossy sheen and incredible taste, balsamic glaze is the perfect way to take your cooking to the next level.

What is Balsamic Glaze?

Balsamic glaze, aka balsamic reduction, is a wonderful condiment that can be used for all sorts of recipes as a way to finish off the dish and give your cooking a professional flair.

It's made by cooking down balsamic vinegar and sugar until it becomes thick and syrup-like.

Balsamic Glaze Ingredients

The beauty of balsamic reduction is that you only need two ingredients to make it: balsamic vinegar and brown sugar.

Of course, you can always swap out the brown sugar for honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup, or use a sweetener to make keto-friendly balsamic glaze.

Use high-quality balsamic vinegar. You'll be able to taste the inferior quality if you go for a cheap vinegar.

How to Make Balsamic Glaze

There isn't too much involved when it comes to making balsamic reduction at home. Start by putting the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar into a pot. Turn the heat up to medium, and stir the mixture to dissolve the sugar.

Once the vinegar starts boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook the vinegar mixture for 20 minutes, or until it reduces by half. Once it reduces, take the glaze off the heat and let it cool down a bit before using or storing it for later.

What Does Balsamic Reduction Taste Like?

Balsamic glaze has a sweet, tangy flour. It has a fairly intense balsamic vinegar flavor but skews towards the sweeter end of the spectrum thanks to the brown sugar.

Tips for Homemade Balsamic Glaze

You'll know your glaze is done when it coats the back of a spoon.

You can make your balsamic glaze even healthier by skipping the sugar and simply reducing the vinegar down to your preferred consistency.

For a tasty twist on your balsamic glaze, use flavored balsamic vinegar instead of regular balsamic vinegar. Try raspberry, strawberry, pomegranate, or orange.

Instead of sugar, you can make your glaze with honey, maple syrup, sweetener, agave nectar, or regular sugar.

If your glaze is too thick, you can thin it out with a touch more vinegar until you get the proper consistency.

How to Use Balsamic Glaze

Balsamic glaze is a great way to add more complexity to a dish. You can drizzle it over meats, fatty fish like tuna or salmon, chicken, or roasted veggies. It's excellent in pasta dishes, salads, and risotto.

You can even drizzle it over ice cream or fresh fruit – it's especially good with strawberries.

How to Store Balsamic Glaze

Once the glaze has cooled, transfer it to a jar and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Instructions

Pour balsamic vinegar and brown sugar into a pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring regularly to help dissolve the sugar.

Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a gentle simmer.

Cook for 20 minutes, or until the glaze reduces by about half. Remove from heat and let cool before using.

Notes

Use a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan to make your glaze.