Balsamic Reduction – How to Make Balsamic Glaze | with video
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Balsamic Reduction is a simple sauce that can elevate a dish to the next level, and it’s so easy to make at home! It only takes one ingredient and just a little time to create this sweet, tangy, syrupy sauce.
Last year, my basil did terribly. I don’t remember if I was even able to harvest any of it. This year, I’m sure I’ll try again because a sprinkle of fresh basil instantly brings a taste of summer to any recipe….and I love it so! My chives are already out of control, so at least if nothing else grows, I’ll have chives.
The basil in these photos is compliments of the grocery store, but the caprese salad did not disappoint. Caprese salad is one of my favorite things to eat all summer long. I don’t know what it is about the simple combination of tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella, but it’s a win every time. Whether it’s drizzled with high-quality olive oil or a balsamic reduction (or both!), it’s always delicious.
However, balsamic reduction (or balsamic glaze, whatever you prefer) isn’t only for caprese salad. It has the ability to elevate so many dishes like this asparagus tart or this bacon and mushroom flatbread. It’s great drizzled on grilled meat (it’s tasty on chicken or steak), salads, appetizers, and roasted or grilled vegetables. I personally love it on roasted or grilled asparagus.
It’s one of those things that you might not automatically reach for, but once you introduce it into your cooking repertoire, you’re always going to want a bottle of it in your fridge. The great news is, it keeps for a month or more in your fridge, so you can make a big batch and it might last you all summer! Or it might last you two days, once you taste it.
How to Make Balsamic Reduction
You guys, I can’t stress enough how easy this is! It’s SO EASY. You literally just simmer balsamic vinegar until it thickens. That’s it!
If you want this to be even more sticky sweet, you can add some sugar or honey to sweeten it up a touch. I find that the vinegar gets sweet enough as it simmers down and reduces, but I am used to things on the less-sweet side, so if you have more of a sweet tooth, you might want to try adding a couple tablespoons of sugar or honey.
More things to drizzle this balsamic glaze on:
- Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Tomatoes and Ricotta
- Goat Cheese Steak
- Easy Tomato Bruschetta
- Caprese Skewers
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Ingredients
- 2 cups good quality balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Heat vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbling. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to simmer until reduced by about half and thickened. You can stir it occasionally but just keep an eye on it to make sure it's not boiling rapidly...just a low simmer is perfect.
- Cool and store in fridge for up to a month.
Notes
- If you prefer this sweeter, add 2 tablespoons of a sweetener of your choice. Honey, brown sugar, or granulated sugar are good choices.
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Husband’s take: Ben loves caprese as much as I do and when I drizzle on this balsamic reduction, he can’t get enough!
Changes I would make: None are necessary, but like I mentioned, I prefer it without sugar. If you like things sweeter, add a touch of sugar or honey!
Difficulty: So easy!!
Love them says
Love this with baked sweet potatoes. Simply bake sweet potatoes wrapped in foil at 385 until oozing. Little sal,t, pepp r, butter and the reduction. Yum!
Rachel Gurk says
Ooooh yum, that sounds delicious!
Jacqueline Shepherd says
I am a food lover. Every time I try different different item on my dishes. So one day I am searching new ingredients for my dishes then I read your article about balsamic. The information you have shared in your article no one tell about its benefit like you! Thanks for sharing such excellent information.
Rachel Gurk says
You’re very welcome!
Jules says
There should definitely be a warning, this product contains acetic acid which can burn if inhaled. Just don’t put your face over the fumes :) Otherwise great recipes and insanely easy !
Rachel Gurk says
Good tip, thanks! :)
Elizabeth says
Wow this looks super flavorful and delicious! Can’t wait to try this!
Rachel Gurk says
Thanks! I hope you love it!
Melissa says
Worked perfect! I made it without added sugar as I lean more towards tart flavors.
Rachel Gurk says
Thanks! So glad you liked it!