How To Make Balsamic Glaze - Balsamic Reduction Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic reduction? ›

Balsamic glaze is also called a “balsamic reduction.” It is essentially a reduction of balsamic vinegar. Additional sweeteners like honey or sugar can be added. The balsamic vinegar is simmered in a saucepan until it has reduced down and thickened to a maple-syrup consistency.

Balsamic glaze can still be used as seasoning, as a substitute for Balsamic Vinegar, although it would be preferable to use it as a garnish.

To make a glaze, you only need that one ingredient: balsamic vinegar. Many recipes call for an added sweetener of some sort — usually sugar or honey. Cooking it down with those additions helps it cook faster while adding a hint of flavour to the glaze.

Balsamic glaze is condensed balsamic vinegar that yields a beautiful dark, glossy drizzle with a bold, complex flavor. It's also know as balsamic reduction… or as I like to say, balsamic magic.

For every 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar, substitute 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar or red wine vinegar plus ½ tsp. sugar.

It takes 12 years to make the best, aceto balsamico tradizionale (traditional balsamic vinegar), and at least 25 to make the finest, extra Vecchio. Because of traditional balsamic vinegar's painstaking artisanal production process, supplies are limited, and it tends to be rather pricey.

This product does not need to be refrigerated after opening. If you like your glaze chilled it may be stored in the refrigerator. This is personal preference.

While making balsamic glaze isn't difficult, it does require some patience. If it doesn't seem to be thickening, just wait a few more minutes. Make sure it's maintaining a a good simmer, but resist the urge to bring it to a full boil. And remember, the glaze will thicken more as it cools.

You don't have to babysit the pot, but stick around so you don't forget about it. When the balsamic glaze is thick and syrupy and has reduced by half (about 20 to 30 minutes), remove the pot from the burner and allow it to cool. Store your balsamic glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Last but not least, consuming balsamic vinegar can have an anti-inflammatory effect as well. Long-term, high levels of inflammation can be extremely detrimental to your health, and research shows inflammation plays a role in whether you develop chronic conditions, diseases, and even cancer.

Is balsamic glaze thicker than balsamic vinegar? ›

Both look thick. Actually the real aged Balsamic Vinegar is thick, while the cream is not thick, but viscous. In fact, viscosity indicates the greater or lesser ease of flow of a liquid.

Balsamics' enemies are light and heat, so cool, dark storage spaces are best. If you're using balsamic vinegars primarily for salads and like them chilled, they can be refrigerated. If you're using them for sauces, marinades, and reductions, store them in a cupboard.

If you reduce the vinegar too much, it will harden when it cools. Next time, try reducing the cook time. If you need to salvage hardened balsamic reduction, you can reheat it with a bit of water to thin it out.

The main difference between balsamic glaze and balsamic vinaigrette lies in their consistency and usage. Balsamic glaze has a thick syrupy consistency, while balsamic vinaigrette is thinner and pourable.

Glazes (and creams) are products derived from Balsamic Vinegar or, rather, products made from balsamic vinegar, mixed with other ingredients such as starches, flours and sugars.