This sweet and tangy condiment can be called Balsamic Reduction, Balsamic Glaze, or Balsamic Syrup – no matter what you call it, it’s an absolute must for every kitchen!

Best of all, you only need one ingredient – plain old balsamic vinegar – plus a few minutes to create the condiment of your dreams.

drizzling balsamic glaze on tortellini skewers

Table of Contents

a jar of balsamic glaze with a spoon next to it and a striped napkin

Why You’ll Love Balsamic Reduction

  • SO delicious – Reducing balsamic vinegar into a syrup concentrates the sugars, resulting in a sweet, slightly tart syrup that is insanely delicious on so many things (but especially caprese salad or caprese skewers!)
  • So simple to make – It takes less than 15 minutes to simmer balsamic vinegar into glossy magic.
  • Lasts a long time – Whip up a batch and refrigerate your balsamic glaze – it will last for months in there.
balsamic glaze reduction

Ingredients

  • Balsamic vinegar – Yep, just one ingredient for balsamic reduction! It doesn’t need to be super high quality, but make sure it doesn’t have any additives like coloring or flavoring. Traditional balsamic vinegar, made without additives, has been aged for years and therefore tastes the best when reduced.

Adaptations/Variations

  • Some recipes call for brown sugar (about 1 part brown sugar to 4 parts vinegar) or pure maple syrup, which results in a sweeter, more caramelized balsamic reduction. If you want a sweeter result, you might try adding one of those.

How to Make Balsamic Glaze

  1. Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and place it over low heat.
  2. Bring the vinegar to a light simmer and cook uncovered for approximately 12 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes.
  3. Cook just until the vinegar starts to thicken. Test it by inserting a metal spoon; if it coats the spoon lightly, it’s done.
  4. Allow your balsamic syrup to cool completely. Remember, it will thicken as it cools.
  5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
checking for thickness when making balsamic glaze

Tips for Success

  • Don’t cover it! You want to vinegar to evaporate to create that thick, glossy syrup.
  • Don’t boil! Keep it at a low simmer, otherwise it’s really easy to burn your balsamic glaze.
  • Remember, your balsamic glaze will thicken more as it cools. I watch for it to be just thick enough to coat a spoon, about the same consistency as a thinner cough syrup. That’s my cue that it’s done.
  • Utilize your kitchen exhaust system, or your house will really smell of vinegar!

Ways to Serve Balsamic Glaze

  • Drizzle it over caprese salad or caprese skewers
  • Add some to grilled or roasted vegetables
  • Pour a bit on your avocado toast
  • Drizzle over fresh strawberries for a fresh and tasty dessert
  • Add to green salads with a bit of olive oil and some coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Glaze chicken, fish, or tofu
  • Serve it on a cheese charcuterie board, either drizzled over soft cheeses or on its own with a spoon for self-serving
a spoon scooping balsamic glaze out of a jar

Balsamic glaze is dark, glossy, and so full of intense flavor. It’s the ultimate condiment!

a spoon scooping balsamic glaze out of a jar
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Balsamic Reduction (Balsamic Syrup)

Cook: 12 minutes
Total: 12 minutes
Author: Kare
Yield: 4
This thick, glossy syrup has the most wonderful concentrated flavor. Sweet, a little tart, and so great on caprese, over meats and tofu, drizzled on grilled or roasted vegetables, and so much more.
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  • Pour vinegar into a small saucepan. Place over low heat and bring to a light simmer.
  • Simmer for approximately 12 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the mixture just starts to thicken. I test my balsamic reduction by inserting a metal spoon. If it coats the spoon lightly, like cough syrup or pure maple syrup.
  • Allow to cool completely (it will thicken as it cools). Transfer to an airtight jar and store in the fridge.

Notes

1 cup of balsamic vinegar yields about 1/2 cup of balsamic reduction.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2tablespoons, Calories: 56kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 0.3g, Sodium: 15mg, Potassium: 71mg, Sugar: 10g, Calcium: 17mg, Iron: 0.5mg

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