This easy balsamic reduction (or balsamic glaze) has just two ingredients and tastes so much better than store bought!
This summer, we were totally obsessed with balsamic reduction, and added it to just about everything: salads, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken and salmon…you name it!
While we almost always have some store-bought balsamic reduction in the pantry, I also make my own on occasion…the homemade balsamic reduction is SO easy and requires only 2 ingredients…and it tastes so much better than the store-bought stuff!
We love this balsamic reduction because
- it requires only two ingredients
- it tastes better than store-bought
- is so versatile and goes great on chicken, fish, veggies and salad
How to make this balsamic glaze recipe
This balsamic reduction (or balsamic glaze, what do you prefer to call it?) is quite possibly the simplest and most ridiculously simple recipe on my site!
- simmer balsamic vinegar with maple syrup for 20 minutes
- allow to cool
- enjoy
Seriously THAT easy.
How long does this balsamic vinegar reduction last for? Since the base of this recipe is highly acidic vinegar, this balsamic vinegar reduction will keep for a long time! We’ve kept ours in the fridge for a month with no issues.
Can I make this balsamic reduction with honey? Brown sugar? Yes and yes! Simply swap the maple syrup for an equal amount of either sweetener.
What if I like a sweet balsamic reduction? This balsamic reduction recipe is slightly sweet, but definitely not as sweet as store-bought. You can increase the maple syrup to 1 cup or even 1 1/2 cup if you want it to be sweeter!
How to use this balsamic vinegar reduction?
This balsamic vinegar reduction goes well on so. many. things.
- drizzle it on caprese salad
- on chicken, topped with a tomato basil salsa
- on salmon, served with avocado slices
- on roasted vegetables (like brussels sprouts, zucchini, broccoli or roasted cauliflower)
- as a dip with vegetables
- drizzled on your salad
Tips & equipment for balsamic reduction
- I used my 4 quart Paderno pot to make the reduction (similar to this one
) - I stored my balsamic glaze in one of these 12.5 oz Weck jars
- I used a basic grocery store brand of balsamic vinegar for this reduction. I would personally keep the expensive aged balsamic vinegars to use as is rather than using it up in a balsamic glaze!
- Looking for more sauces and dressings? Try this Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing, this Balsamic Vinaigrette, or this Homemade Red Wine Vinaigrette.
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Balsamic Reduction
Ingredients
- 2 cups balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Combine the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until it becomes thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
- Cool, then transfer to a jar and store in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Lainie
June 16, 2019 at 8:33 amI followed recipe exactly. Even simmered for 25 minutes and cooled at room temperature. It never thickened. I used a good quality balsamic and real maple syrup. Did not thicken up when refrigerated????????
Denise
June 18, 2019 at 9:14 amHi Lainie, I’m sorry to hear you had troubles with this recipe. Did you simmer until it coats the back of a spoon? I have made this countless times and it is always thickened by 25 minutes for me, but it’s possible that depending on your pot or the brand of balsamic that you used that it could take longer. A good visual to use is that it is ready to come off the stove when it is thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it isn’t thick enough by 25 minutes you can try simmering 5-10 minutes more.