What is the difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic glaze?

Balsamic vinegar is the original liquid vinegar, while balsamic glaze is simply balsamic vinegar that has been simmered until it’s reduced, thickened, and concentrated. The reduction of balsamic vinegar creates a thicker almost maple syrup-like liquid and intensifies both the sweetness and flavor without adding sweetener.

Can I use dark brown sugar to make balsamic glaze?

Some balsamic glaze recipes include brown sugar to create a sweeter, thicker glaze more quickly. I don't find it necessary when starting with a good-quality balsamic vinegar because the natural sugars become concentrated as the vinegar reduces. The result has a clean, balanced flavor that lets the vinegar shine and doesn’t taste overly sweet.

Is balsamic reduction the same as balsamic glaze?

They're very similar but not always identical. A balsamic reduction is typically cooked for a shorter period and remains thinner, while a balsamic glaze cooks longer until it reaches a thicker, syrup-like consistency. Since homemade glaze is easy to customize, I simply stop somewhere between 20 and 30 minutes, when the glaze reaches the consistency I want.

Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Name: Balsamic Glaze
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: PT-495618H57M57S
Total time: 31 min
Yield: Makes ¼ cup
Ingredients: ½ cup good quality balsamic vinegar

Servings: Makes ¼ cup 1x

Ingredients

½ cup good quality balsamic vinegar

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Instructions

Add the balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
Bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and hold at a very low simmer, uncovered, until it has reduced to desired thickness. After about 20 minutes, the vinegar will have reduced by one-third to make a vinegar reduction. At about 30 minutes, the vinegar will have reduced by half to make a thicker vinegar glaze.
Remove the pan from the heat and allow the glaze to cool. The glaze will continue to thicken a bit more as it cools. For faster cooling, transfer it to a small glass measuring cup and refrigerate it for at least 15 minutes.

Notes

Use a good quality organic balsamic vinegar, such as Primal Kitchen Organic Balsamic Vinegar of Modena or Whole Foods 365 Organic Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.

Store glaze in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 teaspoon
Calories: 13
Fat: 0 g
(Sat Fat: 0 g)
Sodium: 0 mg
Carbohydrate: 3 g
(Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 2 g)
Protein: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Dietary

Dairy-Free Egg-Free Gluten-free Grain-Free Nut-free Paleo Vegan Vegetarian Whole30

Recipe By: Jessie Shafer