When you reach for balsamic vinegar, it’s probably because you are looking to dress a salad. We’re here to show you how to use balsamic vinegar on EVERYTHING except salad!
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Balsamic vinegar can have many different consistencies depending if it is simple vinegar, aged, or reduced. Our personal favorite is barrel aged balsamic; the aging makes this vinegar slightly sweet and gives it a thick, syrup like consistency. The best part of using this type of balsamic is that there is no work required in reducing it to a glaze!
Most of the ways to use balsamic vinegar below are best for balsamic glazes [reduced balsamic vinegar or aged].
Best Uses for Balsamic Vinegar
Start a Sauce
Balsamic shines in sauces like barbecue. The balsamic vinegar balances out the sweetness of brown sugars giving it a nice tang. Mix balsamic into marinara sauce at the end of cooking. These glazed ribs will be the highlight of any BBQ.
Make a Cocktail
Try it in every drink from sangria to an old fashioned to a bellini! It’s often best when mixed with bourbon, the balsamic vinegar gives these drinks a light acidity & floral taste. For a non-alcoholic take, add a few drops to soda water or lemonade.
Add to Dipping Oils
Create your own appetizer at home by adding balsamic vinegar & Italian spices to olive oil and serving with a few slices of warm, crusty bread. How about this copycat Carrabba’s recipe with a twist.
Baked Fruit
Stone fruit or berries are our personal favorite for using balsamic vinegar on baked fruit. Drizzle over top at the end of baking. Try this blueberry balsamic baked brie.
Swirl in Soup
Perfect as a tasty garnish when swirled in your favorite soup before serving, balsamic can also be added to stews for a bold flavor.
Braise Meat
When braising meats, especially pork, balsamic vinegar adds a rich robust flavor to the meat. Before serving, reduce any braising liquid to serve over smashed potatoes or seasoned rice.
Drizzle Over Roasted Vegetables
Balsamic glaze makes a perfect finishing drizzle for brussels sprouts, asparagus, carrots, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant and green beans. Who wouldn’t love these green beans.
Mix in Yogurt
Start with a bowl of plain greek yogurt and mix in balsamic vinegar and maple syrup. Toppings like nuts, dried fruit, and granola are optional.
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Serve on Sweets
Aged balsamic vinegar has a surprising sweetness that pairs well with desserts. The acidity of the vinegar really brings out the sweet flavor notes of ice cream, tarts, fruits, and even brownies!
Whip up a Marinade
Up the flavor of your meats, especially chicken, when adding balsamic to your marinade. Salmon loves to be coated with a balsamic glaze, too!
Drop a comment below with your favorite way to use balsamic vinegar.
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