5 Astonishing Ways To Use Balsamic Vinegar

If you only think about using Balsamic Vinegar when it’s time to make a salad, you're truly missing out. Sweet, tangy and savory Balsamic Vinegar can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some of our favorites.

Use Balsamic Vinegar To Finish Soups and Sauces

Balsamic Vinegar and ripe summer tomatoes have a well-known resemblance to one another. From that seamless summer salad, it is not too difficult to make the jump to tomato-based soups and sauces.

Now add a small hint of Balsamic Vinegar to these dishes at the very end of cooking to help elevate those mouthwatering flavors.

Use Balsamic Vinegar In Braised Dishes

While Balsamic Vinegar added at the very end of cooking adds brightness to any dish, using a bit of Balsamic Vinegar as part of the liquid in a braise gives the whole dish a deep, rich, slightly sweet flavor, similar to the dish for braised French Onion Chicken or this one for braised spring radishes.

Use Balsamic Vinegar Reduced To A Syrup

We also suggest Balsamic Vinegar syrup drizzled over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Especially if you are adding strawberries. If you have a quality Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, reducing it is often not needed.

If you are using a basic Balsamic Vinegar, throw a cup or so in a small saucepan some some sugar. A stick of cinnamon can also add a unique flavor. Next, let it reduce until syrupy, then let it calm and chill before using.

Use Balsamic Vinegar For Marinating Meat and Tofu

With some sliced shallots and a small amount of mustard, Balsamic Vinegar is great for marinating. It's amazing with steak and other read meats, but can also be used for tofu and large portabella mushrooms.

Use Balsamic Vinegar In Soda and Cocktails

Given its sweet character, balsamic has a very similar flavor profile as Vinegar-based shrubs. You can even dilute Balsamic Vinegar in soda water for a very grown-up fizzy drink.