Maple Balsamic Glaze

πŸ•’ Prep: 5 min
πŸ”₯ Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 8
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
Be the First to Review!

If you're looking to add a burst of flavor to your dishes, this Maple Balsamic Glaze will do the trick. It's sweet, tangy, and incredibly versatile, making it perfect for everything from salads to grilled meats. Plus, it's remarkably simple to whip up!

Ingredients for Maple Balsamic Glaze

Balsamic vinegar is the star of the show, bringing its rich, complex tanginess to the glaze. Choose a good quality one for the best results. Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness, balancing the tartness of the vinegar while providing a depth of flavor that's hard to beat. Lastly, a touch of sea salt enhances all the flavors and rounds everything out beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • Keep an eye on the heat; too high and you risk burning the glaze.
  • If the glaze thickens too much after cooling, just gently reheat it with a splash of water.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Serving Suggestions

Drizzle this glaze over roasted vegetables for an extra layer of flavor. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially pork or chicken. For a gourmet touch, try it over vanilla ice cream or fresh strawberries. It's a fantastic way to elevate a simple cheese platter too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar is ideal for this recipe due to its flavor profile, but you could experiment with apple cider vinegar for a different twist.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup?
Honey or agave syrup can be used in a pinch, though each will slightly alter the flavor.
How can I tell when the glaze is ready?
You'll know it's ready when it coats the back of a spoon and has reduced by about half.

Maple Balsamic Glaze Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a small saucepan. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup. Stir them together over medium heat. You'll want to mix them well so the flavors begin to meld right from the start.

Add in the sea salt next. This little bit of salt won't make the glaze salty; instead, it will enhance the sweet and tangy notes, making them more pronounced.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep an eye on it and adjust the heat as needed to maintain that gentle bubbling. Once you've got it simmering, reduce the heat to low. Let it do its thing for about 15-20 minutes. Stir it occasionally; you’re aiming for a syrupy consistency, reduced by about half.

When the glaze looks thick and luscious, remove it from the heat. Now, patience is key. Let it cool. As it cools, it will thicken even more, turning into a beautiful, rich glaze.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal ingredients and effort with maximum flavor payoff.
  • Impressively versatile; use it on meats, veggies, or even desserts.
  • Quick enough for a weeknight, yet special enough for entertaining.

Ingredients

1 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 tsp sea salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Combine balsamic vinegar and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir in the sea salt and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by half and becomes syrupy, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and allow the glaze to cool; it will thicken further as it cools.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!