8 Balsamic Vinegar Substitutes to Use in a Pinch

You might recognize balsamic vinegar from the menus of gourmet restaurants and the shelves of your local supermarkets. It might even be in the recipe you’re following right now as you decided to try your take on Italian cuisine for your loved ones! Mostly incorporated in dressings for salads and steaks, balsamic vinegar is a staple condiment in Italian cooking. It lends vibrancy and complexity to any dish from your simple tossed salads, glazed brussels sprouts, to even roasted meats as a balsamic reduction or glaze.

But what if a recipe calls for it, and you can’t get your hands on a bottle of balsamic vinegar? Well, we’ve gladly boiled down the best picks for balsamic substitutes just for you!

What Is Balsamic Vinegar

This highly prized condiment originated from the city of Modena in Italy. It offers the delectable notes of molasses, figs, cherries, and prunes in every drop and its acidic qualities make for a great addition to marinades and salad dressings.

The traditional manner of producing balsamic vinegar has remained the same, though nowadays they are made with modern tools. Making balsamic vinegar is a laborious process. It is made by slowly cooking grape juice until it reduces into a more syrupy consistency and then fermented for many years (12 years or more). This lengthy aging process is what makes true and high-quality balsamic vinegar expensive. Meanwhile, the more affordable ones are aged less and contain additives to imitate the color and taste of traditionally made balsamic vinegar. 

What Can You Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar?

If you decide to try new recipes and venture into Italian cuisine, some dishes might call for this condiment. But even without a bottle of this ingredient in your pantry, you can still add decadence to your dish by using any of the balsamic vinegar substitutes below!

The best way to replace balsamic vinegar in any recipe is to make your version at home! It is easy to replicate its bright taste with the use of classic pantry staples. To make your own homemade balsamic vinegar substitute, all you need is a combination of red wine vinegar and maple syrup.

Red wine vinegar has a richer taste that better mimics balsamic vinegar due to its vibrance and fermented quality. Pair this with maple syrup or honey to copy the deep sweetness balsamic vinegar is known for. Using syrups as a sweetener offers a thicker consistency which would closely resemble the viscosity of this dark vinegar.

To make your own DIY homemade balsamic vinegar, check out our how-to guide below.

The next best bet for a balsamic vinegar substitute is using a fruity vinegar like apple cider vinegar. Using the tanginess of this vinegar is good for adding brightness to vinaigrettes and salad dressings. If you also want a fruitier taste in your cooking, this alternative is the best way to get that zing. Meanwhile, the addition of brown sugar is essential to impart the rounded taste of molasses that alludes to the fullness of balsamic vinegar.

For this swap, you only need to mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with ½ teaspoon of brown sugar. Do note that you will need to dissolve the sugar first by heating the mixture slightly to incorporate it well.

On the other hand, you might not have apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar at your disposal. Well, don’t rush to the store just yet! You can also use white wine vinegar or any vinegar such as distilled white vinegar, rice wine vinegar, or cane vinegar as a substitute.

Whiter varieties of vinegar are usually a lot milder and less sweet than other types of vinegar, making it a good base for a quick alternative. Simply mix 5 parts of the white vinegar of your choice with 1 part of sugar (preferably brown for a deeper molasses-like taste). Dissolve the sugar first by putting it on low heat. 

If you’re fond of tossing a quick salad, you might have an array of dressings and vinaigrettes in your refrigerator. You can effortlessly ease your cooking worries away with a bottle of balsamic vinaigrette. This works as a great swap because balsamic vinaigrette is simply just a mixture of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The addition of olive oil isn’t a big deal though if that’s what you’re wondering. Some recipes might also ask for the inclusion of olive oil so this wouldn’t alter the taste significantly.

You can substitute the needed balsamic vinegar in your dish for the same amount of balsamic vinaigrette.

Your dish won’t miss the deep and full flavor of balsamic vinegar if you use soy sauce as a replacement. Deemed as an essential ingredient in the kitchen, soy sauce imparts an enjoyable savory flavor to any dish. If you combine the dark taste of soy sauce with the oaky sweetness of molasses and the sour zing of citrus (lemon or lime), you can easily mimic the familiar taste of balsamic vinegar. By whipping up an equal combination of these simple ingredients, you’ll be ready to drizzle umami on your food in no time! 

Ran out of luck and vinegar in your kitchen? This balsamic vinegar substitute is the right one for you! If there aren’t any other options in your kitchen cabinet, you’re in luck if there is a bunch of citrus on your counter. Give those life-given lemons (or lime) a squeeze to replace the acidity of the vinegar and incorporate a little sweetness in the mix!

For this balsamic vinegar substitute, using sweeteners like brown sugar, molasses, honey, or maple syrup is highly recommended to imitate the full-flavored quality of balsamic vinegar. Heat an equal ratio of citrus to sugar in a small saucepan to dissolve the sugar granules.

READ ALSO: 14 Best Honey Substitutes That Are Just as Good

This condiment is most commonly used in marinades and as a seasoning due to its complex flavor profile. Made from the fermented combination of vinegar, anchovies, tamarind, molasses, and other ingredients, this can stand in as a savory replacement for balsamic vinegar. It’s a viable option for when you’re making pasta sauce as it adds an umami taste that can elevate the taste of your cooking. A little splash of this goes a long way, so taste as you add.

If the only form of vinegar you have in your kitchen cabinet is a bottle of malt vinegar, you can also use it as a balsamic vinegar substitute. It is often used for pickling or salad dressings. This vinegar is oaky and has the essence of beer as it is made from malted barley grains which offer a different taste from balsamic vinegar.

If you opt to use this as a swap, know that it will add a different flavor as it is quite intense. If you don’t mind this and need the tartness in your dish, you can mellow this out by combining it with sugar according to your preference. Do remember to dissolve the sugar completely before using it.

How to Make Balsamic Vinegar Substitute

Balsamic vinegar is widely used in many dishes such as salad dressings, sauces, and marinades. It imparts rich and luscious flavors, all thanks to its aging process. This, however, adds a bit to its cost. Perhaps you’ve already finished a bottle of this prized liquid or are hesitant to purchase it for its price. You can try this DIY balsamic vinegar substitute so you don’t miss out on the good stuff!

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp of red wine vinegar
• ½ tsp of maple syrup or honey

Preparation 

Frequently Asked Questions