Strawberry Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Highlighted under: Fresh & Wholesome Recipes
Elevate your dishes with this delightful Strawberry Balsamic Glaze, a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
This Strawberry Balsamic Glaze is a versatile condiment that pairs beautifully with salads, grilled meats, or as a drizzle over desserts. The natural sweetness of strawberries combined with the rich tang of balsamic vinegar creates a flavor explosion that will impress your guests and elevate your everyday meals.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and tangy flavor that enhances any dish
- Versatile use for both savory and sweet applications
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes
The Perfect Pairing
Strawberry Balsamic Glaze is not just a condiment; it's a culinary companion that can elevate a wide range of dishes. The sweet and tangy profile of this glaze makes it an ideal addition to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even salads. Imagine drizzling it over a perfectly grilled chicken breast or tossing it into a fresh spinach salad for an unexpected burst of flavor. The possibilities are endless, and with each use, you’ll discover new ways to enjoy this delightful glaze.
This glaze is also a fantastic option for dessert applications. Whether you’re topping a slice of cheesecake, drizzling over vanilla ice cream, or enhancing a fruit salad, the Strawberry Balsamic Glaze adds a sophisticated touch. Its vibrant color and rich flavor can turn even the simplest of desserts into something special, making it a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
Health Benefits of Strawberries
Strawberries are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, they contribute to overall wellness. A serving of strawberries provides a significant amount of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function and skin health. Additionally, they are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
Incorporating strawberries into your meals can also support heart health. The antioxidants in strawberries help reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels, promoting better cardiovascular health. By making Strawberry Balsamic Glaze, you're not only creating a tasty addition to your meals but also infusing your dishes with the health benefits of this superfruit.
Tips for the Best Glaze
To achieve the best flavor in your Strawberry Balsamic Glaze, opt for ripe, fresh strawberries. The natural sweetness of the berries is crucial for balancing the acidity of the balsamic vinegar. If strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen strawberries, but ensure they are unsweetened to maintain the ideal flavor profile. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup to suit your taste preferences.
For an extra layer of complexity, consider adding herbs such as basil or mint during the cooking process. These herbs can enhance the flavor profile and add a fresh, aromatic quality to the glaze. Just remember to strain the glaze after blending if you choose to add herbs, ensuring a smooth and cohesive texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
These ingredients come together to create a delicious glaze that can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberries
In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
Cook the Mixture
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries are soft and the glaze has thickened.
Blend the Glaze
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. For a smoother glaze, blend the mixture using an immersion blender or transfer it to a blender. Blend until smooth.
Store the Glaze
Let the glaze cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
This glaze is perfect for drizzling over salads, grilled chicken, or even ice cream!
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry Balsamic Glaze is incredibly versatile and can be used in various culinary applications. As a finishing sauce, it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or steak, adding a delightful sweetness that contrasts beautifully with savory flavors. For a refreshing appetizer, consider drizzling it over a cheese platter featuring creamy cheeses such as goat cheese or brie, complemented by fresh strawberries and nuts.
You can also enhance your breakfast or brunch by using this glaze as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or yogurt parfaits. It adds a burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation, making your morning meal feel like a special occasion. The glaze can also take a simple bowl of oatmeal to the next level, transforming it into a gourmet breakfast treat.
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality of your Strawberry Balsamic Glaze. After cooling completely, transfer it to an airtight container to prevent any unwanted odors from affecting its flavor. Stored in the refrigerator, the glaze will keep well for up to one week. If you find yourself with more glaze than you can use, consider freezing it in ice cube trays for longer storage. This way, you’ll have individual portions ready to use whenever you need them.
When reheating the glaze, do so gently on the stovetop to avoid altering its texture. You may need to thin it out slightly with a splash of water or additional balsamic vinegar if it thickens too much during storage. With proper care, your Strawberry Balsamic Glaze will be a go-to condiment in your kitchen for many meals to come.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but fresh strawberries will yield a better texture and flavor.
→ How can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey/maple syrup according to your taste.
→ Is this glaze suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of honey, this glaze is completely vegan.
→ What dishes can I use this glaze with?
This glaze pairs well with salads, grilled meats, cheeses, or even desserts like vanilla ice cream.
Strawberry Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Elevate your dishes with this delightful Strawberry Balsamic Glaze, a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Fresh & Wholesome Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 1 cup
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
How-To Steps
In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries are soft and the glaze has thickened.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. For a smoother glaze, blend the mixture using an immersion blender or transfer it to a blender. Blend until smooth.
Let the glaze cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 1g