How To Make Garlic Infused Balsamic Vinegar? The Full Guide

Are you a fan of balsamic vinegar? Do you love the bold flavor of garlic?

Why not combine the two and create your own garlic infused balsamic vinegar? Not only is it a delicious addition to salads, marinades, and other savory dishes, but it’s also incredibly easy to make.

With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can have a homemade condiment that will impress your taste buds and your guests.

In this article, we’ll explore different methods for making garlic infused balsamic vinegar and provide tips for using it in your cooking.

So grab your apron and let’s get started!

How To Make Garlic Infused Balsamic Vinegar?

There are several ways to make garlic infused balsamic vinegar, each with its own unique flavor profile. Here are a few methods to try:

Method 1: Roasted Garlic

– Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

– Cut the top off a head of garlic to expose the cloves.

– Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil.

– Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.

– Let the garlic cool, then remove the cloves from the skin and mash them in a bowl.

– Add 1/3 cup of balsamic vinegar and whisk to combine.

– Slowly whisk in 2/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil.

– Season with salt and pepper to taste.

– Let the mixture sit for at least an hour before using.

Method 2: Garlic and Honey

– In a small bowl or jar, combine 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of Dijon or brown mustard, 3 tablespoons of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

– Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

– Slowly whisk in 3/4 cup of olive oil or shake it up in a jar.

– Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Method 3: Simmered Garlic

– Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over low to medium heat.

– Add minced garlic and cook until just browned.

– Turn the heat down to low and add 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar.

– Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until thickened.

– Let the mixture cool, then add remaining olive oil and blend.

– Drizzle over tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella for a delicious caprese salad.

The Benefits Of Making Your Own Garlic Infused Balsamic Vinegar

Making your own garlic infused balsamic vinegar has several benefits, including:

1. Customizable flavor: By making your own garlic infused balsamic vinegar, you can control the amount of garlic and the type of balsamic vinegar used, resulting in a flavor that is tailored to your preferences.

2. Cost-effective: Store-bought flavored vinegars can be expensive, but making your own allows you to save money while still enjoying a delicious product.

3. Healthier option: Homemade garlic infused balsamic vinegar does not contain any additives or preservatives that may be found in store-bought versions, making it a healthier option.

4. Versatility: Garlic infused balsamic vinegar can be used in a variety of dishes, from marinades and dressings to roasted vegetables and meats. By making your own, you have a versatile ingredient on hand for all your cooking needs.

5. Creative outlet: Making your own garlic infused balsamic vinegar allows for creativity in the kitchen, as you can experiment with different types of balsamic vinegar and herbs to create unique flavor combinations.

Choosing The Right Balsamic Vinegar For Infusing

When it comes to infusing balsamic vinegar, choosing the right type of vinegar is crucial for achieving the desired flavor profile. While distilled and cider vinegar may be more affordable, they have a limited range of flavor compared to wine balsamic vinegar. Among the wine balsamic vinegars, there are several options to choose from, including red, white, and champagne.

Red wine vinegar is best suited for pairing with spices and strong herbs like rosemary, while white wine and champagne vinegars have a mild, floral flavor that works well with tender herbs and lighter flavored fruits. White balsamic vinegar is sweeter than white wine vinegar and is ideal for use with fruits or for a sweeter flavored vinegar. On the other hand, dark balsamic vinegar tends to overpower lighter flavors but is great for stronger, sweet flavors.

When choosing the type of vinegar to use, it’s important to taste different types of vinegar to ensure you have the best flavor for your palate and your infusion. Light-flavored vinegar is the best choice for infused vinegar, as straight white vinegar can have a strong flavor that may not complement the added ingredients.

Preparing The Garlic For Infusion

Before infusing garlic into balsamic vinegar, it is important to prepare the garlic properly. One method is to lightly sauté the garlic in a pan with olive oil before adding it to the vinegar. To do this, add the desired amount of olive oil to a pan and sauté minced garlic until it is fragrant but not browned, which should take 3-5 minutes. Then, turn the heat down to medium-low and let the garlic simmer for 3-5 minutes, making sure to turn down the heat if it begins to burn. After this, let the oil simmer for an additional 15 minutes to ensure that any botulinum spores are eradicated. Once done, turn off the heat and let the oil cool down before moving on to the next step. Another method is to place whole garlic cloves in a small saucepan with olive oil and slowly heat it on low, making sure to watch it carefully so that the garlic cloves do not burn. Simmer for 30-35 minutes or until the garlic cloves are light golden brown. After this, remove from heat and let cool with the smashed garlic cloves for another 30 minutes before straining through a fine sieve. Both methods yield delicious results and can be used in various recipes.

Two Methods For Infusing Garlic Into Balsamic Vinegar

Garlic infused balsamic vinegar is a versatile and flavorful addition to any kitchen. Here are two methods for infusing garlic into balsamic vinegar:

Method 1: Roasted Garlic

Roasting garlic is a popular method for infusing balsamic vinegar with a rich and sweet flavor. To make roasted garlic infused balsamic vinegar, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the top off a head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Let the garlic cool, then remove the cloves from the skin and mash them in a bowl. Add 1/3 cup of balsamic vinegar and whisk to combine. Slowly whisk in 2/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the mixture sit for at least an hour before using.

Method 2: Garlic and Honey

For a sweeter take on garlic infused balsamic vinegar, try this recipe that combines garlic with honey. In a small bowl or jar, combine 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of Dijon or brown mustard, 3 tablespoons of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. Slowly whisk in 3/4 cup of olive oil or shake it up in a jar. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Both of these methods result in delicious garlic infused balsamic vinegar that can be used in salads, marinades, sauces, and more. Experiment with different types of vinegar and flavorings to create your own unique blends.

Storing And Using Garlic Infused Balsamic Vinegar In Your Cooking

Once you have made your garlic infused balsamic vinegar, it’s important to store it properly to ensure its longevity and freshness. One way to store it is to pour it into a sterilized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. The vinegar will keep for up to 6 months if stored properly.

To use the garlic infused balsamic vinegar in your cooking, there are many ways to incorporate its unique flavor profile. You can use it as a marinade for meats, as a dressing for salads, or as a finishing touch on roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with cheese and fruits like strawberries or figs.

One popular way to use garlic infused balsamic vinegar is in a caprese salad. Simply arrange sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves on a plate, then drizzle the garlic infused balsamic vinegar over the top. You can also add salt and pepper to taste or even some extra olive oil for added richness.

Another way to use garlic infused balsamic vinegar is to make a glaze for roasted vegetables or meats. Simply heat the vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes thick and syrupy. Brush the glaze over your roasted dish before serving for an added burst of flavor.

Delicious Recipes Using Garlic Infused Balsamic Vinegar

Garlic infused balsamic vinegar is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. Here are a few delicious recipe ideas to try:

1. Roasted Vegetable Salad with Garlic Balsamic Dressing

Ingredients:

– Assorted vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and onions)

– 2 tablespoons garlic infused balsamic vinegar

– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Mixed greens

Instructions:

– Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

– Cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces and place on a baking sheet.

– Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

– Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and slightly charred.

– In a small bowl, whisk together garlic infused balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.

– Toss the roasted vegetables with the dressing and serve over mixed greens.

2. Garlic Balsamic Glazed Chicken

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1/3 cup garlic infused balsamic vinegar

– 1/4 cup honey

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

– Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

– Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

– Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

– In a small bowl, whisk together garlic infused balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic.

– Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts and let it simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.

– Serve hot with your favorite sides.

3. Cilantro Garlic Balsamic Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1/4 cup cilantro garlic balsamic vinegar

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Wooden skewers

Instructions:

– Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

– Season shrimp with salt and pepper.

– In a small bowl, whisk together cilantro garlic balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

– Thread shrimp onto skewers and brush with the balsamic mixture.

– Grill shrimp skewers over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked through.

– Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.