Vinegar is a staple ingredient in our cooking, especially in salads as a dressing. There are many types of vinegar and how strong the acid taste is. White balsamic vinegar is one of the many variations of vinegar that is used in cooking.
Just like the balsamic vinegar, the white balsamic vinegar is made of Teribannoo grapes. It is actually a traditional balsamic vinegar that has a dark color with a very rich flavor.
Actually, it is cooked on at high pressure to prevent caramelization. It has a sweet and sour balance with an acidity level between 5 to 7%. So, it is different from balsamic vinegar because it does not have that rich caramelized flavor.
You can add it to different salads, dressings, or sauces. However, what if you are making a recipe that calls for white balsamic vinegar and you have none at home, you wonder what you can use instead?
Substitutes for White Balsamic Vinegar
In this article, you will find the recipe on how you can make white balsamic vinegar at home. So, do not hesitate, scroll down to take your pick.
1. Balsamic vinegar
The first and closest to white balsamic vinegar is balsamic vinegar. It is also made of grapes and is a very common vinegar used in the kitchen.
Actually, it is interesting since it is kept in barrels for at least 12 years. The balsamic vinegar is caramelized. And since the barrels that it is kept in are made usually from some type of wood, it tends to add additional flavors.
The deep brown color and thicker texture work for many recipes. You can make the swap in most of the recipes that call for white balsamic vinegar.
2. White wine vinegar
A similar type of vinegar that works instead of white balsamic vinegar is white wine vinegar. It is made with fermented white wine that oxidizes and turns into acid.
In the flavors, you can taste the fruity tones. You can use the same amount of white wine vinegar in the recipes that call for white balsamic vinegar.
You can use this product to marinate meat, sauces, dippings, salad dressings, and other recipes. The golden and light color won’t be noticeable in your cooking.
3. Rice wine vinegar
Rice wine vinegar is another way to replace white balsamic vinegar. It has a mild taste with less acid, but you can use it in most of the recipes that ask for white balsamic vinegar.
Add it in salad dressing, sauces, and many other meals that need white balsamic vinegar. It is made from fermented sugar from rice that is turned into alcohol. The taste, however, is what makes them similar and good replacements for each other.
4. Chinese black vinegar
The next type of vinegar on our list which is a suitable replacement is the Chinese black vinegar. This vinegar can serve you well in many recipes including dipping sauces, stir-fries, soups, and many more that call for White balsamic vinegar.
It is made from sticky black rice and has a distinctive black color. Add either equal amounts or adjust the quantity based on the other ingredients that are used.
5. Red wine vinegar
Another fruity vinegar that works as a substitute for white balsamic vinegar is red wine vinegar. It consists of fermented red wine, botted, and kept to age.
It is typical for many households and used in many ways in cooking. To imitate the taste of the white balsamic vinegar, you can always add sugar. Furthermore, replace the two types of vinegar in marinades, dressings, stews, and many more recipes.
6. Cider vinegar
Cider vinegar is yet another replacement for white balsamic vinegar. This vinegar consists of fermented apple cider and has hints of apple.
Cider vinegar is good for almost every recipe that requires white balsamic vinegar. It is a healthy option with many vitamins and health benefits. You can add it to dressings, salads, combine it with other ingredients.
7. Golden balsamic vinegar
Golden balsamic vinegar is an Italian product that consists of grapes just like balsamic vinegar. It has a similar taste to the red balsamic and 5% acidity.
Golden balsamic vinegar is quite similar to white balsamic vinegar. That’s why they work as a replacement for each other. It is healthy and you can use it for dressings, marinating meats, or sprinkling over some roasted dishes.
8. Sherry vinegar
Another wine-made vinegar is sherry vinegar that has a similar taste to the red wine vinegar but is less sweet. It has a rich nutty flavor with traces of sweetness.
The acidity of this vinegar is high, meaning, it can overpower the other ingredients in your cooking, so do not overuse it. So, use subtle amounts and increase if necessary.
Add a few drops in fish sauces, salsas, salad dressings, and almost any other recipe that requires white balsamic vinegar.
9. Champagne vinegar
Very similar to white wine vinegar, champagne vinegar is another suitable replacement for white balsamic vinegar. It is a type of vinegar fermented from champagne with a lighter, tart, and sweet taste.
It is very similar to white balsamic vinegar, however, you might need to increase the amount you add, but do not overuse it. Add in salads, pork marinades, and when preparing chicken.
10. Malt vinegar
Our last suggestion is malt vinegar. This is similar to the regular balsamic and has a more intense taste. You need to reduce the amount when making the swap because of the taste and the sugar in it.
It consists of malting barley and turning the ale into vinegar. The colors can vary from light to dark brown. You can add malt vinegar in marinades for meat or poultry, sauces, and salad dressings.
How to Make White Balsamic Vinegar?
Just like almost anything, the best replacement is to make the product at home. The same goes for white balsamic vinegar. If you don’t want to use any of the substitutes from before, you can follow the next recipe and make it at home.
Just boil some grapes at a low temperature. However, keep an eye on the temperature since you don’t want the grape juice to caramelize and turn color. Simple and easy, which will be good for further use.
Related Questions
Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of white balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar is a good replacement for balsamic vinegar because they have similar flavors and the only difference that you can notice is that the balsamic vinegar is sweeter and thicker.
Is white balsamic vinegar the same as white vinegar?
No, balsamic vinegar and white vinegar are not the same things. The difference between the two is the acidity. You should not use white vinegar in large quantities over your food.
Can I use white wine vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar?
Yes, white wine vinegar is a good replacement for balsamic vinegar. You can just add a pinch of sugar to it to mimic the taste.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
You can always add cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. You just have to replace a tablespoon and add ½ teaspoon of sugar to imitate the taste.