I never thought I’d have to learn how to substitute for white balsamic vinegar. It was always one of those ingredients that I could always find at the grocery store, and it was a staple in my cooking. But then one day, it was gone from the shelves. The store was out of stock, and I had no idea what to do.
I did some research and found out that there are a few different white balsamic vinegar substitutes that you can use when you’re in a bind and can’t find the real thing.
So I began a round of trial and error to find the best alternatives that would make my cooking taste the same. After a month of testing, I finally found ten white balsamic vinegar replacements that I loved. And now, I’m sharing them with you!
White Balsamic Vinegar Substitutes
The following are some viable substitutes for white balsamic vinegar.
- Regular Balsamic Vinegar
- White Wine Vinegar
- Rice Wine Vinegar
- Chinese Vinegar
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Cider Vinegar
- Golden Balsamic Vinegar
- Sherry Vinegar
- Champagne Vinegar
- Malt Vinegar
Regular Balsamic Vinegar
White balsamic vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made from white grapes. If you don’t have white balsamic vinegar on hand, you can use regular balsamic vinegar as a substitute.
The difference between the two types of vinegar is the color and the sweetness. White balsamic vinegar is lighter in color and sweetness, while regular balsamic vinegar is darker in color and has a more intense flavor. When substituting one for the other, keep this in mind and adjust the amount used to suit your taste.
You may also want to add a little sugar to balance out the acidity if using regular balsamic vinegar.
White Wine Vinegar
White wine vinegar is a great substitute for white balsamic vinegar. Made from fermented and oxidized white wine, it has a similar acidity and sweetness as white balsamic vinegar. It does have a golden color, but don’t worry as it won’t be noticeable in the food.
It can be used in many of the same dishes, such as salads, marinades, and sauces. Plus, it has the added benefit of being lower in calories than balsamic vinegar. So if you’re watching your waistline, white wine vinegar is a great choice.
Rice Wine Vinegar
Rice wine vinegar is a great substitute for white balsamic vinegar. It has a less acidic flavor, which makes it a great choice for those who are looking to reduce the acidity in their diet. So if you’re looking for a less acidic white balsamic vinegar substitute, rice wine vinegar is a great option.
Additionally, rice wine vinegar is less expensive than white balsamic vinegar, making it a great option for those on a budget. Also, rice wine vinegar can be used in many of the same dishes as white balsamic vinegar, such as marinades, salad dressings, and sauces.
Chinese Black Vinegar
Chinese black vinegar is another great option that acts as a substitute for white balsamic vinegar! Made from fermented black sticky rice or regular glutinous rice, this vinegar has a deep, complex flavor that can add a delicious depth of flavor to any dish. Plus, it’s a great way to add some healthy antioxidants to your diet.
So how do you use it as a substitute? Simply use an equal amount of Chinese black vinegar in any recipe that calls for white balsamic vinegar. It’s that easy! So why not give it a try the next time you’re in the mood for something new and exciting? You just might be pleasantly surprised.
Red Wine Vinegar
Red wine vinegar is a fruity and a bit tangier vinegar that can be used as a substitute for white balsamic vinegar. It is made up of red wine, distilled vinegar, and sometimes flavors or coloring agents.
Like white balsamic vinegar, it is a good choice for salad dressings and marinades. You may need to add a little sugar to offset the tanginess, but apart from that, they taste almost the same!
Cider Vinegar
You may have cider vinegar in your pantry and not even know it! Cider vinegar is made up of, well, cider, and apples! It is a cider that has been allowed to ferment and turn into alcohol.
Since it contains hints of apples, it also contains related minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Cider vinegar also contains antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage.
When it comes to cooking with cider vinegar, it can be used in much the same way as white balsamic vinegar. It is a great addition to salad dressings and marinades, and can also be used to deglaze a pan or add a little zing to a dish.
Golden Balsamic Vinegar
Golden balsamic vinegar is made of grapes that are cooked for a longer period, resulting in a sweeter, less acidic flavor.
It can be used as a replacement for white balsamic vinegar in salads, sauces, marinades, and pretty much every other dish, as they taste almost the same. The sweet flavor of golden balsamic vinegar pairs well with fruit and greens, making it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Golden balsamic vinegar is also rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a healthy choice to incorporate into your diet.
Sherry Vinegar
Sherry vinegar is a great substitute for white balsamic vinegar. Since it is made up of wine, it has high, over-powering acidity, along with having a sweet, nutty flavor. You don’t want to overuse this vinegar as it’ll mute the flavors of the other ingredients.
The benefit of using sherry vinegar is that it’s versatile and can be used in many different dishes. It’s also very budget-friendly, so you won’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive white balsamic vinegar.
Champagne Vinegar
Champagne vinegar is made of fermented champagne, but with lower alcohol content. As a result, it has a more delicate and less acidic flavor as compared to other types of wine vinegar.
Champagne vinegar can be used as a substitute for white balsamic vinegar in many recipes like salads and pork. When using champagne vinegar as a substitute for white balsamic vinegar, it is important to increase the amount as it has a less obvious flavor. But don’t overuse it, as overusing might overpower the taste of other ingredients!
Malt vinegar
Malt vinegar is made from barley and is a common ingredient in fish and chips. It has a dark brown color and a strong flavor. When substituting, use less malt vinegar than you would white balsamic vinegar because it is more potent.
Malt vinegar can also be used in place of other vinegar in dressing and marinades.
Malt vinegar has many health benefits. It is full of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients can help to lower blood sugar levels and increase weight loss.
FAQs
Can you use regular vinegar instead of white balsamic vinegar?
White vinegar and distilled vinegar are very similar, so they can often be used interchangeably. However, regular vinegar is more acidic and complex in flavor, so it is best to dilute it and add a pinch of sugar to it to make it as similar as possible to white balsamic vinegar.
What vinegar is closest to white balsamic vinegar?
White wine vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made from fermenting white wine. Rice wine vinegar is another type of vinegar that is made from fermenting rice wine. Both of these types of vinegar are close substitutes for white balsamic vinegar.
Can you use apple cider vinegar instead of white balsamic vinegar?
Yes! It is slightly sweeter but has the same flavor depth. It acts as the best substitute when it comes to salad dressings and pickling.
Conclusion
To sum it up, white balsamic vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made from white grapes. It has a sweet, slightly acidic flavor. If you don’t have white balsamic vinegar on hand, you can use one of the substitutes listed above.
Each substitute has its unique flavor that can add depth and dimension to your dish. Be sure to adjust the amount used, as some substitutes are more potent than others.