Side Dishes > Sauces & Gravies (as Accompaniments) > Simple Sauces > Quick Pan Sauce Recipe

Easy Balsamic Pan Sauce

Transform your meals with this Easy Balsamic Pan Sauce. This simple sauce, bursting with tangy sweetness, is fantastic over roasted vegetables, steak, chicken, or even stirred into pasta. Made with just a few ingredients, it's ready in minutes!

Prep Time
3 minutes
Cook Time
8 minutes
Servings
Approximately 1/2 cup
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 2 cloves, minced Garlic
  • 1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 tablespoon, cold, cubed Butter
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Sauté Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.

Add Balsamic Vinegar and Brown Sugar

Pour in the balsamic vinegar and stir in the brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved.

Reduce the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to over-reduce it, as it will become too thick and syrupy.

Add Broth and Thyme

Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth and dried thyme. Simmer for another minute to combine the flavors.

Finish with Butter

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the cold, cubed butter until it is melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy. This adds richness and shine to the sauce.

Season and Serve

Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the balsamic vinegar or brown sugar as needed to achieve your desired balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Serve immediately over your favorite dishes. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Please note that these are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

  • Calories: Approximately 120 kcal
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Protein: 1g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This sauce is relatively high in sugar due to the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. To reduce the sugar content, you can use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of brown sugar used. For a vegan option, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

← Classic Pan Gravy Mushroom Pan Gravy →

FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of vinegar?

    While balsamic vinegar is the star of this sauce, you can experiment with other types of vinegar, such as red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. However, the flavor profile will be different, so adjust the sweetness accordingly.
  • Can I add other herbs?

    Yes! Feel free to add other herbs that complement balsamic vinegar, such as rosemary or oregano. Add the herbs during the simmering stage to allow them to infuse their flavor into the sauce.
  • How do I store leftover balsamic pan sauce?

    Leftover balsamic pan sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat before serving.