Out of Balsamic vinegar, one case
Balsamic vinegar substitutes for marinades
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Red wine vinegar + sugar
Same amount as the balsamic vinegar
1 cup red wine vinegar + 1-2 tbsp sugar
The best substitutes for balsamic vinegar in marinades are red wine vinegar with sugar, apple cider vinegar with sugar, or Worcestershire sauce. Use 1:1 ratio and follow these marinade-specific techniques for optimal results.
- Best for —
- meat marinades
One casethe full balsamic vinegar card
Why it works
Balsamic vinegarBalsamic vinegar works well in marinades due to its sweetness and acidity that helps tenderize meat and add flavor. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar sweetness and acidity. Each substitute offers different benefits depending on your specific needs and the type of marinade you're making.
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of balsamic vinegar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red wine vinegar + sugarmeat marinades | Same amount1 cup red wine vinegar + 1-2 tbsp sugar |
| 2 | Apple cider vinegar + sugarmeat marinades | Same amount1 cup apple cider vinegar + 1-2 tbsp sugar |
| 3 | Worcestershire saucemeat marinades | Same amount |
| 4 | Soy saucemeat marinades | Same amount |
| 5 | Sherry vinegarmeat marinades | Same amount |
Red wine vinegar + sugar
sweet · similar texture
Mix red wine vinegar with sugar to recreate the sweetness of balsamic vinegar. Good substitute for marinades.
- Best for
- meat marinades, vegetable marinades, when you want sweetness, when you want acidity
Mix red wine vinegar with sugar until dissolved. This recreates the sweetness of balsamic vinegar in marinades.
Apple cider vinegar + sugar
sweet · similar texture
Mix apple cider vinegar with sugar to recreate the sweetness of balsamic vinegar. Good substitute for marinades.
- Best for
- meat marinades, vegetable marinades, when you want sweetness, when you want mild flavor
Mix apple cider vinegar with sugar until dissolved. This recreates the sweetness of balsamic vinegar in marinades.
Worcestershire sauce
savory · similar texture
Savory sauce that can substitute for balsamic vinegar in marinades. Good for when you want umami flavor.
- Best for
- meat marinades, when you want umami flavor, when you want depth, when you want saltiness
Worcestershire sauce is more savory than balsamic vinegar. Add sugar if you need sweetness.
Soy sauce
savory · similar texture
Savory, salty sauce that can substitute for balsamic vinegar in marinades. Good for when you want umami flavor.
- Best for
- meat marinades, when you want umami flavor, when you want saltiness, Asian-inspired marinades
Soy sauce is more savory than balsamic vinegar. Add sugar if you need sweetness.
Sherry vinegar
complex · similar texture
Complex vinegar that can substitute for balsamic vinegar in marinades. Good for when you want complexity.
- Best for
- meat marinades, when you want complexity, when you want acidity, Spanish-inspired marinades
Sherry vinegar has similar complexity to balsamic vinegar but different flavor profile. Add sugar if you need sweetness.
How it behaves in this recipe
When substituting balsamic vinegar in marinades, consider the sweetness and acidity you want. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar functionality to balsamic vinegar in marinade applications.
Tips for substituting balsamic vinegar
5 tips- Balsamic vinegar adds sweet, tangy flavor to marinades and helps tenderize meat
- Marinate meat for at least 30 minutes for best results
- Don't over-marinate as the acid can break down the meat too much
- Store marinades in the refrigerator and discard after use
- Consider the final flavor you want when choosing your substitute
Notes on balsamic vinegar
- Use red wine vinegar with sugar for similar sweetness and acidity
- Use Worcestershire sauce for umami flavor and depth
- Consider the specific meat or vegetable when choosing your substitute
- Use apple cider vinegar with sugar for mild sweetness and acidity
Questions
5 questionsCan I use red wine vinegar with sugar instead of balsamic vinegar in marinades?
Yes, red wine vinegar with sugar is a good substitute for balsamic vinegar in marinades. It provides similar acidity and sweetness.
What's the difference between balsamic vinegar and red wine vinegar with sugar in marinades?
Balsamic vinegar is made from grape must and has a complex flavor, while red wine vinegar with sugar is a simple combination. Both add acidity and sweetness to marinades.
Can I use Worcestershire sauce instead of balsamic vinegar in marinades?
Yes, Worcestershire sauce can substitute for balsamic vinegar in marinades. It's more savory, so add sugar if you need sweetness.
Can I use soy sauce instead of balsamic vinegar in marinades?
Yes, soy sauce can substitute for balsamic vinegar in marinades. It's more savory and salty, so add sugar if you need sweetness.
Do I need to adjust the recipe when substituting balsamic vinegar in marinades?
Generally no ratio adjustment is needed, but consider the sweetness and acidity differences. Some substitutes may be sweeter or more acidic than balsamic vinegar.