Reduction

Purpose

Concentrate a liquid by evaporation to intensify flavour and change its body.

Controls

Control pan surface area, heat, starting saltiness, and endpoint viscosity.

Process

1. Simmer the liquid in an uncovered pan, stirring as it thickens, and stop before it becomes excessively salty.

Failure Modes

Symptom	Likely cause	Corrective action
Overly salty sauce	The liquid was reduced too far.	Add unsalted liquid or stop the reduction earlier next time.