Start by preparing the balsamic pearls. Pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and sprinkle the agar-agar over it. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to ensure that the agar-agar dissolves completely. This process should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
Once the mixture reaches a boil, remove it from heat and allow it to cool to about 130 degrees. It’s crucial not to let it get too cool, or it will start to gel. You want it to be warm enough to form pearls but not so hot that it melts the oil.
While the balsamic is cooling, prepare your workspace for the pearls. Take a tall, thin glass and pour in the vegetable oil. Place this glass in the freezer for about 30 minutes, allowing the oil to chill significantly.
After the oil is chilled, retrieve it from the freezer. You want the oil icy cold as this will help form the pearls when we drop the balsamic vinegar mixture into it.
Fill a syringe or a medicine dropper with the warm balsamic vinegar mixture. Slowly drip the balsamic into the cold oil, allowing it to fall through the oil and form small caviar-like pearls. This process is quite magical, as you watch the droplets transform into beautiful little spheres.
Once you’ve created a batch of pearls, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them from the oil. Rinse them gently in water to remove any excess oil, then transfer them to a covered container. Store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them.
Now for the salad assembly! Take a fresh plate and place one or two slices of Burrata in the center. This creamy cheese is the heart of the dish, and it should be at room temperature for the best flavor.
Add a handful of small mozzarella balls around the Burrata. These add extra creaminess and texture to the salad.
Next, scatter a generous amount of diced fresh tomatoes over the entire plate. The sweetness of the tomatoes will complement the creaminess of the cheeses beautifully.
Finish the salad by decorating it with the balsamic pearls you prepared earlier. The pearls will provide pops of flavor that enhance every bite.
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over the salad, which will help balance the flavors, and drizzle a little extra vegetable oil for that finishing touch.
