Finishing
Spoon-Coat Test for Reduction
Coat a spoon, then draw a line with your finger. If the line holds, the sauce is ready.
Key Points
Take the pan off the heat first. Test with the back of the spoon. Judge in the first 3 seconds.
Common Failures
Testing over high heat keeps reducing the pot. Waiting too long lets the line close by itself.
Do this
Dip a spoon in the sauce and lift it out. Turn it over. Run a finger across the back.
Why it works
A clean line that stays means the sauce clings. If the sauce floods back, it needs more time.
When to skip it
Skip it for thin dipping sauces like ponzu. They should stay runny.
