6 Best Rice Wine Substitutes You May Already Have at Home

Check your pantry for these swaps!

Wine can be a magical cooking ingredient: Even just a splash or two can be the key to great soup recipes, sauces, and noodle bowls for dinner. And rice wine is no exception! It’s great for tenderizing meat, deglazing a pan, and flavoring dishes like sushi and sashimi. But if you don’t have any on hand, not to worry: There are a bunch of rice wine substitutes you can try.

First things first: What exactly is rice wine? While many other wines are made from fermented grapes, rice wine is a bit different—it’s made from rice! Mijiu, which is clear Chinese rice wine, is made by fermenting glutinous rice. Through this process, the starches are transformed into sugars, which are then turned into wine, making it alcoholic. Rice wine is often used in cooking as part of a homemade marinade or to add flavor to a finished dish. It’s a staple in many Asian cuisines.

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There are various kinds of rice wine, each with their own unique flavor—and many are good for both drinking and cooking. One common kind is Shaoxing wine (also spelled Shaohsing), which comes from the city of Shaoxing in the Zhejiang province of China; it’s light brown in appearance (it’s a variety of huangjiu, Chinese “yellow wine”). Mirin, a Japanese rice wine, is another popular kind—it’s light in color and slightly sweet (sweeter than sake). Cheongju, a clear Korean rice wine, is another choice.

If your recipe calls for rice wine and you don’t have any in your pantry, try one of the rice wine substitutes below—just keep in mind that each one will have a slightly different flavor.

Dry Sherry

Dry sherry can be a good substitute for rice wine in a recipe. Sherry, which comes from southern Spain, is a fortified wine, meaning it has spirits added to it, giving it a higher alcohol content than average wines. Be sure to use dry sherry, not cream sherry, which is sweet.

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Sake

This Japanese alcoholic drink is made by a multi-step fermentation process—and it can work as a rice wine substitute (some sources call sake a rice wine, though it’s actually brewed more like a beer). It’s great for marinades and sauces.

Dry White Wine

A regular dry white wine for cooking is definitely not the same as a traditional Shaoxing wine, but it could add a nice subtle alcoholic flavor to a dish—it will work as a rice wine substitute in a pinch. Just be sure to use a dry white wine and not a sweet one.

Gin

Since gin is vaguely similar in flavor to some rice wines, it can be used as a substitute in certain recipes. Just keep in mind that gin has a higher alcohol content, so you’ll want to use only a fraction of it compared to what you’d use of the rice wine.

Other Rice Wines

If your recipe calls for Shaoxing rice wine but you don’t have any, think about using another kind of rice wine. Mirin is a good sub: It’s a Japanese rice wine that’s made from fermenting steamed glutinous rice, mixing it with a rice liquor and allowing the fermentation process to take place. This rice wine has a slightly lower alcohol content than sake and, depending on how long it has been fermented, can have a strong flavor. Mirin is sweeter than Shaoxing rice wine, too—so you may want to adjust the sugar level in your dish.

White Grape Juice

While it certainly doesn’t have the depth of flavor of traditional rice wines, white grape juice can add acidity and fruit flavor to a dish in the same way that a rice wine like Shaoxing wine might. Bonus: It’s a good option for anyone looking for a non-alcoholic substitute. Try a splash in a thickened stew, soup, or sautéed meat dish.

Deciphering the Essence of Shaoxing Wine

Before delving into the quest for substitutes, it’s essential to grasp the significance of Shaoxing wine in Chinese cuisine. This traditional rice wine, originating from Zhejiang province in eastern China, is a cornerstone of local Ming-style cooking. With a history spanning centuries, Shaoxing wine is cherished for its role as a fundamental seasoning.

This rice wine undergoes an aging process, often lasting several years, which mellows its flavors and imparts a subtle sweetness, delicate aroma, and depth that is hard to replicate. Its contribution to Chinese dishes is comparable to the role of dry sherry in Western cuisine. The unique aging techniques and production methods give Shaoxing wine a complex, harmonious profile, making it indispensable in many traditional recipes.

Understanding the Need for Alternatives

Despite its esteemed status, the need for substitutes for Shaoxing wine arises frequently. Personal preferences, dietary restrictions, or simply the unavailability of Shaoxing wine can drive this need. Many individuals avoid alcohol due to health reasons, religious beliefs, or personal choice, prompting them to seek non-alcoholic alternatives.

Moreover, the specific taste of Shaoxing wine might not appeal to everyone, leading some to look for different options that better match their palate. The culinary world offers a multitude of possibilities and adaptations, and finding suitable substitutes for Shaoxing wine opens up new avenues for creativity and innovation in cooking.

Pairing the Perfect Substitute with the Right Dish

Substituting Shaoxing wine isn’t a one-size-fits-all task. Selecting the best alternative depends on the specific dish and its traditional requirements. For recipes requiring a milder-sweet profile, like steamed fish, mirin is an excellent choice. Its sweetness and subtle flavor complement the fish’s delicacy without overpowering it.

For red-cooked dishes needing a deeper, caramelized flavor, a blend of grape juice and vinegar can serve as a suitable substitute. This combination mimics the complexity of Shaoxing wine and adds similar depth to the dish. A simple stir-fry might benefit from a dash of rice vinegar, which provides the necessary acidity without added sweetness. For intricately-flavored dishes such as drunken chicken, where the wine plays a significant role, dry sherry is a closer match. Its nutty undertones and balanced acidity can replicate the nuanced flavors of Shaoxing wine, ensuring the dish retains its traditional taste.

The Art of Substitution: Tips for Successful Swapping

Successfully substituting Shaoxing wine relies on achieving the right balance with the alternative ingredient. Tasting as you go is crucial. Whether reducing a vinegar blend or adding mirin to a sauce, always taste and adjust until the flavors resonate.

Consider the other ingredients in the dish as well. An alternative might work well in isolation but could clash with other elements of the dish. Be mindful of the broader flavor profile and how each component interacts with the substitute. Don’t hesitate to experiment. Some of the greatest culinary discoveries come from necessity and experimentation. Trying new combinations and adjusting proportions might lead to a unique twist on a classic recipe that becomes a family favorite.

Safer Substituting: Catering to Dietary Needs

For those avoiding alcohol due to health concerns, religious beliefs, or personal choice, vinegar or broth options are excellent alternatives. These non-alcoholic substitutes allow you to enjoy Chinese cuisine without compromising on flavor or dietary restrictions.

Using high-quality ingredients and taste-tested combinations, you can create delicious dishes that align with your dietary needs. Non-alcoholic alternatives provide the depth and complexity required in Chinese dishes while ensuring that everyone, including children and those abstaining from alcohol, can enjoy the meal.

Conclusion

In the rich tapestry of Chinese cuisine, Shaoxing wine is both a vibrant color and a crucial stitch. Its substitutes are not mere replacements but gateways to new flavors and creativity. By understanding the essence of Shaoxing wine and the reasons for seeking alternatives, home cooks can navigate the kitchen with confidence, regardless of what is available on the shelf.

Embracing the art of substitution allows you to find not only a suitable ingredient but also to explore new flavor pathways. Infusing personal touches into traditional dishes and incorporating global flavors into your culinary creations opens up endless possibilities. The adventure of finding the right Shaoxing wine substitute is not just about matching your recipe; it’s about unlocking the potential of your palate and the dishes waiting to be created. Through substitution, you can maintain the integrity of your culinary vision while adapting to the needs and preferences of those you serve.