Rice wine is a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes, adding a unique sweetness and depth of flavor to stir-fries, sauces, and marinades. However, there are times when you may run out of rice wine or simply can’t find it at the store. Don’t worry—there are several rice wine substitutes that can bring the same flavor profile to your dishes. Whether you’re preparing a dish like teriyaki chicken or a flavorful stir-fry, here are the best alternatives you can use instead of rice wine.
Dry Sherry
Dry sherry is one of the most common substitutes for rice wine, especially in cooking. It has a similar flavor profile with a slight sweetness and a rich, nutty undertone. Dry sherry is widely available and is often used in many savory dishes, including sauces and stews.
- How to Use: Replace rice wine with an equal amount of dry sherry in your recipe. You may want to adjust the quantity slightly if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Sake (Japanese Rice Wine)
Sake, another type of rice wine, can also serve as a good substitute for Chinese rice wine. It’s a bit more refined, and its flavor is milder compared to other rice wines. Sake can give your dishes the delicate sweetness and umami that rice wine typically adds. Just keep in mind that there are different types of sake, and if you’re using a sweeter variety, adjust the other seasonings in your recipe.
- How to Use: Use sake in the same amount as the rice wine the recipe calls for.
White Wine Vinegar
If you’re in need of a non-alcoholic substitute, white wine vinegar can do the trick. It has a slightly tangy flavor and acidity similar to rice wine. The vinegar provides the necessary acidity to balance your dish without the sweetness that rice wine typically adds, but it still brings a nice depth to stir-fries and sauces.
- How to Use: Use half the amount of white wine vinegar as a substitute for rice wine, and adjust to taste to prevent overpowering the dish.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Similar to white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be a great non-alcoholic substitute. It brings a fruity and slightly tangy flavor that can add complexity to your dishes. While it won’t mimic the sweetness of rice wine, apple cider vinegar can still help brighten up your stir-fries, marinades, and soups.
- How to Use: Use apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio for rice wine in most recipes. You may want to add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the tangy flavor.
Vermouth
Vermouth is an excellent substitute for rice wine in both cooking and cocktails. It has a sweet, aromatic flavor and a hint of bitterness, making it a good match for rice wine. It’s especially useful for making sauces and marinades, where its richness and complexity can shine through.
- How to Use: Replace rice wine with vermouth in the same quantity. If you’re using sweet vermouth, you may need to adjust the seasoning.
White Grape Juice (Non-Alcoholic Option)
For a completely non-alcoholic rice wine substitute, white grape juice can provide a similar sweetness. While it won’t offer the same depth or acidity as rice wine, it can still add a nice fruity undertone to dishes like stir-fries or marinades.
- How to Use: Use white grape juice in equal amounts as rice wine. You can mix it with a little bit of vinegar to add some acidity if needed.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth (For Savory Dishes)
If you’re looking for a substitute with more umami and less sweetness, chicken or vegetable broth can be a great option. While it lacks the slight sweetness of rice wine, it can add richness and depth to savory dishes like stir-fries and soups.
- How to Use: Use the same amount of broth as the rice wine called for in the recipe. If you’re looking for a bit of acidity, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
Mirin (Japanese Sweet Rice Wine)
If you’re cooking Asian cuisine, mirin can be an excellent substitute for rice wine. It’s a sweet rice wine commonly used in Japanese cooking, and while it’s a bit sweeter than rice wine, it adds a lovely sweetness and depth to dishes like teriyaki or glazes.
- How to Use: Replace rice wine with mirin in a 1:1 ratio, but you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe since mirin is sweet.
Coconut Aminos (For a Gluten-Free Option)
If you need a gluten-free substitute, coconut aminos are a great alternative. Made from the sap of coconut trees, it has a slightly sweet, salty flavor that can mimic the taste of rice wine in savory dishes. It’s a perfect choice for stir-fries, sauces, and marinades.
- How to Use: Use coconut aminos in the same amount as rice wine, and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Tamarind Paste (For Sour and Tangy Flavor)
For a more sour and tangy alternative, tamarind paste can add the necessary acidity and complexity that rice wine typically offers. It’s especially useful in recipes that require a strong, tart flavor profile, such as Indian or Southeast Asian dishes.
- How to Use: Dilute tamarind paste with water and use it as a 1:1 substitute for rice wine. You may need to adjust other seasonings to balance the flavors.
While rice wine is a popular ingredient in many cuisines, there are plenty of delicious substitutes you can use when you don’t have it on hand. Whether you prefer a non-alcoholic option like white wine vinegar or want to stick with an alcoholic option like dry sherry, there are plenty of choices to bring out the best flavors in your dishes. So, the next time you’re cooking and realize you’re out of rice wine, you can confidently grab one of these substitutes and keep your recipe on track!
