The best rice wine substitute depends on whether the recipe needs aroma, sweetness, acidity, or alcohol. Dry sherry is a common substitute for Chinese rice wine. Sake can work in Japanese-style dishes. Mirin works when sweetness is welcome. Diluted rice vinegar can help in small amounts, but it is more acidic than rice wine.
Best Substitutes
| Substitute | Best for | How to adjust |
|---|---|---|
| Dry sherry | Stir-fries, marinades, sauces | Use close to 1:1 for Chinese-style cooking wine |
| Sake | Japanese dishes, seafood, sauces | Use 1:1, then adjust salt and sugar |
| Mirin | Glazes, sauces, teriyaki-style dishes | Reduce added sugar because mirin is sweet |
| Dry white wine | Pan sauces, Western-style dishes | Use when the dish can handle grape-wine flavor |
| Rice vinegar plus water | Small amounts in sauces | Dilute and add a pinch of sugar; do not use full-strength vinegar 1:1 |
| Broth plus vinegar | Nonalcoholic cooking | Use mild broth with a small splash of rice vinegar |
Closest Substitute for Chinese Rice Wine
Dry sherry is often the closest easy substitute for Chinese rice wine or Shaoxing-style cooking wine. It has alcohol, dryness, and aroma without the strong acidity of vinegar. Use a dry version, not a sweet cream sherry.
When to Use Mirin
Use mirin when the recipe can accept sweetness, such as glazes, teriyaki-style sauces, noodle sauces, and some marinades. If you use mirin instead of rice wine, reduce added sugar or sweet sauces.
Can Rice Vinegar Replace Rice Wine?
Rice vinegar can help in small amounts, but it is not a direct substitute. Vinegar is much more acidic. If you use it, dilute it with water and add a pinch of sugar, then start with less than the recipe calls for.
Nonalcoholic Options
For a nonalcoholic substitute, use mild chicken broth, vegetable broth, apple juice diluted with water, or water with a small splash of rice vinegar. The flavor will be different, but the dish can still work if rice wine is not the main ingredient.
Cooking and Storage
If rice wine or a substitute is used in a raw-meat marinade, keep the food refrigerated. Do not reuse marinade that touched raw meat as a finishing sauce unless it is boiled safely. Store opened bottles according to the label.
FAQ
What is the best substitute for rice wine?
Dry sherry is a good all-purpose substitute for Chinese-style rice wine. Sake and mirin work better in some Japanese-style dishes.
Can I use rice vinegar instead of rice wine?
Only in small, diluted amounts. Rice vinegar is much more acidic than rice wine.
Can I use white wine instead of rice wine?
Yes in some dishes, especially sauces and marinades, but it adds grape-wine flavor.
Is mirin the same as rice wine?
Mirin is a sweet rice wine-style seasoning. It is sweeter than many cooking rice wines.
What is a nonalcoholic substitute for rice wine?
Mild broth with a small splash of rice vinegar, diluted apple juice, or plain water can work depending on the dish.