Malt vinegar is a popular ingredient in many recipes, but what do you do if you’re out of malt vinegar or don’t have any on hand?
In this article, we’ll list 10 substitutes for malt vinegar and explain the differences and similarities between them.
We’ll also provide the exact ratios to use as a replacement when substituting and give examples of how we’ve used the substitutes.
With this information, you’ll be able to easily swap for an alternative that tastes the same or similar to malt vinegar!
Substitutes for Malt Vinegar
- Spirit Vinegar
- Black Vinegar
- Sherry Vinegar
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Rice Vinegar
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Lemon Juice
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- White Wine Vinegar
Spirit Vinegar
Spirit vinegar is a versatile ingredient can be used in a variety of recipes and offers numerous benefits over its malt counterparts.
For one, spirit vinegar is less acidic, making it ideal for use in delicate dishes.
It also has a cleaner flavor, allowing the other ingredients in your recipe to shine through.
And because it is less processed than malt vinegar, it retains more of its nutrients.
To substitute malt vinegar with spirit vinegar, use a 1:1/4 ratio.
This means that you only need 1/4 teaspoon of spirit vinegar for every teaspoon of malt vinegar.
Black Vinegar
You could use black vinegar as a substitute for malt vinegar.
Black vinegar is made from rice, and it has a mellower flavor than malt vinegar.
Malt vinegar is made from barley, and it has a sharper flavor.
The ratio of black vinegar to water is 1:1, so it’s easy to use as a direct substitution for malt vinegar.
The benefits of using black vinegar as a substitute for malt vinegar are that it is less harsh and more mellow.
Black vinegar is also less likely to make food taste acidic while malt vinegar is more likely to make food taste sour.
Lastly, malt vinegar is also more expensive than black vinegar.
Sherry Vinegar
Yes, sherry vinegar is the perfect replacement for malt vinegar.
First of all, it’s got a much milder flavor, so it won’t overpower your dish like a malt vinegar can.
Second of all, it’s got a lovely woodsy flavor that will complement any dish you’re making.
Additionally, sherry vinegar is a cheap and easy substitute that has a similar taste and acidity to malt vinegar, making it a perfect replacement in any recipe.
It’s also much more widely available than malt vinegar, so you’re likely to be able to find it at your local supermarket.
Best of all, sherry vinegar is very inexpensive, so you’ll save money without sacrificing flavor.
And last but not least, it has a beautiful golden color that will make your dish pop.
Worcestershire Sauce
If you’re out of malt vinegar and need a substitute, Worcestershire sauce is a great option.
This savory condiment can be used in place of malt vinegar in most recipes, and it will add a unique flavor to your dish.
Worcestershire sauce is made with fish, vinegar, soy sauce, molasses, and spices, so it has a complex flavor that malt vinegar can’t match.
Keep in mind that Worcestershire sauce is quite salty, so you may need to adjust the amount of salt in your recipe accordingly.
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is a great substitute for malt vinegar.
It has a similar acidity and flavor, so it will work well in most recipes.
However, it is sweeter than malt vinegar, so you may need to adjust the amount you use.
If you’re making fish and chips, for example, you may want to use less balsamic vinegar than you would malt vinegar.
In some cases, it can be a perfectly acceptable substitution.
But you need to know what you’re doing.
First of all, balsamic vinegar is much sweeter than malt vinegar.
It also has a more complex flavor, with hints of fruitiness and spiciness.
So if you’re using it as a substitute in a recipe that calls for malt vinegar, you’ll need to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
For instance, you might want to add a little more salt to balance out the sweetness.
You’ll also want to use less of it than you would malt vinegar since its stronger flavor can easily overwhelm a dish.
When used judiciously, however, balsamic vinegar can add a delicious depth of flavor to your cooking.
Just don’t try to replace it cup for cup in your favorite fish and chips recipe.
When substituting balsamic vinegar for malt vinegar, start with half or less than the amount called for in the recipe and then adjust to taste.
Rice Vinegar
If you’re looking for a suitable substitute for malt vinegar, then rice vinegar is a great option.
It can be used in many of the same dishes, including fish and chips, pickled vegetables, and vinaigrettes.
Rice vinegar is also a good choice for making sushi rice.
The benefits of using rice vinegar include its milder flavor and lower acidity.
Red Wine Vinegar
Red wine vinegar is a great option if you’re looking for a substitute for malt vinegar.
It can be used in many of the same ways as malt vinegar, and it has some distinct benefits.
For one thing, red wine vinegar is lower in acidity than malt vinegar, so it can be a gentler option for some recipes.
It also has a complex, slightly fruity flavor that can enhance the other ingredients in your dish.
When substituting red wine vinegar for malt vinegar, you’ll need to use about half as much, since it’s more potent.
And keep in mind that red wine vinegar may slightly darken light-colored dishes.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for malt vinegar in many recipes.
There are several benefits of using lemon juice as a substitute for malt vinegar.
For one, lemon juice is a natural ingredient, while malt vinegar is a processed ingredient.
For another, lemon juice is lower in acidity than malt vinegar, so it will not affect the flavor of your recipe as much.
Moreover, lemon juice can be used in a 2:1 ratio to replace malt vinegar in most recipes.
This means that for every tablespoon of malt vinegar called for in the recipe, you would use two tablespoons of lemon juice.
Some recipes where lemon juice can be used as a substitute for malt vinegar include salad dressings, marinades, and sauces.
When substituting lemon juice for malt vinegar, you may need to add a little more sweetness to your recipe to balance the tartness of the lemon juice.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be used as a suitable substitute for malt vinegar in many recipes.
The most notable benefit of using apple cider vinegar is its lower acidity level.
This can be beneficial for those who are sensitive to vinegar or who are looking to add a touch of sweetness to their dish.
Apple cider vinegar can also be used in a wide variety of recipes, including marinades, dressings, and sauces.
When substituting apple cider vinegar for malt vinegar, it is important to use a 1:1 ratio.
Additionally, it is worth noting that apple cider vinegar is not as potent as malt vinegar, so it may not be suitable for dishes that require a strong vinegary flavor.
White Wine Vinegar
There are many times when white wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for malt vinegar.
This versatile vinegar can be used in dressing, marinades, and sauces.
It is also a great choice for pickling vegetables.
White wine vinegar has a milder flavor than malt vinegar, so it is a good choice for those who do not like the strong taste of malt vinegar.
The main benefit of using white wine vinegar as a substitute for malt is that it is lower in calories and fat.
White wine vinegar is also a good source of antioxidants.
Conclusion
There are many substitutes for malt vinegar that can be used in a variety of recipes.
The best substitute for malt vinegar depends on your personal preferences and the dish you are preparing.
So go ahead and experiment with different substitutes until you find the perfect one for you!