If you are looking for a mirin substitute, you’re in luck! In this article, we will provide a list of 15 substitutes for Mirin.
We’ll explain the differences and similarities between each one and give you the exact ratios to use as a replacement. Plus, we’ll give you some examples of how to use them in your cooking.
So whether you’re out of Mirin or just looking for a new flavor profile, we’ve got you covered!
What is Mirin?
Mirin is a Japanese cooking wine made from glutinous rice, malt, and Sake. The rice gives Mirin a slight sweetness, and the malt imparts a deeper flavor. At the same time, Sake provides the alcohol and also helps to preserve the Mirin.
Mirin is used in many dishes to add a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
Substitutes for Mirin:
- Dry White Wine
- Sweet Marsala wine
- Rice vinegar
- Dry Sherry
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Sake
- Sherry
- Aji-mirin
- Apple cider
- Vermouth
- Kombucha
- White Grape
- White Wine Vinegar
- Agave syrup and water
- Homemade Mirin
Dry White Wine
Dry white wine is a great alternative to Mirin and can be used in any recipe that calls for Japanese cooking wine.
To substitute dry white wine for Mirin, simply use a 1 to 1 ratio. Dry white wine is a versatile ingredient that works well in both savory and sweet dishes.
It’s also a great way to add acidity and depth of flavor to any dish. However, when substituting dry white wine for Mirin, it’s important to remember that the alcohol content will be higher. Therefore, you may want to adjust the amount of other liquid ingredients in the recipe accordingly.
Ultimately, dry white wine is a great alternative to Mirin that can be used in any recipe.
Sweet Marsala wine
Marsala wine is a sweet Indian wine made from coconuts, spices, and sugar. It has a unique flavor that pairs well with most dishes.
Marsala wine can be used as a mirin substitute in any recipe. The ratio is 1 to 1.
Marsala wine is not as widely available as Mirin, but you can find it at most Asian or Indian grocery stores.
Marsala wine is a great option if you’re looking for a mirin substitute that will add a unique flavor to your dish.
Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar is a great alternative to Mirin. It has a similar flavor profile and can be used in any recipe that calls for Mirin.
This mirin alternative is made by fermenting rice wine and has a slightly sweet and sour taste.
Rice vinegar is generally less sweet than Mirin, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
It is commonly used in Asian cuisine and can be found in most grocery stores. To substitute rice vinegar for Mirin, simply use a 1 to 1 ratio depending on the recipe. Some recipes may require you to use a replace 1 parts of Mirin with 1 1⁄2 parts of rice vinegar
You can opt to use this replacement in many different recipes to add acidity and depth of flavor to dishes.
However, when substituting rice vinegar for Mirin, be sure to take into account the other recipe ingredients.
Dry Sherry
Dry sherry makes a great alternative to Mirin because it has a similar flavor profile and can be used in a 1-to-1 ratio.
Dry sherry is a fortified wine made from white grapes that has an interesting nutty flavor with undertones of caramel. It is a great choice for marinades, glazes, and sauces because it adds depth of flavor without being too sweet.
It is also a good choice for deglazing pans because it helps to create a rich sauce or gravy.
When substituting dry sherry for Mirin, be sure to use the same amount called for in the recipe. Most importantly in our book, Dry sherry is also a great choice for those looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to Mirin.
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar makes a great substitute for Mirin because it has a similar flavor profile and can be used in a 1-to-1 ratio.
Balsamic vinegar is made from grape must, which is the juice of crushed grapes. It is commonly used in Italian cuisine and can be found in most grocery stores. Using this substitute is a great way to add acidity and depth of flavor to dishes. However, remember that it is made from grape must, so it can be very sweet.
When substituting balsamic vinegar for Mirin, be sure to consider sweetness and balance it out with the other ingredients in the recipe.
White Wine Vinegar
White wine vinegar is a great alternative to Mirin. It has a similar acidity and sweetness. You can use it in any recipe that calls for Mirin.
To substitute white wine vinegar for Mirin, simply use a 1:1 ratio. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of Mirin, use 1 cup of white wine vinegar.
White wine vinegar is a versatile ingredient that works well in many different dishes. It is also an inexpensive way to add flavor to your food.
When substituting white wine vinegar for Mirin, remember that it may alter the flavor of the dish slightly.
Sake
Sake is a rice wine from Japan that is used in many traditional recipes. It has a delicate flavor that is often described as sweet and slightly acidic. While Sake is the ideal ingredient for many recipes, it can be difficult to find in stores, but if you can find it, then it’s a great replacement.
You can use it in any recipe that calls for Mirin, which works well as a 1:1 substitution.
Sake is also a great choice if you’re looking for a healthier gluten-free alternative to Mirin because it’s lower in sugar and calories. Sake is also less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to alcohol.
Sherry Wine
Sherry is a great alternative to Mirin. You can use it in any recipe that calls for Mirin at a 1-to-1 ratio.
Sherry works well as a substitute because it has a similar flavor profile and consistency. However, Sherry wine is preserved with salt, so it might be a bad choice for people looking to keep their sodium intake low.
When choosing a sherry, look for one that is aged and has a high alcohol content.
Avoid “cooking sherry,” as it is typically lower quality and has added salt.
Aji-Mirin
Aji-mirin is a great alternative to traditional Mirin. It should be used in a 1-to-1 ratio.
Aji-mirin is a Japanese condiment made from corn syrup, glucose syrup, alcohol, water, and salt. It has a sweet and slightly acidic flavor with about 8% alcohol content that is perfect for adding to sauces, glazes, and marinades. Aji-mirin can be found in most Asian grocery stores.
Aji-mirin is much easier to find than traditional Mirin. The benefits of using this substitute are numerous. It is a good source of folate, vitamin B6, and manganese.
Not only does Aji-mirin work in any recipe, but it also tastes great and is less expensive. So if you are looking for a great alternative to Mirin, look no further than Aji-mirin.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a great substitute for Mirin because it has a similar acidity and sweetness. You can also use it in any recipe that calls for Mirin.
To substitute apple cider vinegar for Mirin, simply use a 1:1 ratio. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of Mirin, use one cup of apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is a versatile ingredient that works well in many different dishes. It is also an inexpensive way to add flavor to your food.
ACV is a great way to add acidity and depth of flavor to dishes. However, because it is made from apple cider, it can be very sweet.
Vermouth
Vermouth is a great alternative to Mirin because it has a similar sweet taste.
Vermouth is an aromatized wine, meaning that it has been flavored with herbs, spices, and botanicals. This gives vermouth a unique flavor profile that is perfect for adding depth of flavor to dishes.
You can use it in any recipe that calls for Mirin, at a 1 to 1 ratio. Vermouth is also lower in sugar and calories than Mirin, making it a healthier choice.
Many recipes call for Mirin, and vermouth can be used as a substitute in all of them with a few other ingredients. Generally, Vermouth is a great choice for glazes, marinades, and sauces. It also works well in stir-fries and soups.
Plus, it’s easy to find and usually less expensive than Mirin. Vermouth is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes.
So don’t be afraid to experiment with it in your cooking.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a great alternative to Mirin since it has a similar sweet and sour taste and can be used in any recipe that calls for Mirin.
Kombucha is also a fermented beverage, so it contains beneficial probiotics, which Mirin does not have.
To use kombucha as a replacement for Mirin, simply mix it with an equal amount of water. One of the greatest benefits of using Kombucha is that can be found in most health food stores.
White Grape
If you’re looking for a mirin substitute that has a more subtle flavor, white grape is a good option. It can be used in any recipe that calls for Mirin, at a 1-to-1 ratio with a touch of lemon juice to get the tanginess of Mirin.
White grape juice is a great choice for glazes, marinades, and sauces. It also works well in stir-fries and soups.
Plus, it’s easy to find and usually less expensive than Mirin. So if you’re looking for a mirin replacement that is more budget-friendly, white grape juice is a suitable option.
White Wine Vinegar
White wine vinegar is a great alternative to Mirin and can be used in any recipe that calls for it.
It has a slightly acidic taste, so it’s best to use it in a 1-to-1 ratio when substituting it for Mirin.
White wine vinegar is also a good choice for those who are looking for a healthier option since it contains no alcohol or sugar. Overall, white wine vinegar is a great replacement for Mirin which is versatile and easy to find.
Agave Syrup and Water
Agave syrup is a sweetener made from the agave plant, which is a vegan and gluten-free alternative to honey and has a low glycemic index.
Agave syrup is a great substitute for Mirin because it can perfectly mimic the sweetness and flavor. With that in mind, you can try it and use it in any recipe that calls for Mirin at a ratio of two parts agave syrup to one part water.
Homemade Mirin
If you’re looking for a mirin substitute that is more affordable and easy to make, try making your own Mirin. All you need is rice vinegar, Sake, and sugar.
To make homemade Mirin, mix equal parts rice vinegar, Sake, and sugar in a saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Let the mixture cool before using it in your recipe.
Making your own Mirin is a great way to save money, and it’s also convenient since you can make it in large batches and store it for later use. Plus, you’ll know what’s in your Mirin and can avoid any unwanted additives.
FAQ
Can I use normal Vinegar instead of Mirin?
Yes, you can use normal vinegar instead of Mirin in any recipe. However, Mirin has a unique flavor that vinegar does not have, so the result may not taste the same.
What tastes similar to Mirin?
There are many substitutes for Mirin, but not all of them will taste the same. The substitutes we listed above will all have a similar flavor to Mirin; however, we recommend starting with Dry white wine, Sake, or Sweet Marsala Wine.
Non-alcoholic substitute for Mirin
Kombucha is a non-alcoholic mirin substitute. To use kombucha to replace Mirin, mix it with an equal amount of water.
Conclusion
There are many substitutes for Mirin, so you’re sure to find one that works for you. Be creative and experiment with different ingredients to find a mirin substitute that you love.
Who knows, you might even prefer the taste of your new ingredient over Mirin!