🍷 Alcohol & Vinegars

Substitute for Sake and Mirin: Japanese Cooking Guide

Discover the best substitutes for both sake and mirin in Japanese cooking. Learn about rice vinegar, white wine, sugar combinations, and other alternatives with proper ratios for authentic flavor.

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Quick Answer

For sake and mirin substitutes, use rice vinegar + sugar (1:1 ratio with 1-2 tsp sugar per cup), white wine + sugar (1:1 ratio with 1-2 tsp sugar), or apple cider vinegar + sugar + water (1/2 cup vinegar + 1/2 cup water + 2 tsp sugar = 1 cup total).

Best Substitutes

Rice Vinegar + Sugar

1:1 with 1-2 tsp sugar per cup

Non-alcoholic alternative that mimics both sake and mirin

Best for:

teriyaki saucemarinadesglazesfamily cooking

Adjust sugar amount based on desired sweetness (more for mirin, less for sake)

White Wine + Sugar

1:1 with 1-2 tsp sugar per cup

Alcoholic alternative with similar complexity to sake and mirin

Best for:

cookingmarinadessaucesfusion dishes

Use dry white wine and adjust sugar for sweetness level needed

Apple Cider Vinegar + Sugar + Water

1/2 cup vinegar + 1/2 cup water + 2 tsp sugar = 1 cup total

Readily available alternative for both sake and mirin

Best for:

general cookingwhen other options unavailablebudget-friendly cooking

More acidic than sake/mirin, adjust sugar to taste

Chicken Stock + Rice Vinegar + Sugar

1/2 cup stock + 1/2 cup vinegar + 1-2 tsp sugar = 1 cup total

Non-alcoholic combination with umami depth

Best for:

soupsstewsbraised dishesfamily cooking

Provides umami depth similar to sake and mirin

White Grape Juice + Rice Vinegar

2/3 cup juice + 1/3 cup vinegar = 1 cup total

Sweet and tangy non-alcoholic alternative

Best for:

sweet glazesmarinadeskid-friendly dishesdessert sauces

Naturally sweet, perfect for mirin-heavy recipes

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For teriyaki sauce, use rice vinegar + sugar as it provides the right balance of acidity and sweetness
  • 💡When substituting for both sake and mirin, consider the recipe's overall sweetness needs
  • 💡White wine + sugar works best for fusion dishes that benefit from alcohol complexity
  • 💡For non-alcoholic cooking, rice vinegar + sugar is the most versatile option
  • 💡Adjust sugar amounts based on whether the recipe calls for more sake (less sweet) or mirin (sweeter)
  • 💡Test your substitute in a small batch to ensure the flavor balance is right
  • 💡For authentic Japanese flavor, rice vinegar + sugar is closest to the original taste profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for both sake and mirin?

Rice vinegar + sugar (1:1 ratio with 1-2 tsp sugar per cup) is the best substitute for both sake and mirin. It provides similar acidity and sweetness without alcohol.

Can I use white wine as a substitute for sake and mirin?

Yes, white wine + sugar (1:1 ratio with 1-2 tsp sugar per cup) works well as a substitute for both sake and mirin, especially in fusion dishes.

How do I adjust the sweetness for different recipes?

Use less sugar (1 tsp per cup) for recipes that call for more sake, and more sugar (2 tsp per cup) for recipes that call for more mirin.

What's the best non-alcoholic substitute for sake and mirin?

Rice vinegar + sugar is the best non-alcoholic substitute. For extra umami, use chicken stock + rice vinegar + sugar.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar?

Yes, apple cider vinegar works as a substitute, but it's more acidic. Use the same ratio but you may need to adjust the sugar amount to balance the acidity.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for both sake and mirin in Japanese cooking. Learn about rice vinegar, white wine, sugar combinations, and other alternatives with proper ratios for authentic flavor.