Shaoxing wine substitutes
Shaoxing wine substitutes — 4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Dry sherry
Same amount as the Shaoxing wine
Similar flavor profile and alcohol content to Shaoxing wine.
The best substitutes for Shaoxing wine are dry sherry, mirin, rice vinegar, or white wine with a pinch of sugar.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- stir-fries
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Shaoxing wine | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dry sherrystir-fries | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Mirinteriyaki | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Rice vinegar + sugarstir-fries | 1 tablespoon rice vinegar + ½ teaspoon sugar per 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wineTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | White wine + sugarcooking | Same amountWith pinch of sugarTweak it | Tweak it |
Dry sherry
similar taste and texture
Similar flavor profile and alcohol content to Shaoxing wine.
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, braised dishes, sauces
Most similar substitute with comparable depth and complexity.
Mirin
different taste, similar texture
Japanese sweet rice wine that adds sweetness and umami.
- Best for
- teriyaki, glazes, marinades, sauces
Sweeter than Shaoxing wine, so reduce other sweeteners.
Rice vinegar + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Combination that mimics the sweet-sour profile of Shaoxing wine.
- Best for
- stir-fries, sauces, marinades
Add sugar gradually to taste.
White wine + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Dry white wine with added sweetness to approximate Shaoxing wine.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, sauces
Use dry white wine and add sugar to taste.
Questions
3 questionsCan I use regular white wine instead of Shaoxing wine?
Yes, dry white wine can work as a substitute, but add a pinch of sugar to better match Shaoxing wine's slightly sweet profile. Dry sherry is a closer match.
Is Shaoxing wine alcoholic?
Yes, Shaoxing wine contains alcohol (typically 15-20% ABV), but most of it cooks off during the cooking process. However, if you need to avoid alcohol entirely, use rice vinegar with sugar instead.
What's the difference between Shaoxing wine and mirin?
Shaoxing wine is drier and more complex, while mirin is sweeter and more syrupy. Shaoxing wine is better for savory dishes, while mirin works well for glazes and sweeter applications.
Tips for substituting Shaoxing wine
9 tips- Shaoxing wine is typically added during cooking, not as a finishing touch
- Use in marinades for 15-30 minutes to tenderize meat
- Add to stir-fries at the beginning of cooking for best flavor development
- Store opened bottles in the refrigerator for up to 6 months
- Look for good quality Shaoxing wine - avoid cooking wine with added salt
- The wine should be amber-colored and have a complex, slightly sweet flavor
- Use sparingly - a little goes a long way in most recipes
- Can be used to deglaze pans for flavorful sauces
- Adds umami depth to vegetarian dishes when meat is not used