Out of Shaoxing wine, one case
Shaoxing wine substitutes for cooking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Dry sherry
Same amount as the Shaoxing wine
The best Shaoxing wine substitute depends on your cooking method: dry sherry for braising, mirin for glazes, rice vinegar + sugar for stir-fries, and white wine + sugar for marinades.
- Best for —
- braised dishes
One casethe full Shaoxing wine card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Shaoxing wine | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dry sherrybraised dishes | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 2 | Miringlazes | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 3 | Rice vinegar + sugarstir-fries | 1 tablespoon rice vinegar + ½ teaspoon sugar per 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wineTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | White wine + sugargeneral cooking | Same amountWith pinch of sugarTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Sake + sugarstir-fries | Same amountWith pinch of sugarWorks | Works |
Dry sherry
very similar · similar texture
Best overall substitute with similar complexity and alcohol content
- Best for
- braised dishes, slow-cooked meats, sauces, marinades
Most similar to Shaoxing wine in flavor profile and cooking behavior.
Mirin
sweeter
Sweet rice wine good for glazes and teriyaki-style dishes
- Best for
- glazes, teriyaki, sweet sauces, marinades for grilled foods
- Texture
- thicker
Much sweeter than Shaoxing wine, so reduce other sweeteners.
Rice vinegar + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Non-alcoholic alternative that works well in most applications
- Best for
- stir-fries, quick sauces, vegetarian dishes, non-alcoholic cooking
Add sugar gradually to taste, as different vinegars vary in acidity.
White wine + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Readily available substitute that works in most recipes
- Best for
- general cooking, marinades, sauces, when other substitutes aren't available
Use dry white wine and add sugar to approximate Shaoxing wine's sweetness.
Sake + sugar
similar taste and texture
Japanese rice wine that's closer to Shaoxing wine than mirin
- Best for
- stir-fries, sauces, marinades, when you want rice wine flavor
Sake is drier than Shaoxing wine, so add sugar to match sweetness.
How it behaves in this recipe
- Stir fries
- Add substitute early in cooking, after aromatics but before vegetables
- Marinades
- Combine substitute with other marinade ingredients and let sit for 15-30 minutes
- Braising
- Add substitute with other liquids and let simmer slowly for 1-3 hours
- Sauces
- Reduce substitute slightly before adding other ingredients for concentrated flavor
- Glazes
- Add sweet substitutes like mirin near the end of cooking to prevent burning
- Soups
- Add substitute early in cooking to allow flavors to develop throughout the soup
Tips for substituting Shaoxing wine
8 tips- For stir-fries, add the substitute early in cooking to allow flavors to develop
- In marinades, let meat sit for the same amount of time as with Shaoxing wine
- For braised dishes, add substitute with other liquids and let simmer slowly
- When making sauces, reduce the substitute slightly before adding other ingredients
- For glazes, add mirin or sweet substitutes near the end of cooking
- Store opened bottles of alcoholic substitutes in the refrigerator
- Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook, especially with vinegar-based substitutes
- For best results, use the substitute that most closely matches your cooking method
Notes on Shaoxing wine
- For extra depth, add a splash of sesame oil to your substitute mixture
- Try adding a pinch of five-spice powder for more complex flavor
- For vegetarian dishes, use mushroom broth as part of your substitute
- Add a small amount of tamari or coconut aminos for extra umami
Questions
4 questionsWhich substitute works best for stir-fries?
Dry sherry or rice vinegar + sugar work best for stir-fries. Add them early in the cooking process to allow flavors to develop and reduce properly.
Can I use the same substitute for all cooking methods?
While dry sherry works well for most applications, different cooking methods may benefit from specific substitutes. Mirin is better for glazes, while rice vinegar works well for quick stir-fries.
Do I need to adjust cooking times with substitutes?
No, cooking times remain the same. However, some substitutes like mirin may need to be added later to prevent burning due to their sugar content.
Which substitute is best for vegetarian cooking?
Rice vinegar + sugar or vegetable broth + soy sauce + sugar work well for vegetarian dishes, as they provide umami without meat-based flavors.