Out of Shaoxing wine, one case
Non-alcoholic Shaoxing wine substitutes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Rice vinegar + sugar
Per 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
1 tablespoon rice vinegar + ½ teaspoon sugar
The best non-alcoholic substitutes for Shaoxing wine are rice vinegar with sugar, apple cider vinegar with sugar, or vegetable broth with a splash of soy sauce and sugar.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- stir-fries
One casethe full Shaoxing wine card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rice vinegar + sugarstir-fries | 1 tablespoon rice vinegar + ½ teaspoon sugarWorks | Works |
| 2 | Apple cider vinegar + sugarmarinades | 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar + ½ teaspoon sugarTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Vegetable broth + soy sauce + sugarbraised dishes | ¾ tablespoon vegetable broth + ¼ tablespoon soy sauce + ½ teaspoon sugarTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | White grape juice + rice vinegarglazes | 2/3 tablespoon white grape juice + 1/3 tablespoon rice vinegarTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Mushroom broth + rice vinegar + sugarvegetarian dishes | ½ tablespoon mushroom broth + ½ tablespoon rice vinegar + ½ teaspoon sugarTweak it | Tweak it |
Rice vinegar + sugar
similar taste and texture
Mimics the sweet-sour profile of Shaoxing wine without alcohol
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, sauces, braised dishes
Add sugar gradually to taste. Use unseasoned rice vinegar for best results.
Apple cider vinegar + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Provides acidity and sweetness similar to Shaoxing wine
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, stir-fries
Slightly more tart than rice vinegar, so adjust sugar accordingly.
Vegetable broth + soy sauce + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Adds umami depth and complexity without alcohol
- Best for
- braised dishes, soups, sauces, marinades
Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control saltiness.
White grape juice + rice vinegar
different taste, similar texture
Combines natural sweetness with acidity for a balanced flavor
- Best for
- glazes, marinades, sauces
Use 100% white grape juice without added sugars.
Mushroom broth + rice vinegar + sugar
different taste, similar texture
Adds umami depth and earthy complexity
- Best for
- vegetarian dishes, mushroom-based recipes, sauces
Use homemade mushroom broth for best flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
- Stir fries
- Add the substitute early in cooking to allow flavors to develop and reduce properly
- Marinades
- Let meat marinate for the same amount of time as with Shaoxing wine for best results
- Braised dishes
- Add substitute with other liquids and let simmer to develop depth of flavor
- Sauces
- Reduce the substitute slightly before adding other ingredients for concentrated flavor
Tips for substituting Shaoxing wine
8 tips- Add non-alcoholic substitutes at the same time you would add Shaoxing wine in recipes
- Taste and adjust sweetness as you cook - different brands of vinegar vary in acidity
- For best results, let marinades sit for the same amount of time as with Shaoxing wine
- Non-alcoholic substitutes work well in stir-fries, but add them early in the cooking process
- For braised dishes, add the substitute along with other liquids and let simmer
- Store homemade substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
- When using vinegar-based substitutes, be careful not to over-acidify your dish
- For gluten-free cooking, ensure your soy sauce substitute is also gluten-free
Notes on Shaoxing wine
- For a more complex flavor, add a pinch of five-spice powder to your substitute
- Try adding a small amount of sesame oil for additional depth
- For vegetarian dishes, use mushroom powder in your substitute mixture
- Add a splash of tamari or coconut aminos for extra umami
Questions
4 questionsCan I use balsamic vinegar instead of Shaoxing wine?
Balsamic vinegar is too sweet and dark for most Chinese dishes. Stick to rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for better flavor compatibility.
Will non-alcoholic substitutes change the texture of my dish?
No, the texture should remain the same. The main difference is in flavor complexity - you may need to add other seasonings to achieve the same depth.
Can I use these substitutes in equal amounts?
Yes, use a 1:1 ratio for most recipes. However, taste as you go and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your preference.
Do I need to adjust cooking times with non-alcoholic substitutes?
No, cooking times remain the same. The substitutes will cook off and reduce just like Shaoxing wine would.