Out of Sherry, one case
Sherry substitute for Chinese cooking
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Shaoxing wine
Same amount as the sherry
Shaoxing wine is the best substitute for sherry in Chinese cooking. If unavailable, use dry white wine with a pinch of sugar at a 1:1 ratio.
- The tweak —
- Shaoxing wine is specifically made for Chinese cooking.
- Best for —
- Chinese cooking
One casethe full sherry card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of sherry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shaoxing wineChinese cooking | Same amount |
| 2 | Dry white wineChinese cooking | Same amount |
| 3 | Rice wineChinese cooking | Same amount |
| 4 | MirinChinese cooking | Same amount |
| 5 | SakeChinese cooking | Same amount |
| 6 | Apple cider vinegar + water + sugarnon-alcoholic Chinese cooking | ½ cup vinegar + ½ cup water + 1 tsp sugar |
Shaoxing wine
Similar to sherry but with Chinese wine characteristics
Traditional Chinese cooking wine, most authentic substitute
- Best for
- Chinese cooking, stir-fries, marinades, when you want authentic Chinese flavor, most Asian dishes
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Shaoxing wine is specifically made for Chinese cooking.
Most authentic substitute for Chinese cooking.
Dry white wine
Similar wine flavor with good acidity
Good substitute with similar acidity and flavor profile
- Best for
- Chinese cooking, when Shaoxing wine isn't available, stir-fries, marinades, most cooking applications
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Add a pinch of sugar to mimic sherry's slight sweetness.
Good substitute when Shaoxing wine isn't available.
Rice wine
Mild and slightly sweet
Mild, slightly sweet alternative with Asian characteristics
- Best for
- Chinese cooking, when you want mild flavor, delicate dishes, light sauces, Asian-inspired dishes
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Rice wine is milder than sherry.
Milder than sherry, more authentic for Asian cooking.
Mirin
Sweet and mild, different from sherry
Japanese sweet rice wine with similar characteristics
- Best for
- Chinese cooking, when you want sweetness, glazes, teriyaki-style dishes, when you want Asian flavor
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Mirin is sweeter than sherry.
Sweeter than sherry, adjust other ingredients.
Sake
Clean and dry, different from sherry
Japanese rice wine with clean, dry flavor
- Best for
- Chinese cooking, when you want clean flavor, delicate dishes, when you want Asian wine flavor, light sauces
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Sake has a clean, dry flavor.
Clean and dry, different from sherry.
Apple cider vinegar + water + sugar
Tangy and slightly sweet, different from sherry
Non-alcoholic alternative with acidity and sweetness
- Best for
- non-alcoholic Chinese cooking, when you need acidity, vegetarian dishes, when alcohol isn't desired
- Texture
- Same liquid consistency
- Prep
- Mix ingredients together. Adjust sugar to taste.
Non-alcoholic option, more acidic than sherry.
How it behaves in this recipe
Sherry is sometimes used in Chinese cooking for flavor enhancement, but Shaoxing wine is the traditional choice. The best substitutes maintain the right balance of acidity, subtle sweetness, and complexity while providing the depth that wine brings to Chinese cooking applications.
Tips for substituting sherry
6 tips- Shaoxing wine is the most authentic substitute for sherry in Chinese cooking
- When using wine substitutes, let the alcohol cook off before adding other ingredients
- Chinese cooking often uses wine in small amounts for flavor enhancement
- The quality of your substitute wine will greatly affect the final dish
- For authentic Chinese flavor, try to find Shaoxing wine if possible
- Rice wine and mirin are more authentic for Asian cooking than Western wines
Notes on sherry
- For the most authentic flavor, use Shaoxing wine
- For a good substitute, use dry white wine with a pinch of sugar
- For Asian authenticity, use rice wine or mirin
- For non-alcoholic cooking, use apple cider vinegar with water and sugar
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for sherry in Chinese cooking?
Shaoxing wine is the best substitute for sherry in Chinese cooking. If unavailable, use dry white wine with a pinch of sugar at a 1:1 ratio.
Can I use rice wine instead of sherry in Chinese cooking?
Yes, rice wine is a good substitute for sherry in Chinese cooking. It's milder than sherry but more authentic for Asian dishes.
Is mirin a good substitute for sherry in Chinese cooking?
Yes, mirin can work as a substitute for sherry in Chinese cooking, but it's sweeter than sherry. You may need to adjust other ingredients in your recipe.
Can I use sake instead of sherry in Chinese cooking?
Yes, sake can work as a substitute for sherry in Chinese cooking. It has a clean, dry flavor that works well in many Chinese dishes.
Where can I find Shaoxing wine?
Shaoxing wine is available at most Asian grocery stores and some specialty food stores. It's specifically made for Chinese cooking and provides the most authentic flavor.