The Top 10 Mirin Substitutes (With Pictures)

Mirin is a white rice extract that is often used in Japanese cooking. It is comparable to sake but has less alcohol.

It has a high sugar content and is created spontaneously during the fermentation process, implying that no sugars were added. When this liquid is heated, the alcohol concentration is reduced even more. But what if you run out of mirin during cooking or just want to try something different?

You may use sherry, white wine, sake, vermouth, rice vinegar, aji-mirin, shaoxing wine, balsamic vinegar, marsala wine, and white grape juice for mirin.

What Is Mirin?

Mirin is a popular component in Japanese cuisine. They are mostly made with rice, koji, and alcohol. Mirin is frequently cooked briefly in Kansai cooking to eliminate the alcohol.

This method of cooking is known as nigiri mirin. While comparable to sake, mirin is sweeter. Mirin’s inherent sweetness is derived from the brewing process.

There are three varieties of mirin that are widely available: hon mirin, shio mirin, and shin mirin. Hon-mirin contains around 14% alcohol and is mashed for 40-60 days; shio mirin is also known as salt mirin. It contains 1.5% salt and shin mirin, which is a mirin-fu choir with less than 1% alcohol.

Best Mirin Substitutes

For your Japanese white rice demands, you may always utilize the sweetened substitutions mirin alternatives listed below.

1. Sake

Sake is a great alternative for mirin, and since it’s already a rice wine, it’s already halfway there. Several sakes, particularly unfiltered sakes, may be used as a straight alternative for mirin without any additional sweetening.

But, in the case of drier sakes, a dash of apple or white grape juice might compensate for the flavor. Even a pinch of sugar will suffice.

2. Sherry

Even the drier sherries tend to be quite sweet. It has a delicate and subtle taste with white wine’s depth and acidity.

It has a distinct harsh and powerful taste. Continue to add a teaspoon of cherry until you get the desired level of richness.

3. White Wine

You may replace any white wine for mirin, however it is recommended that you avoid highly sweet ones like ice wine since they might be too sugar-forward when used in a dish.

To simulate the sweetness of mirin, consider dissolving a little sugar in a medium dry white wine before adding it to the recipe.

4. Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar, like rice wine, has a strong fermented taste. Add a sprinkle of sugar or a splash of light-colored beverage, such as white wine. It may be used to sweeten sushi rice in Asian dishes.

5. Vermouth

In this scenario, the same regulation that applies to white wine and rice vinegar applies. To offset the acidity of dry vermouth, add a little juice or sugar, but if you’re using sweet, fresh vermouth, leave it alone.

6. Aji-mirin

While aji-mirin tastes and sounds like mirin, it is not, which makes it an excellent replacement.

Outside of Japan, you can purchase it in most stores, but the authentic, traditional aji-mirin is very uncommon and costly. It has extremely little or no alcohol content and a high sugar content.

While it is not the real mirin used in Japanese cuisine, you may use it in your everyday cooking to provide that rich, umami taste.

7. Shaoxing Wine

Shaoxing might be considered the Chinese counterpart of sake. It functions similarly to sake in cooking and should be coupled with sugar.

It has a salty and unpleasant taste and is not meant to be consumed. It is mostly utilized in Chinese cuisine, ranging from stir fry sauces to soup broths and marinades.

8. Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is an Italian vinegar produced from cooked grapes, including the grape skin and seeds. Balsamic vinegar of the highest grade is aged between 18 and 100 years. The longer this vinegar sits, the nicer it becomes, and the more costly it becomes.

When the moisture evaporates throughout the maturing process, it thickens; it has a black hue and a reasonably powerful flavor with a rich, tangy, and somewhat sweet taste.

9. Marsala Wine

This Sicilian fortified wine complements recipes with rich caramel and a nutty flavor. There are two varieties of masala: dry masala and sweet masala.

Sweet marsala is regarded to be the ideal mirin substitute since it may be used without any added sugar.

If using dry marsala, add a sprinkle of sugar to restore the little sweet flavor that you may have lost. Marsala is often used in sautéing recipes, marinading meats and poultry, and baking. It is very versatile, multifunctional, and flavorful.

10. White Grape Juice

Another alcohol-free and sweetened mirin replacement is white grape juice. To acquire the tangy flavor of mirin in white grapes, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to a cup of white grapefruit until you get the desired effect.

Using white grape juice to your recipe adds a fruity flavor and a diversified taste, as well as umami flavor to your foods.

Can You Make Your Own Homemade Mirin?

You may, indeed, produce your own mirin at home. All you’ll need for your mirin recipe is a cup of granulated sugar, a cup of water, and a cup of sake wine.

To create your own mirin, combine sugar and water in a small pot over medium heat. Let for roughly 2-3 minutes of boiling before removing from heat.

You may now carefully drip in your sake until you achieve the appropriate degree of sweetness. Let aside to cool fully after stirring in the mixture. Then, before placing it in the fridge, put it in a jar.

Frequently Asked Questions