Tag: vinegar

Welcome once again to the Boat Basin Café’s trove of culinary wisdom. Today, we’re answering a question we often get: “What can I substitute for rice vinegar?” It’s a good question, considering the broad use of rice vinegar in cooking around the world. Before we delve into the possible rice vinegar substitutes for pickling, let’s first understand why the tangy element, vinegar, is a staple in many kitchen recipes.

The Profile of Rice Vinegar

Rice Vinegar, an essential ingredient in many Asian recipes, becomes an interesting subject when one considers its flavor, acidity, and culinary implications. Its mild sweet-tangy taste and balanced acidity make it a versatile companion in many kitchens, but we’ll dive into that later. First, let’s understand what we are replacing before asking, “what can I replace rice vinegar with?“, shall we?

One of the key benefits of using rice vinegar is its capability to balance flavors. It offers a delicate sweetness keeping the overall taste from being overpoweringly sour yet plays harmoniously with the other flavors within a dish. Now try not to be overly concerned if you’ve run out of rice vinegar or perhaps a recipe uses it, and you don’t ordinarily stock it; there are other excellent substitutions.

Top Substitutes for Rice Vinegar

The good news is, there are various contenders on the list of substitutes. Each carries its uniqueness, intensity of acidity, and flavor representation. Here are some options where you can experiment.

White Wine Vinegar

Your first bet when considering rice vinegar substitute for pickling should be White wine vinegar. This vinegar is made from fermented white wine, which is typically vegan and gluten-free. Therefore, it’s a suitable replacement for those following a vegan or a gluten-free diet.

It has a mild taste, slightly more acidic than rice vinegar, and can be used in virtually all the same dishes as rice vinegar. It made from fermented white wine, this type of vinegar brings a subtle sweetness and tangy essence that may even elevate certain recipes.

👩‍🍳You can use white wine vinegar as a 1:1 substitute for rice vinegar. If you want it sweeter, add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar for every tablespoon of white wine vinegar.

🍱Recipe Suggestions
The subtle flavor of white wine vinegar makes it excellent for using in salad dressings.

Try it in a homemade raspberry vinaigrette: combine white wine vinegar, fresh raspberries, Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil for a sweet tangy dressing.

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Champagne Vinegar

Another elegant replacement for rice vinegar could just be sitting in your pantry all along – the Champagne Vinegar. This vinegar is processed from champagne, which means it’s essentially free of any animal products, making it vegan-friendly. Likewise, it’s also suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.

Its subtle flavor and slight sweetness match the light flavors in rice vinegar. Personally, when I experimented with a pinch of it in a quick cucumber salad, it worked wonders enhancing the freshness of the salad. I must say; it was a delightful surprise!

👩‍🍳For a substitute, use champagne vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. The sweetness mimics that of rice vinegar, so additional sugar isn’t usually necessary.

🍱Recipe Suggestions
This type can be used successfully in light seafood dishes. Try adding champagne vinegar to a shallot-butter sauce for grilled or steamed clams. Its delicate flavor won’t overwhelm the seafood.

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Distilled White Vinegar

A stronger option in terms of acidity and flavor, distilled white vinegar is still a good substitute for rice vinegar.
This vinegar comes from grain-based ethanol which could pose a gluten risk for some, but most brands available in the market are highly distilled and are considered safe for people with gluten intolerance. Vegans can safely use it too.

However, it’s like driving with your hand near the brake pedal; you need to dilute it with water and sugar to balance out its intense flavor before it takes over your dish like a wild stallion. You don’t want to turn your salad into a vinegar-soaked pickle, trust me; I’ve been there.

👩‍🍳It’s a stronger vinegar, so dilute it for recipes requiring a milder flavor. For every specified tablespoon of rice vinegar, use 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar and 1/2 tablespoon of water and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar.

🍱Recipe Suggestions
Ideal for pickling and marinade recipes due to its strong acidity. Try using diluted distilled white vinegar in a classic recipe of pickled cucumbers for a refreshing side dish.

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Apple Cider Vinegar:

Ever considered Apple Cider Vinegar to be a worthy substitute for rice vinegar? I did, and it was a revelation. Naturally vegan, this vinegar also makes a good option for those avoiding gluten. Double-check labels, however, as not all apple cider vinegars are certified gluten-free.

Its slightly fruity note tags along well with almost any dish that requires rice vinegar. Remember when the balsamic vinegar as a rice vinegar substitute experiment went up in smoke due to balsamic’s overwhelmingly rich and sweet flavor? Apple cider vinegar turned out to be a safer, reliable alternative in that scenario! So if you’re replacing in a salad or a marinate, this one’s the ticket.

👩‍🍳Utilize this as a 1:1 substitute, but if your recipe requires a touch of sweetness that rice vinegar provides, add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar for every tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

🍱Recipe Suggestions
Perfect in BBQ marinades due to its slightly fruity flavor. Experiment with a smoky apple cider BBQ chicken recipe, using apple cider vinegar with brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.

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Lemon or Lime Juice

For a citrusy twist, consider the humble lemon or lime juice. High in acidity and renowned for their zesty flavor, these citrus brothers can brighten up your dish in ways you never expected. Lemon or lime juice is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it an excellent option for enhancing flavor in a special diet meal.

I once ran an experiment to make a rice vinegar substitute solution with lemon juice, some water, and sugar. To my surprise, it worked like magic on an Asian style tofu stir-fry.

👩‍🍳For a more citrus flavor, replace every tablespoon of rice vinegar with 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice. Some extra sugar might be needed depending on the tartness of the juice and the desired sweetness of your dish. Consider starting out with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and adjusting according to taste.

🍱Recipe Suggestions
The citrus flavor suits seafood recipes excellently. Try using lemon or lime juice instead of vinegar in a ceviche, a refreshing Latin American dish made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices.

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Best Vinegar Options for Delectable Sushi

Sushi is a unique dish that brings together a variety of flavors, all hinging on the subtle, balanced taste imparted by rice vinegar. Traditionally, this ingredient helps enhance the bold flavors of the fish and other ingredients, providing a gentle acidic backdrop.

However, if you find yourself without rice vinegar in your pantry, fear not – there are alternatives that can bring a similar delicate balance to your sushi. The critical aspect to keep in mind is the replacement vinegar’s acidity level and flavor profile.

White Wine Vinegar, with its mild tanginess or Lemon and Lime juice, with their fresh citrusy punch, can work as suitable substitutes. Remember to balance these with a touch of sugar to mimic the slight sweetness of rice vinegar.

On a different note, fermenting enthusiasts might want to experiment with Champagne Vinegar, which brings in a mild fruity essence and a hint of aromatics. Tried and tested in many kitchens, it holds the potential of making your sushi even more enjoyable.

Special Mention – Cultural Influences:

The beauty of cooking is that it knows no boundaries, and that remains as true as ever when understanding what you can replace rice vinegar with for that perfect taste.

Japanese Influence:

Japanese cuisine extensively uses rice vinegar. For instance, in sushi, the role of rice vinegar is irreplaceable. But fret not—a blend of lemon juice and sugar can work as an acceptable substitute for an iteration of sushi at home.

Regional Vinegars and Their Substitutes:

Vinegars around the world vary tremendously based on cultural preferences and localized tastes, which affect the substitutes you choose. A comparison of rice vinegar vs distilled vinegar reveals a wide gap in acidity and taste, but in some dishes, diluting the latter can yield favorable results. Similar rules apply to red wine vinegar vs rice vinegar—an exciting (and edible) experiment, indeed!

Nailing Your Pickling Basics with Vinegar Substitutes

Pickling is a culinary method long adored for its ability to extend the shelf life of various foods and to add a tangy zest to otherwise ordinary ingredients. While many traditional pickling recipes call for a mild vinegar like rice vinegar, there are other worthy contenders standing by.

Different vinegars can greatly influence the taste and texture of your pickled goods. The key component in vinegar is acetic acid, and the percentage of acetic acid in different types of vinegar can greatly affect the final product.

When swapping out rice vinegar for pickling, the acidity level of your chosen substitute is paramount. For instance, white wine vinegar shares a similar lightness and delicate flavor with rice vinegar which makes it a solid choice. Remember to check the acidity level on the label, as it should be around 4-5% like rice vinegar, to safely preserve your vegetables.

On the stronger side, distilled white vinegar – with its high acidity and potent flavor – is often hailed as the champion of pickling vinegars. However, it’s advised to dilute it with water and some sugar to mellow out its assertive character.

Ultimately, the best substitute vinegar for your pickling adventure will depend on the specific flavor profile you’re aiming to achieve. Whether you prefer the clear, bright notes of white wine vinegar or the robust punch of distilled white vinegar, each substitute offers its unique twist to the timeless art of pickling.

Expert Tips for Substituting Rice Vinegar

Now, as someone who has cooked at the Boat Basin Cafe in Downtown New York (before it sailed into sunset), I’ve had the opportunity to experiment several times with substitute ingredients. Here are a few pointers you may find useful:

• Vinegar is all about balancing acidity, sweetness, and flavor. So, when substituting, take note of the acidity level of different vinegar types. Remember the rule of thumb—the stronger the acidity, the less you use.
• Sometimes, it’s just a matter of personal preference. For instance, many patrons at the cafe preferred malt vinegar as a replacement for rice vinegar. For others, using wine as a rice vinegar alternative went down a treat.
• Seasoned rice vinegar is just regular rice vinegar with added sugar and salt. You can easily make your own at home and manipulate the seasoning levels to your liking. This flavor manipulation is beneficial in cases where you need to replicate a specific taste or mimic both rice vinegar in marinades and its top alternatives.
• When substituting vinegar in Asian recipes, be mindful of the central theme of Asian cuisine— balance. The ideal substitute should introduce a complementary flavor rather than overwhelming the original taste profile.

Conclusion

There it is! From malt vinegar trying to mimic rice vinegar’s savoriness to lemon juice holding a candle to its refreshing tanginess, you’ll never fall short of options.

As always in cooking, let your taste buds guide you. The real secret is to never stop experimenting and always be open to new taste experiences. The flexibility in cooking is your best companion all the way.

Why seasoned rice vinegar is different or how vinegar fermentation takes place—are topics for another day. For now, relish the joy of finding your perfect vinegar substitute.

Has it ever happened to you that just when you were about to splash some white wine vinegar in a salad dressing, you found the bottle empty?

Next time you find yourself in the same situation, you can substitute white wine vinegar with one of these closest substitutes without compromising on the overall taste. 

Read on to find out!

You may also like: 10 AMAZING Substitutes for White Wine That You Can Use in Your Recipe: The Complete Review

What is White Wine Vinegar?

When white wine is left to ferment and its compound – ethanol- reacts with oxygen, it turns into an acid. Stainless steel vats are used in the fermentation process. 

This acid is then diluted with water to retain 5 – 7% of its acidity. The resulting white wine vinegar has light and fruity notes to it. 

White wine vinegar is mostly used in salad dressings, vinaigrette, and sauces like hollandaise and bearnaise. 

Following is a list of alternatives to white wine vinegar and in what ratio to substitute them (white wine vinegar: substitute). For example, for 3 parts of white wine vinegar, use 1 part of white vinegar.

1. White Vinegar

White vinegar is a common ingredient for household and kitchen cleaning and also serves as a white wine vinegar alternative. 

However, don’t be fooled by the same clear appearance. Distilled white vinegar is made from grain alcohol and has a stronger flavor profile than white wine vinegar. It’s also different in that it misses the fruity undertone of the white wine vinegar. 

As a result, you need to be a bit careful when using white vinegar. To take the acidic bite out, you should add some water and sugar to it before using it as a substitution for white wine vinegar. 

Just add a pinch of sugar to 3 parts of white vinegar and 1 part of water and mix well.

It contains no calories and various acetic acid’s health benefits, which may support weight loss and blood sugar control. However, it lacks certain nutrients present in other vinegars.

However, it’s okay to use white vinegar in equal parts for brining or pickling.

2. Lemon Juice

When no other vinegar is at hand, lemon juice is your best bet! Although it matches white wine vinegar in acidity and tanginess, the flavor would still be citrusy. 

Substitute white wine vinegar for lemon juice in a 2:1 ratio to tone down the zesty flavor. For example, if your recipe asks you to use 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and add another half tablespoon of water to it. 

Lemon juice is the perfect substitution for white wine vinegar in vinaigrettes and light dishes made from white fish or chicken. 

It’s rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants. It can enhance heart health, encourages better digestion, maintains healthy complexion and boosts the immune system.

So, if you’re wondering what you can substitute for white vinegar, there’s always lemon juice!

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

You can easily replace white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar as they share the same fruity and acidic profile. The mildly sour tones in both are great for a 1:1 substitution in fish or chicken marinades, salad dressings, or any dish that requires some fruity and tangy undertones. 

Known for its weight loss properties, it can also lower blood sugar levels and improve diabetes. It’s packed with enzymes and beneficial bacteria from the fermentation process.

However, the flavor of apple cider vinegar is bolder than white wine vinegar. That’s why we recommend you start by using half of the amount required and adjust according to your taste. 

4. Red Wine Vinegar 

Although both red and white wine are made from grapes, their tastes differ due to the different types of grapes used for each.

Red wine vinegar has a robust fruity and tangy flavor whereas white wine vinegar has a more delicate and subtle tone. That’s why it’s better to use red wine vinegar for red meat dishes and salads that call for a full-bodied flavor.

On the other hand, white wine vinegar is best for light vinaigrettes and white fish and poultry recipes. 

While you can use white wine vinegar for hollandaise sauce or salad dressing without batting an eyelid, using red wine vinegar as a substitute here will change the color of the sauce or dressing. So, use caution if you don’t want to turn your white sauce pink!

It also has potential health benefits, including lowering blood sugar levels, improving digestion, and promoting weight management.

If you do decide to go ahead and use red wine vinegar, remember to use the same amount of it as you would use white wine vinegar. 

5. Champagne Vinegar

With a mild flavor, Champagne vinegar doesn’t pack the same acidic punch as white wine vinegar. Although its flavor is mild, it’s hard to differentiate and can be an alternative to white wine vinegar. 

It’s better to use a higher ratio of Champagne vinegar to make up for the subdued flavor and acidic taste. For 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, use 3 tablespoons of Champagne vinegar for the best results. 

While it has a lower acidity level, it has similar digestion and weight management benefits as other vinegars.

6. Sherry Vinegar 

Sherry vinegar is mostly used in Spanish cuisine and tastes slightly sweet and has a hint of fruity tone. Its flavor is quite pronounced when compared to white wine vinegar. 

But, with a similar acidic profile, it makes a great substitute for white wine vinegar in a simple 1:1 ratio.

Known for its antioxidant properties, it improves digestion and likely supports gut health due to its probiotic content.

However, sherry vinegar is darker in color and you may not like to use it if you’re making a white sauce. 

7. Rice Vinegar 

Rice vinegar or rice wine vinegar is made by fermenting black, white, or brown rice. Both have similar flavors and look the same, so they work as great substitutes for each other. 

Although rice vinegar is mainly used in Asian dishes, you can use it in any cuisine and for all types of salad dressings, pickling, and marinades. 

Substitute regular rice vinegar for white wine vinegar in an easy 1:1 ratio. However, steer clear from using seasoned rice vinegar as it’s loaded with salt and sugar and will change the flavor and taste of your dish significantly.  

It is high in amino acids and healthy organic acids, which aids digestion, inhibits the absorption of fat, helps maintain blood sugar control, and promotes cardiovascular health.

8. Honey Vinegar 

If you’re someone who likes to buy specialty food items and store them, you just might have a bottle of honey vinegar in your cupboard. 

Fun Fact: Honey vinegar is popular in Romania, Spain, France, and Italy. 

The basic ingredients of honey vinegar are honey and water. The solution goes through a long process of fermentation, inoculation with acetobacter, and finally oxidization. The entire process takes about two years. 

You can substitute honey vinegar for white wine vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. However, keep in mind that honey vinegar tends to become darker in color over the passage of time. So, just check the color before adding it to your recipe. 

Other than that, because of a similar flavor profile, honey vinegar won’t affect the taste of your salad dressing or any other dish. 

With antimicrobial properties from honey, it aids digestion, eases coughs and cold symptoms and can help manage diabetes.

Honey and vinegar are both good for your health on their own. And when they are found together in honey vinegar, you get the best of both worlds. Check out the health benefits of honey vinegar below.

9. White Wine 

A bottle of white can be easily found in your wine cellar or kitchen cabinet. After all, white wine vinegar is made from white wine, so the base can be the perfect white wine vinegar substitute. 

However, all kinds of vinegar have a higher acid content than wine, and therefore, using white wine could result in less of a tangy taste than what you were aiming for. 

While it lacks the probiotic content of vinegars, moderate white wine consumption can offer various health benefits like improved heart health.

That’s why we recommend you use white wine to white wine vinegar in a 2:1 ratio. For example, if you’re supposed to use a tablespoon of white wine vinegar, use 2 tablespoons of white wine as an alternative.

10. Herb Vinegar

You can buy herb vinegar from a farmer’s market or make your own version at home using white wine vinegar or distilled white vinegar, garlic, and herbs of your choice.  

Herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil, or tarragon are used to make herb vinegar. These add a mild flavor to the vinegar and are good for using in summer salads as a dressing or for chicken, turkey,  and fish marinades. 

The health benefits would depend on the herbs used, but generally, it aids digestion, improves skin health, offers stress relief, and has potential anti-inflammatory properties.

A 1:1 ratio of herb vinegar as white wine vinegar substitute works great. You may want to use less amount of seasoning in the main dish as the herb vinegar will add its own flavor and taste. 

11. Fruit Vinegar 

Well, apple is not the only fruit used to make vinegar. Lemon and berry variations are also there to give a fruity and zesty twist to the plain old white vinegar. 

Even plum, peach, mango, papaya, and other fruits are used to produce fruit vinegar. 

A fruity vinegar can perk up the taste and flavor of salads, fish, and meat dishes. With the same acidic profile, you can easily replace white wine vinegar with fruit vinegar in a 1:1 ratio.

With a variety of vitamins and minerals, antioxidant and digestive benefits depend on the specific fruit used.

Did you know that besides enhancing taste and flavor to salads, fruit vinegar has health benefits too? Here are the top three benefits!

12. Balsamic Vinegar 

Although there’s some debate over using balsamic vinegar as a substitute for white wine vinegar (and for good reasons too), you can still use it if you’re adventurous. 

Remember that balsamic vinegar has a heavy body and is sweeter and bolder compared to white wine vinegar. So, instead of using it in vinaigrettes and salad dressings, you can add it to meat marinades for a rich, full-bodied result. 

It can improve skin health, reduce acid reflux, reduce hypertension, and regulate blood sugar levels. Use it sparingly due to its higher sugar content.

Just to be on the safe side, start by adding half the amount the recipe requires. Therefore, use white wine vinegar as an alternative to balsamic vinegar in a 2:1 ratio. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Substitute for White Wine Vinegar

The three most important factors to consider when choosing the best white wine vinegar substitutes are

1. Acidity level
2. Flavor
3. Color

To get the alternative to match closest to flavor, acidity, and color, go for rice vinegar, honey vinegar, or Champagne vinegar. 

For a full-bodied flavor and acidity, choose red wine or sherry vinegar. 

For a savory or fruity flavor, pick a herb or fruit vinegar. 

Remember that you can replace white wine vinegar with any other option in this article. Just be mindful of the fact that your dish or vinaigrette dressing may have a slightly different flavor and color. 

Final Thoughts

Substitute white wine vinegar with any other vinegar you have at hand to be as adventurous and as experimental as you want in your culinary arts. 

Create variations in your dishes and salad dressings by adding different alternatives to white wine vinegar. You just might land upon completely unexpected flavors and be pleasantly surprised. 

If you don’t try, you won’t know! 

FAQs

1. Can I substitute white wine vinegar for dry sherry?

Yes, you can use white wine vinegar instead of dry sherry. For 1 cup of dry sherry, substitute with 4 tablespoons of white wine vinegar. 

2. Can you substitute white wine vinegar in pavlova?

Apple cider vinegar or cream of tartar or lemon juice in a 1:1 ratio are good options to use instead of white wine vinegar in pavlova. 

3. What’s the alternative to white wine vinegar in meringue?

The alternative for white wine vinegar in meringue is powdered cream of tartar or apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. For 2 teaspoons of vinegar, use 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar. 

4. Is there any alternative to white wine vinegar in baking?

Yes, instead of white wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar in baking. 

5. How do you substitute white wine vinegar hollandaise?

Use lemon juice in equal parts to replace white wine vinegar in Hollandaise sauce. 

6. What can you use instead of white wine vinegar?

Rice wine vinegar, honey vinegar, Champagne vinegar, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, white vinegar, sherry vinegar, herb vinegar, fruit vinegar, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or even white wine make good alternatives to white wine vinegar. 

7. Can you substitute white wine vinegar for cooking sherry?

Yes, you can use white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and rice wine vinegar instead of cooking sherry. 

8. How to substitute white balsamic vinegar?

You can substitute white balsamic vinegar with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar or regular balsamic vinegar (only if you don’t want to have a dark color in your dish). 

9. Can I substitute white wine vinegar for sake?

No, you can’t use white wine vinegar as a substitute for sake. If you don’t have sake, use distilled white vinegar, apple cider, balsamic vinegar, white grape juice, rice vinegar, white wine, mirin, dry sherry, or Vermouth as substitutes. 

Rice is the ultimate ingredient. Besides being a dietary staple in many cultures, you can turn rice into crispy chips, a smooth and creamy pudding, or delicately flavored vinegar.

Yup, that’s right. Rice can be used to make vinegar. In fact, rice vinegar has a pleasant sweetness, toned down tartness, and a great flavor profile. This makes it a popular condiment in many Asian dishes. It is used to season sushi rice, noodles, stir-fries, and dipping sauces.

But what is one to do when they don’t have or can’t find rice vinegar? Most people will go looking for a substitute for rice vinegar. And if you’re one of them, you’ve come to the right place!

In this article, you will find out all about all the things you can substitute for rice vinegar. Besides talking about each replacement for rice vinegar, I will also mention my favorite product, as well as the dishes you can and cannot substitute them in.

You may also like: Best way to freeze vinegar

A Quick Glance at Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar is made from fermented rice. The sugars in rice are turned to alcohol aka rice wine. Bacteria are then used in a second fermentation which turns the rice wine into vinegar.

The result is a much milder vinegar which isn’t as sour as white vinegar or anything made from fermented grapes or malt. This makes it a delicious addition to salads, noodles, fried rice, and sauteed vegetables.

It has a much subtler flavor and melds into the background. Because of this, it pairs well with soy, sake, brown sugar, and fish sauce, making it the perfect condiment for Asian and Asian-fusion cuisine.

People often get confused between rice vinegar and rice wine vinegar. However, the two are the same thing. 

But you need to know that there is a difference between rice wine and rice vinegar/rice vinegar. You can drink rice wine and it has a sweet flavor, but rice vinegar is too sour for even a sip!

Chinese rice vinegar is another variant that confuses people. These two can be interchanged, but Chinese rice vinegar is often black or red and has added aromatics and seasonings to further flavor the condiment.

Best Rice Vinegar Substitutes

The following are among the best substitutes available for rice vinegar. You might have to change the amounts mentioned in the recipe to get a similar flavor profile, but these will make for a reliable substitution for rice vinegar.

01. Apple Cider Vinegar:

[amazon box=”B07QD9BBL8″]

If your recipe calls for rice vinegar, there’s a good chance that it wants a mild, almost fruity condiment with the right kind of tartness. This is why apple cider vinegar is the most common and ideal alternative to rice vinegar.

Both apple cider vinegar and rice vinegar have a subtle flavor that won’t clash too much with other seasonings and won’t overpower the dish. Moreover, ACV is easily available everywhere and is used in many other dishes, as well as consumed for health purposes.

Apple cider vinegar can also be used to condition hair and clarify the scalp, so a big bottle will see you through multiple uses. However, bear in mind that ACV has a fruity apple flavor, which can slightly alter the taste of your pickles or sushi rice.

For most other dishes, just use an equal amount of apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar.

Best for: Marinades, sauces, ramen, dressings

Not Recommended for: Pickling and seasoning sushi rice

Amazon Product Recommendations: Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and Marukan Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

02. White Wine Vinegar(not white vinegar)

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Since we’re looking for sweetness, the keywords in this substitution are ‘white wine’. Don’t use plain white vinegar instead-it will be way too tart. Instead, use white wine vinegar as it has a milder, sweeter flavor and isn’t nearly as pungent as white vinegar.

White wine vinegar is used a lot in Western cooking and is used primarily for flavoring and deglazing pans. When using it to replace rice vinegar, start by adding a small amount of white wine vinegar and add more as you go along, until you are satisfied with the flavor.

If you think the dish is missing some sweetness, add anywhere from a pinch to a quarter teaspoon of granulated sugar for every spoon of vinegar to balance out the acidity. If you must use white vinegar, use half or less than half the amount specified in the recipe.

Best for: Marinades, sauces, ramen, dressings, pan sauces, and sushi rice

Not Recommended for: Certain desserts

Amazon Product Recommendations: Solspring Biodynamic Organic White Wine Vinegar and Colavita Aged White Wine Vinegar

03. Lime/Lemon Juice:

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Even if you don’t have fancy vinegar in your pantry, there’s a good chance you have a lime or lemon in the back of your fridge. Lime juice has a natural sweetness that balances out some of the sourness, making it a great seasoned rice vinegar substitute. However, adding a touch of sugar to lemon juice also does the trick.

The brightness of citrus juices makes it a great option for salad dressings, marinades, and a topping for noodle dishes like Pad Thai. However, bear in mind that lemons and limes have a certain zesty, floral note to them which you will not find in rice vinegar.

As citrus juices are pretty mild, you may need to double the amount when using them to replace rice vinegar. As always, taste and go whenever you can to make sure your dish ends up being perfect.

Best for: Desserts, marinades, sauces, dressings

Not Recommended for: Sushi rice, pan sauces

Amazon Product Recommendation: Iberia 32-Ounce Pure Lemon Juice and Lucy’s Family Owned Lime Juice

04. Champagne Vinegar:

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Besides apple cider vinegar, this may be the closest thing to rice vinegar in terms of flavor. This mild, floral, sweetish vinegar is made by fermenting Chardonnay. It has a very bright flavor profile, with a surprising amount of tang, but a light taste.

Because of its mild taste, cooking this vinegar for too long or at high temperatures can kill its flavor. So, it is best to use it for raw preparations like a vinaigrette or salad dressing. You can even use it to finish sauces, or drizzle over vegetables, or when making soy-stained boiled eggs.

At the same time, champagne vinegar is a good option for marinades and it tenderizes meat very well. When replacing rice vinegar with champagne vinegar, use the same amount as specified in the recipe.

Best for: Marinades, dipping sauces, dressings, vinaigrettes

Not Recommended for: Stews, soups, and slow-cooked dishes

Amazon Product Recommendation: Sparrow Lane Champagne Vinegar and Beaufor French Champagne-Ardenne Vinegar

05. Sherry Vinegar:

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Anyone used to cooking will know that sherry vinegar is always a good option to keep in the kitchen. In fact, it is even known as balsamic vinegar’s even better friend. And if you are looking for a brown rice vinegar substitute, sherry vinegar is a near-perfect replacement.

Sherry vinegar is generally sourced from Cadiz in Spain and is made by fermenting wine and then aging it. The more aged the vinegar, the darker it looks, and the more complex the flavors. Aged vinegar is also quite pricey.

But relatively younger sherry vinegar is much more complex than other wine vinegar. They have a crisp, tart, acidity, which is balanced out by sweeter, caramel notes. Instead of the more floral notes, you will find layers of nuttiness and understated fruity flavors.

Because of this, sherry vinegar works really well as a salad dressing, when added to chili, thick hearty stews, marinara, and rich sauces. It also works as a great addition to soups with beans and meat, and as a drizzle over fresh vegetables.

Start by replacing half the amount of rice vinegar as mentioned in the recipe. If you think your dish needs more, add it in small splashes and try to taste as you go along.

Best for: Soups, stews, chili, stir-fries, and salad dressings

Not Recommended for: Mildly flavored dishes

Amazon Product Recommendation: Arvum Oak-Aged Sherry Vinegar and Roland Sherry Vinegar

06. Balsamic Vinegar:

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If you don’t have any of the options mentioned above, you can always substitute balsamic vinegar for rice vinegar. This tangy, slightly sweet, and salty pairs wonderfully well with various meats and vegetables.

This kind of vinegar develops a rich and complex flavor as it ages. You can drizzle it over raw and roasted vegetables, add it to marinades, make glazes, sauces, and even use it on pizzas and pastas.

The sweetness of balsamic vinegar matches that in rice vinegar, so you can substitute the same amount for almost any recipe out there. Whether you have white balsamic vinegar or the ordinary kind, it won’t make much of a difference in terms of flavor.

Best for: Baked and stir-fried meats, drizzles, sauces, and stews

Not Recommended for: Certain clear soups and noodle dishes

Amazon Product Recommendation: Colavita Aged Balsamic Vinegar and Mantova Flavored Balsamic Vinegar of Modena 4-Variety Pack

Apple Cider Vinegar vs Rice Vinegar

By now you already know apple cider vinegar is one of the closest substitutes to rice vinegar. However, the two do have a few differences. For starters, apple cider vinegar is cloudy, while rice vinegar is clear. This means that a substitution might change the appearance of the dish.

And while the sweet-to-sour ratio is rather similar, apple cider vinegar has a mild fruity apple flavor. This is absolutely missing from rice vinegar, so your dish may end up with a subtle apple note in the background.

Moreover, apple cider vinegar is much easier to find, especially when compared to rice vinegar. You will find it online, in any grocery store or supermarket. On the other hand, rice vinegar is harder to find, and you will need to order them online or go to an Asian store.

Rice Vinegar DIY

If you can’t find rice vinegar anywhere, it might be worth trying to make some yourself. Here is an easy guide that will show you how to make rice vinegar at home.

What You Will Need:

• 2 cups of cooked rice, along with its cooking water
• 1 L filtered water
• 1-2 fluid ounces of rice wine or Mother of Vinegar

Instructions:

1. Start by combining the rice and its cooking water, the Mother of Vinegar, and the water in a dark, airtight container.
   
2. Cover the container with 2 layers of cheesecloth. Secure them in place with a rubber band.
   
3. Set the mixture in a dark, warm place, like the back of a kitchen cupboard where it won’t be disturbed. You can also keep it in the basement or a pantry shelf.
   
4. Check on the mixture after three weeks. The fermentation process takes anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months. The mixture should have a sour smell, and when tasted it should be tart.
   
5. You may want to leave the mixture for a couple of more weeks. This will allow the fermentation to continue, and the vinegar to taste more like the store-bought stuff.
   
6. Strain the vinegar mixture through the cheesecloth to remove the rice. Then cover the rice vinegar with another cheesecloth and chill it in the fridge for a few hours.
   
7. Once cooled, filter again through cheesecloth and store in a clean airtight container. Your rice vinegar is ready to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find answers to questions people have about rice wine vinegar and its substitutes.

01. What is the Difference between Rice Vinegar and Rice Wine Vinegar?

The two kinds of vinegar are pretty similar and can be used interchangeably.

02. Can I Use Red Wine Vinegar instead of Rice Vinegar?

Both red and white wine vinegar can be used instead of rice vinegar. However, it is much more acidic than rice vinegar so a substitution should be added sparingly.

03. What Dishes Use Rice Vinegar?

Rice vinegar can be used as a dipping sauce, in seafood, rice, noodles, and pickling vegetables.

Finally

If you are looking for a substitute for rice vinegar, this article gives you several options to use. Whether you want to use champagne vinegar, sherry vinegar, or apple cider vinegar, you will have a clear idea of how much you should use, and which dish each replacement works best for.

So the next time you want to make a couple of elaborate Asian courses, don’t worry if you can’t find any rice vinegar. These substitutes will have your back and no one will suspect there’s an ingredient missing!