If you love Japanese cuisine, you will know that it is vital to have some mirin substitutes in the hand
Because while the original is the best, it's not always easy to find.
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And without mirin (or a substitute), your Asian-inspired dinner will be missing that special something.
Japanese cuisine is rich in deliciously complex flavor profiles. And much of that flavor comes from specialty ingredients, like mirin.
For example, it's a prominent ingredient in Teriyaki sauce, which makes for a super tasty chicken dinner.
Therefore, it is important to make room for mirin in your pantry.
Or, make sure you have some handy mirin substitutes in your back pocket.
What is Miran?
Mirin is a type of rice wine used in Japanese cuisine. Similar to sake, it has a sweet flavor profile and contains less alcohol. It is rich, spicy, salty and quite sweet. And while you can consume mirin as a beverage, it is primarily used in cooking as a soup base, braising liquid, or in sauces.
Mirin provides a flavor that you've almost definitely tasted but probably couldn't quite put your finger on. Unless, of course, you are a professional Japanese cook.
It is great because it adds flavor and also enhances other condiments. So every bite is really tasty.
What are the best substitutes for Mirin in recipes?
The best substitutes for mirin in recipes should have an umami-rich sweet-tart flavor. Some options are sweeter than others and others are more flavorful. However, sake is generally considered the best substitute for mirin when cooking because it is the closest match in flavor and consistency.
However, there are other options, which we will explore below.
So if you're in the middle of cooking and find you've run out, these mirin substitutes should do the trick.
Meshiagare 召し上がれ! Bon Appetite!
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1. good
Like mirin, sake is a fermented rice wine, making it a fantastic substitute.
Sake is more acidic, more alcoholic, and much less sweet than mirin. However, it is just as delicious.
In fact, sake is a great option if you're watching your sugar intake. It's also great if you don't like too sweet and salty foods.
Remember that you have to add the sake a little earlier than you would add the mirin. That way the alcohol will have time to evaporate before serving.
Sake works best in fish dishes or dishes where the recipe doesn't call for much mirin.
substitution ratio: Substitute an equal amount of sake for mirin (1:1).
2. Shaoxing cooking wine (Chinese cooking wine)
Shaoxing is like the Chinese version of sake.
It has a lovely nutty flavor, with a hint of vinegar, spices and caramel. That's what makes it a great substitute for mirin: lots of umami goodness.
As with sake, you'll need to add Shaoxing a bit before mirin. This ensures that the alcohol cooks away, leaving only the flavor.
Shaoxing works well for any dish where you need to use mirin, but I like it better in Japanese curries.
substitution ratio: Substitute 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar for 1 tablespoon of mirin.
3. Sweet / Dry Sherry
Try substituting the mirin wine for more wine!
Sherry is ideal because you can choose the type depending on your recipe. That said, it works with any guy you have around.
So either way, add some tartness to brighten up your dish.
Sherry works best for sauces, marinades, and stews.
substitution ratio: Substitute 1 tablespoon of sherry mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar for 1 tablespoon of mirin.
For dry sherry, you may need to taste it on the go. You can add more sugar as needed/to taste.
4. Sake + Honey
I mentioned earlier that sake is a great substitute for mirin, it just isn't as sweet. Fortunately, you can fix that with a little honey!
Mix 2 parts sake with 1 part honey (for example, 1 tablespoon sake + 1/2 tablespoon honey).
The sake and honey mixture works best for sauces and glazes.
substitution ratio: Substitute an equal amount of the sake mixture for mirin (1:1).
If it tastes too sweet, add a little more sake.
5. Vermouth
Vermouth is another great substitute for mirin because of its slightly fruity flavor.
It is sweet, but not as sweet as mirin. So you may need to add a bit of sugar, depending on how you like your food.
Vermouth works very well as a substitute for mirin in sauces and marinades.
substitution ratio: Substitute 1 tablespoon of vermouth mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar for 1 tablespoon of mirin.
6. White Wine
White wine is already used in cooking around the world, so we know it's good.
Dry white wine works best as a substitute for mirin, especially in soups, sauces, and marinades.
If you've never tried cooking with white wine, try this easy chicken piccata recipe. I bet you will love it!
Just remember that you don't want anything too expensive.
Since you're cooking with it, you won't get the full flavor, which would be a waste of an expensive bottle.
substitution ratio: Substitute 1 tablespoon of white wine mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar for 1 tablespoon of mirin.
7. DIY Mirin – Sugar and Water
If you need mirin, why not make it yourself? It won't taste exactly the same, but it's very close.
And it's delicious regardless. Here's how to make a DIY mirin:
substitution ratio: Substitute an equal amount of mirin DIY for mirin (1:1).
8. White grape juice
If you like things sweet, try white grape juice as a substitute for mirin.
It's so sweet that you'll probably have to add some tartness with lemon juice. But it is an excellent alternative in a pinch.
This substitution works best for marinades and sweet sauces, like homemade teriyaki.
substitution ratio: Substitute 1 tablespoon of white grape juice mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice for 1 tablespoon of mirin.
9. balsamic vinegar
I know the color is the complete opposite, but the rich, tangy umami flavor of balsamic vinegar makes a fantastic substitute for mirin.
Balsamic works well for its acidity and sweetness.
That said, since the flavor of balsamic vinegar is so strong, you don't need much. I suggest adding a small amount and testing as you go.
This substitute is best in sauces, braising liquids, and marinades.
substitution ratio: Substitute 2 teaspoons of vinegar for 1 tablespoon of mirin.
10. Water + Honey
While I generally love all things honey, this substitution should be your last resort.
It sure adds a lot of flavor, but you won't get the same richness as mirin.
Still, it works well in sweet dishes and sauces.
I suggest adding a splash of white wine, sake, lemon juice, or kombucha to give it a bit of tartness.
That could alter the consistency of your dish, so don't go crazy.
substitution ratio: Substitute 1 tablespoon of water + 1 teaspoon of honey for 1 tablespoon of mirin.
11. Kombucha
If you're even a little health crazy, chances are you already love kombucha. Or maybe you tried a kombucha cocktail and fell in love.
Well now you have another reason to love it: it's a fantastic substitute for mirin!
Mirin is fermented just like kombucha, so both liquids have a delicious tart flavor.
Of course, you don't want to use super fruity kombucha, as it will affect the flavor of your dish.
Plain or ginger kombuchas will be your best options. But I'm not going to stop you if you want to experiment.
Kombucha will work for all recipes that use mirin.
substitution ratio: Substitute an equal amount of kombucha for mirin (1:1).
