Yuki Tanaka
Sometimes the ingredients that you want to use are not the ones that you have. So which is the best substitute for rice vinegar that you can use? Rice vinegar is made from fermented rice, but it’s less acidic compared to other vinegar. Besides, different types of vinegar measure approximately 5% acetic acid while the rice vinegar measures about 2-4% acetic acid.
If you want to find the best substitute for rice vinegar, then find one that has a mild sweet taste. Such kind of flavor is what makes rice vinegar suitable for preparing a variety of dishes such as seafood, sushi, meat, dipping sauces, vinaigrettes, and also stir fry.
Its versatile nature makes it the best option, mostly for Asian cuisines and other recipes as well. Besides that, rice vinegar has numerous health benefits. For instance,
- It soothes gut inflammation
- Metabolism boost
- Boosts your liver detoxifying effects
- Strengthens your immune system
- Reduces your body’s free radical activity
- Slows down the deposition of cholesterol in your arteries and blood vessels
As you can see, rice vinegar is very beneficial to our immune. So we need to find an alternative that is not only good in flavor but also health benefits. The list below shows some of the best substitutes for rice vinegar.
The best substitute for rice vinegar
1. White Wine Vinegar
As the name implies, white wine vinegar is made from white wine. All wine vinegar has a milder taste compared to white distilled vinegar or cider. White wine vinegar is an excellent alternative to the rice vinegar because they are both less acidic. Besides, you can make white vinegar all by yourself by just fermenting the white wine.
It is suitable for salad dressings because of the slightly acidic taste. Besides that, it also shares the same flavor profile hence making it a great substitute. But white wine vinegar is less sweet when compared to the rice vinegar. Adding a pinch of sugar will help to match the same level of sweetness.
You can substitute rice vinegar by a ratio of 1:1 with white wine vinegar. However, you will need to add ¼ teaspoon or one gram of sugar to match the two tastes.
Besides matching tames of tasty white wine vinegar has numerous health benefits. For instance, it is suitable for heart health. This is because white wine vinegar reduces blood pressure hence protecting the heart. Beside can control your appetite and blood sugar.
Summary
White wine vinegar has the same acidic levels just as the rice vinegar, and that’s why it makes a great substitute. Besides that, these two ingredients share the same flavor profile
2. Lemon or Lime Juice
Lemon or lime juice can easily substitute in slaws or salad dressings. Lime and lemon juice are highly acidic, and that’s why they can easily fit in the shoes of rice vinegar. However, you should know that the final product will have a different citrus taste.
If you want to add more acidity to your recipe, then you can use more lime or lemon juice. Besides, these two substitutes of rice vinegar are powerhouses for vitamins and minerals. Some of the most common nutrients in both ingredients are magnesium, potassium, calcium,
Other health benefits from these two substitutes include lowering blood sugar, fighting infections, and helping with weight loss.
Summary
Lemon or lime juice is easy to find, and they both make great alternatives for vinegar. They have a great taste though you will feel a slight difference
3. Sherry vinegar
Sherry vinegar wine is made from vinegar, just like the name suggests. It is produced in between a city and two towns that form the sherry triangle. There is a law that protects it from being aged in any part of the world apart from the sherry triangle. Sherry vinegar is mostly used for French and Spanish cuisines, but it can make a great alternative to rice vinegar.
Sherry vinegar has a slightly sweet, creamy, and nutty flavor. So if you need to replace rice vinegar, you can opt-in for sherry at any time. Furthermore, the acidity levels and taste can be comparable to that of rice vinegar. It works perfectly, especially when it comes to marinades, vinaigrettes, and sauces.
Substitute it in a ratio of 1:1 for any recipe. Sherry vinegar is good for combating indigestion, lowering blood sugar, and general weight loss.
Summary
Sherry vinegar is a unique ingredient. If you don’t have any rice vinegar left in your kitchen pantry, then sherry will do an excellent job for you.
4. Champagne Vinegar
Champagne vinegar is made from fermented champagne, and that’s why it has a light, delicate flavor. This ingredient can be used as an alternative for rice vinegar because of its mild taste. Furthermore, you can use it in any recipe that lists rice vinegar. Also, its flavor is good because it does not overpower the final product.
Champagne vinegar is an excellent alternative, especially when it comes to dressings, seafood dishes, marinades, and dipping sauces. Use the same ratio as you would have used for rice vinegar. Just like other vinegar, champagne vinegar has lots of health benefits. For example, it can help in lowering blood pressure. Besides that, it can slow down the digestion process; hence you will feel full for a more extended period.
Replace rice vinegar with equal amounts of the champagne vinegar.
Summary
You can use champagne vinegar to replace rice vinegar in the ratio of 1:1. It has a mild taste, and you can literally use it in any dish.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be produced by fermenting Apple cider. It has a hint of apple flavor and a mild taste as well. Besides that, you can replace rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar in any recipe that you wish. Apple cider vinegar makes a perfect match, especially regarding marinades and sushi rice.
The apple flavor is not strong but can become more pronounced in some dishes, such as pickling. You can substitute an equal amount in any recipe. However, if you wish to enhance the taste, add ¼ teaspoon of sugar. Apple cider can help you lose weight, lower cholesterol levels, and improve your general health.
Summary
Apple cider is one of the best substitutes for rice vinegar. Use the same amount and follow the same procedure in your recipe.
Summary Table
| Substitute | Flavor Profile | Texture | Best Used In | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Wine Vinegar | Mild, tangy, slightly fruity | Liquid | Salad dressings, marinades | Fermented white wine |
| Lemon or Lime Juice | Bright, citrusy, tangy | Liquid | Sauces, beverages, marinades | Freshly squeezed lemons or limes |
| Sherry Vinegar | Rich, nutty, slightly sweet | Liquid | Salad dressings, sauces | Fermented sherry wine |
| Champagne Vinegar | Mild, delicate, slightly fruity | Liquid | Light dressings, vinaigrettes | Fermented champagne |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | Sharp, fruity, tangy | Liquid | Salad dressings, pickling | Fermented apple cider |
FAQs
What does rice vinegar do in a recipe?
Rice vinegar adds a slightly sweet and tangy flavor to recipes. It’s commonly used in Asian cuisine for dressings, marinades, sauces, and pickling, contributing a balanced acidity that enhances the dish’s overall taste.
Can I use regular vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
You can use regular vinegar as a substitute for rice vinegar, but remember that the flavor profile will be different. Rice vinegar has a milder and sweeter taste compared to stronger vinegars like white or apple cider vinegar.
What tastes similar to rice vinegar?
If you’re looking for a substitute with a similar flavor, you can use apple cider vinegar mixed with a touch of sugar. This combination can mimic the mild sweetness and tanginess of rice vinegar.
What is a substitute for rice vinegar in teriyaki sauce?
For teriyaki sauce, you can use a combination of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with a small amount of sugar. This will provide a similar balance of acidity and sweetness that rice vinegar offers in teriyaki sauce.
