Substitutes for Rice Wine (Shaoxing)

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Chinese fermented rice wine essential in stir-fries, marinades, and braised dishes.

Can't find Rice Wine (Shaoxing) in your kitchen? No problem! Below are 4 tested substitutes with exact ratios, perfect for baking, cooking, and everything in between.

Substitute Ratio Best For Dietary
Dry Sherry 1:1 replacement stir-fries, marinades, braises
Vegan
Dry White Wine 1:1 replacement stir-fries, marinades, soups
Vegan Gluten-Free
Mirin Use half amount (it's sweeter) stir-fries, marinades
Vegan
Apple Juice + Rice Vinegar 3 tbsp juice + 1 tsp vinegar per 1/4 cup rice wine marinades, stir-fries
Vegan Gluten-Free

How to Use

Best Western substitute. Similar nutty, slightly sweet profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Rice Wine (Shaoxing)?
The best substitute depends on your recipe, but Dry Sherry is a reliable choice for most applications. Use 1:1 replacement.
What's a vegan substitute for Rice Wine (Shaoxing)?
Dry Sherry is an excellent vegan option. Use 1:1 replacement.
Can I use any of these substitutes interchangeably?
Most substitutes work well in their recommended use cases, but they may produce slightly different results. The notes above explain the differences and best practices.
Will the taste be affected?
Some substitutes may subtly change the flavor profile of your dish, but they'll work great in the recommended use cases. Start with the suggested ratio and adjust to your taste.