Sherry or dry sherry is a suitable substitute for Chinese cooking wine.
Detailed response question
Sherry or dry sherry is a suitable substitute for Chinese cooking wine. Chinese cooking wine is a staple ingredient in the Chinese cuisine, it is used not only to add aroma and flavors to dishes but also to tenderize meats and seafood. However, for those who do not have Chinese cooking wine at hand, sherry makes a great alternative due to its similar taste and alcohol content. According to Chef Ken Hom, “When I’m cooking a Chinese recipe and I don’t have Chinese cooking wine, I use dry sherry instead. It’s similar in taste and has about the same level of alcohol content.”
Here are some interesting facts about Chinese cooking wine:
- It is known as “Shaoxing wine” and originates from Shaoxing, a city in the eastern province of Zhejiang in China.
- The production of Shaoxing wine can date back to the Han dynasty, around 2,000 years ago.
- Shaoxing wine is made from glutinous rice, wheat, and water, and is aged for several years before being used.
- It is a key ingredient in dishes such as drunken chicken, red-cooked pork, and braised fish.
- Chinese cooking wine can also be used to clean and sterilize surfaces due to its high alcohol content.
To compare the two, here is a table showcasing the differences and similarities between Chinese cooking wine and sherry:
| Chinese Cooking Wine | Sherry | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | China | Spain |
| Flavor | Slightly sweet, nutty, aromatic | Nutty, buttery, slightly sweet |
| Main Ingredients | Glutinous rice, wheat, water | Grapes |
| Alcohol Content | Around 15-20% | Around 15-20% |
| Common Uses | Tenderizing meats, adding flavor to dishes | Cooking, baking, as aperitif, adding flavor to dishes |
In conclusion, while Chinese cooking wine is preferred for Chinese dishes, sherry makes a great substitute due to its similar taste and alcohol content.
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The best substitutes for Shaoxing Wine / Chinese Cooking Wine are as follows: Dry sherry – that’s right, just every day cheap and cheerful dry sherry; Mirin – a Japanese sweet cooking wine. If you use this, omit or reduce sugar called for in the recipe because Mirin is much sweeter than Chinese Cooking Wine.
Answer to your inquiry in video form
The video explains the difference between Shaoxing wine and Liaojiu, with Shaoxing wine being commonly used in Chinese cuisine for its ability to balance unpleasant odors and control heat while stir-frying, and the Jiafanjiu type being the most popular for cooking and drinking. Shaoxing wine is also used in preserved or drunken dishes, where its flavor is fundamental, such as in the Zuiji dish where poached chicken soaks in a Shaoxing wine-based brine for at least a day. While it can be substituted with other rice wines, it is recommended to use a nicer sort of wine for these dishes. It is also suggested to look for something labeled Huadiao or settle for something salted due to American alcohol laws when abroad.
I am sure you will be interested in these topics
Can I use normal wine instead of Chinese cooking wine? While the flavor is not the same, a dry white wine makes an acceptable substitute for Chinese rice wine in marinades and is a decent alternative when that’s all you have in the house.
Simply so, Can I use vinegar instead of Chinese cooking wine?
Response: When you need to substitute for a larger quantity of Shaoxing wine, include a small amount of rice vinegar to cut the sweetness in the grape juice. Use ½ cup white grape juice + 1 tablespoon rice vinegar for every 1 cup of Shaoxing wine. More great substitute pages to help you out with all of your cooking and baking!
Can I omit Chinese cooking wine? In recipes where Shaoxing wine is used in amounts less than 1 tablespoon, you can feel free to omit it.
Can I use red wine vinegar instead of Chinese cooking wine? There is no single substitute for shaoxing wine that is considered to be the closest. Many different types of vinegar, including red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar and apple cider vinegar can all be used in place of shaoxing wine in a variety of recipes.
What kind of wine do you need for Chinese cooking?
As a response to this: It includes dry white wine, dry sherry, mirin, and sake. If you want, you may add rice vinegar by combining it with white grape juice. If you are looking to make Asian-inspired dishes, then there is a good chance that you will need a bottle of Shaoxing Chinese cooking wine.
What is a good substitute for Shaoxing wine / Chinese cooking wine? The response is: You just know it’s better! The best substitutes for Shaoxing Wine / Chinese Cooking Wine are as follows: Dry sherry – that’s right, just every day cheap and cheerful dry sherry; Mirin – a Japanese sweet cooking wine. If you use this, omit or reduce sugar called for in the recipe because Mirin is much sweeter than Chinese Cooking Wine.
One may also ask, Can I use dry white wine instead of Chinese rice wine?
As a response to this: Although the flavor differs slightly, dry white wine is an acceptable substitute for Chinese rice wine in marinades and is a reasonable alternative when there is no Chinese rice wine in the house. Can I Omit Chinese Cooking Wine? If you use Shaoxing wine in recipes that contain less than 1 tablespoon of it, you can cut it out of the equation.
What is a good substitute for cooking wine?
Cooking Sake / Japanese Rice Wine – this is a bit lighter in flavour than Chinese cooking wine, but is an acceptable substitute and the best substitute. These wines bring a similar depth and complexity to sauces. Non-alcoholic substitutes will vary from recipe to recipe, and I try to include the best substitute in every recipe.