What is the purpose of Shaoxing wine?

Just like using wine in Western dishes, Shaoxing wine adds depth and flavor complexity. We use it in marinades for meats, as a flavor agent in wonton or dumpling fillings, to deglaze our wok and add flavor to stir-fries, and to add flavor to sauces and braises.

Is shao hsing the same as Shaoxing?

Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese cooking wine, and is alternatively spelt Shao-hsing or Shaohsing wine. It is made from rice and is one of the most popular types of of Chinese rice wines for cooking thanks to its complex and sweet flavour.

Is Shaoxing wine necessary?

It’s essential for preparing meat or fish, either in stir-fry or in braising dishes. It eliminates the unpleasant smell of raw meat (or fish) and adds an aromatic, rich flavour to dishes. In most cases, you only need a few spoons of rice wine.

What is the difference between Chinese rice wine and Shaoxing wine?

One is “rice wine” (米酒) which has no colour and looks like water. We use it in most of our Chinese and Taiwanese dishes. It’s made by normal rice while the other is “Shaoxing rice wine” (紹興酒) which usually has brown colour. It’s made by glutinous rice.

Can toddler eat Shaoxing wine?

Cooking wine is alcoholic, so it (or any wine, for that matter) is not good for kids who are under the legal drinking age.

What can I use instead of Shao Hsing wine?

If you don’t have Shaoxing Wine you can substitute:

  • Use equal amounts of Dry Sherry – which is our top choice for a substitute for several reasons.
  • OR – Dry Vermouth can also be substituted, but in general, it is less versatile for other uses unless you use it for cocktails.

Is Shao Hsing rice wine vinegar?

Common varieties of rice wine include Shaoxing (Chinese rice wine), mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine), and sake (dry Japanese rice wine). Rice vinegar, also referred to rice wine vinegar (which further adds to the confusion), is made by fermenting the sugars in rice first into alcohol, and then into acid.

Is Shao Hsing rice wine the same as mirin?

Some sources will tell you that mirin is a great Shaoxing wine substitute, and it will do in a pinch if you cut the sugar out of your recipe. A better, closer choice is dry sherry (not cooking sherry). Mirin is sweeter than Shaoxing wine, which has a deep, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavor.

Can I sub rice vinegar for Shaoxing wine?

Can I use rice vinegar instead of Shaoxing wine? While they sound similar, rice vinegar and Shaoxing wine aren’t interchangeable. It is better if you use mirin or a dry white wine for both flavor and consistency.