Rice Vinegar Substitutes: 5 Alternatives

Rice Vinegar Alternatives for Food Lovers

Rice vinegar is ideal for Japanese dishes due to its characteristically mild flavor. Therefore, mild varieties of vinegar that do not overpower the taste of the other ingredients are also suitable substitutes.

• Light balsamic vinegar: Light balsamic vinegar is the best alternative to rice vinegar because it is extremely mild. Due to its lower acidity, its aroma is comparable to that of rice vinegar, making it an ideal substitute. 
• Apple Cider Vinegar and White Wine Mixture: Use either a low-alcohol or non-alcoholic white wine and mix it with a little apple cider vinegar. Use the apple cider vinegar sparingly so the mixture doesn’t become too sour. 
• Dark Balsamic Vinegar: Compared to white balsamic vinegar, dark balsamic vinegar is a good substitute for dark rice vinegar. Its flavor is significantly stronger, but not too sour. 
• Champagne vinegar: If you don’t mind a slight hint of alcohol in your Japanese dishes, use champagne vinegar. Its pleasantly mild flavor makes it an excellent substitute. In general, many French vinegars are good alternatives to rice vinegar.
• Note: Always use a little less of these alternatives. Rice vinegar is still slightly milder, so you shouldn’t use the same amount as called for in the recipe.

Make Your Own Rice Vinegar Substitute

• Ingredients: soy sauce, wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar
• Pour a little vinegar into a small bowl and add a few drops of soy sauce. Stir the mixture briefly. 
• Taste the mixture. Depending on the strength of the vinegar and the soy sauce you’ve chosen, you may need to add a few more drops of soy sauce. If the soy sauce flavor is too strong, add a little water. 
• The mixture is ready to use right away. It’s especially well-suited as a dip or for cold dishes. The soy sauce gives the mixture a flavor somewhat reminiscent of rice vinegar, especially when used with rice.