Substitute for Rice Wine: 4 Smart Options
The best substitute for rice wine is Cooking Sherry at a Same amount (1:1) ratio. There are 3 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Cooking Sherry
Same amount (1:1)
Cooking Sherry is a workable stand-in for rice wine. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
What are the other substitutes for rice wine?
Mirin (sweet rice wine)
Same amount (1:1)
You can use Mirin (sweet rice wine) in place of rice wine when needed. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. It adds a little more sweetness, which can show up clearly in sauces, glazes, and baking. Texture runs thicker than the original, so a splash of liquid may help in thinner preparations. Texture runs looser than the original, which matters most in baking and creamy sauces. It is especially useful in baking and sauces.
Sake (dry rice wine)
Same amount (1:1)
You can use Sake (dry rice wine) in place of rice wine when needed. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
Shaoxing Wine (Chinese rice wine)
Same amount (1:1)
Shaoxing Wine (Chinese rice wine) is a workable stand-in for rice wine. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. It can make the dish saltier than the original ingredient, so hold back on extra seasoning until the end.
What should you know before substituting rice wine?
Cooking Sherry is the easiest starting point because it stays closest to rice wine in everyday cooking. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. Cooking time and final texture are usually the biggest differences, so check for doneness early.
How do you substitute rice wine in a recipe?
When a recipe calls for rice wine and you need an alternative, there are 4 tested substitutes available. Cooking Sherry is the best overall replacement, used at a Same amount (1:1) ratio. The right substitute depends on the role rice wine plays in your recipe: whether it provides flavor, texture, moisture, or structure.
The best substitute for rice wine depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Cooking Sherry (Same amount (1:1)), which works well for most recipes.
If you need a different option, Mirin (sweet rice wine) (Same amount (1:1)) is another reliable choice. You can use Mirin (sweet rice wine) in place of rice wine when needed. Use the same amount as the original ingredient. It adds a little more sweetness, which can show up clearly in sauces, glazes, and baking. Texture runs thicker than the original, so a splash of liquid may help in thinner preparations. Texture runs looser than the original, which matters most in baking and creamy sauces. It is especially useful in baking and sauces.
When substituting rice wine, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for Rice Wine?
Cooking Sherry is the best place to start for rice wine. Use a 1:1 swap and then adjust after tasting if the dish needs a little more intensity or balance.
How many substitutes are there for Rice Wine?
This page lists 4 substitutes for rice wine. The best pick depends on whether you want the closest flavor, similar texture, or simply the easiest pantry backup.