Sauces and flavorings packed with umami are among the hallmarks of Japanese cuisine. While everyone is familiar with soy sauce and sesame oil, the same cant be said of another key ingredient in Japanese recipes: mirin, a Japanese rice wine. Ahead, we explain why you should make this special condiment a pantry staple in your kitchen and the different varieties available, plus suggestions for dishes highlighting mirins sweet, distinctive flavor.
Mirin is a Japanese cooking wine typically used in stir-fries, sauces and marinades. But the versatile ingredient has many other uses you may not have immediately thought of. The sweet wine has a high sugar content and can be used to tenderize meats and create delicious glazes for fish, chicken and beef.
3 Types of Mirin
When shopping for mirin, look for these three types; each lends unique oomph to recipes.
Aji-mirin: Sweeter, thanks to the addition of corn syrup—and with a lower alcohol content—this mirin is the most commercial. Its easy to find in your local grocery store (Kikkoman is a widely available brand).
Hon-mirin: Also called “true mirin” or “real mirin,” this traditional mirin tips the scales with about 14 percent alcohol but has no salt content.
Shio-mirin: What hon-mirin lacks, shio-mirin gains! This type, also known as “salt mirin,” contains about 1.5 percent salt. Its added during fermentation, creating a salty-sweet mirin. (While the other mirin types can be consumed as a beverage, this mirin is best used in recipes.)
Is Mirin the Same as Rice Vinegar?
Mirin and rice vinegar share the same base ingredient, but there are flavor distinctions between the two condiments.
What is mirin and how do you use it? Japanese seasoning explained
FAQ
What do I use mirin for?
What taste does mirin add?
Do you refrigerate mirin?
What does mirin do for meat?
What is mirin used for?
Mirin is a sweet rice wine widely used in Japanese cooking. Learn what mirin is used for, the different types of mirin, recommended brands, where to buy it, substitutions, and more!
What can I do with mirin?
For instance, mirin works well in poached pears and other boozy desserts. It’s also perfect for making all sorts of marinades, dipping sauces, and glazes. Glazes made with mirin help tenderize meats (like chicken) because of its higher sugar content than many other glaze ingredients.
Can you use Mirin in rice?
To use mirin in rice, simply add it to the water before cooking. This will give the rice a nice flavor and aroma. If you want to use it in donburi or fried rice, add it when stir-frying the ingredients. Or, drizzle on rice when you’re cooking with it. It adds flavor and color to your dish!
Can I cook with mirin?
Do cook with hon mirin rather than the inferior aji mirin if you have the option. Do use mirin as a subtle sweetener. Do use mirin to make a glaze. Don’t add as much sugar to a recipe when cooking with mirin. Don’t store mirin in the refrigerator. Do add mirin at the end of your dish’s cooking time.