Rice vinegar comes in different varieties, including plain, seasoned, black, and red. Japanese rice vinegar is milder than Chinese, and red rice vinegar has a complex flavor. Rice vinegar is lower in calories than wine vinegar and is often used in salad dressings and stir-fries. It pairs well with sesame oil.
Rice vinegar comes in several varieties. The simplest is made from fermented rice and is often nearly colorless in appearance. The second type is made for sake and is a variation of the wine vinegar familiar to those in the United States. When made for sake, this condiment is often called seasoned rice vinegar and will feature a more punchy taste. It is also a common ingredient in sushi.
This type of vinegar is produced in different Asian countries and there are differences in the final taste and product. Japanese rice vinegars are typically much milder than the Chinese varieties and are usually much more likely to be colorless. Similar plain white rice vinegar exists in China, but is still slightly sharper than the Japanese varieties. Many enjoy the Chinese version as it looks slightly more like Western white vinegar. However, in Japan or China there is really no comparable product that can equally substitute for Western white vinegar. You should use at least double the amount of rice vinegar in any recipe to replace white wine vinegar.
Black and red rice vinegar are also made in China. The black type is usually made from sweet rice and may include millet or sorghum. The name suggests the colour, which is a dark brown. Its smoky flavors distinguish it from other forms.
Red rice vinegar is made from red yeast fermented rice. Many prefer this vinegar over others due to its complex array of flavors that feature both acidic and sweet notes. It might be a little harder to find in Western stores, but you can usually find red and black varieties in Asian grocery stores.
Rice vinegar tends to be slightly lower in calories than wine vinegars. It’s also sweeter, and many prefer its mild taste in salad dressings, as an added flavor for stir-frying, and in a variety of dishes. A number of dishes are definitely worth trying, and are especially good on top of any Chinese-inspired salad, such as Chinese Chicken Salad.
The sweet notes of this condiment are often best paired with sesame oil. If you use toasted sesame oil, which can have quite a smoky flavor, you may want to use one of the darker vinegar variations so the taste of the oil doesn’t completely overwhelm the taste of the vinegar. Consider black or red versions for dressings and white or seasoned versions in other dishes.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
