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Chinese Rice Wine

Oryza sativa Cooking Wine, Fermented Beverage, Asian Ingredient

Chinese Rice Wine Cooking Wine, Fermented Beverage, Asian Ingredient

At a Glance

  • Category Cooking Wine, Fermented Beverage, Asian Ingredient

The Forktionary Angle

"The Unsung Hero: Why Chinese Rice Wine is Indispensable in Your Kitchen"

Definition

An alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice, commonly used in Chinese cooking to tenderize meats, add depth of flavor, and remove gamey odors.

Aging Process Up to several years (for quality)
Alcohol Content 15-20% ABV
Culinary Functions Tenderizing, Flavoring, Deodorizing

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Chinese Rice Wine are:

Savory Slightly Sweet Umami Aromatic

Chef’s Secret

Deglaze your wok with a splash of Chinese rice wine to capture all the flavorful fond after searing meats, adding incredible depth.

Best Substitutes

Dry Sherry

Ratio 1:1

Mirin

sweeter, adjust sugar
Ratio 1:1

Japanese Sake

often milder
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for Shaoxing cooking wine (绍兴酒) without added salt. Avoid "cooking wine" that is heavily salted.

Culinary Pairings

Stir-fries marinades braises soups red-cooked dishes steamed fish

Recipes Using Chinese Rice Wine

Baked Asian Style Chicken On Beans image 113
Preparation Time To Make Chicken Preparation

Baked Asian Style Chicken On Beans

This recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken bursting with Asian-inspired aromas. Marinated in soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry), and sesame oil, then baked in foil packets, the chicken is incredibly juicy. Paired with perfectly steamed green beans, this dish is a quick, healthy, and satisfying weeknight meal. Perfect for Asian cuisine enthusiasts and home cooks looking for a delicious and easy recipe.

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Asian Style Pork Tenderloin image
Pork Loins Main Dish Course Meat

Asian Style Pork Tenderloin

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this incredibly flavorful Asian-style pork tenderloin! This recipe delivers tender, juicy pork infused with aromatic ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for a family meal or impressive dinner party, this dish is easier to make than you think. Get ready to savor the delicious results!

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Beef And Broccoli With Oyster Sauce image 117
Cuisine Time To Make Course Low Carb

Beef And Broccoli With Oyster Sauce

Experience the irresistible flavors of this Beef and Broccoli with Oyster Sauce recipe, inspired by Williams-Sonoma! Tender top sirloin strips are stir-fried to perfection with vibrant broccoli florets and a rich, savory oyster sauce. This recipe offers a quicker microwave method for the broccoli, making it a delicious weeknight meal ready in under 30 minutes. Get ready for an explosion of umami goodness!

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Beef With Green Beans image 131
Equipment Course 30 Minutes Or Less Main Dish

Beef With Green Beans

This incredibly easy Beef with Green Beans recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes! Inspired by classic Chinese stir-fries, this recipe is surprisingly low-calorie and packed with flavor. Tender beef strips are marinated for maximum flavor, then expertly stir-fried with crisp-tender green beans and aromatic ginger. A touch of black pepper adds a subtle depth of flavor without any heat. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

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