Mirin

Japanese sweet cooking rice wine Condiment

Mirin Condiment

At a Glance

  • Category Condiment

The Forktionary Angle

"The Japanese Culinary Secret"

Definition

A sweet Japanese rice wine, essential for adding a subtle sweetness and glaze to dishes, used in marinades, sauces, and glazes.

Science Fact Typically contains 10-14% alcohol by volume, along with a high sugar content.
Storage Tip Store in a cool, dark place, preferably refrigerated after opening to maintain quality.
Usage Tip Essential for balancing saltiness and adding a beautiful sheen to Japanese dishes.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Mirin are:

Sweet Umami Slightly Tangy

Chef’s Secret

Reduce mirin by itself slightly before adding to a sauce; this concentrates its sweetness and creates a richer glaze.

Best Substitutes

Sake + 1 tsp sugar

sake:sugar
Ratio 3:1

Dry sherry + 1 tsp sugar

sherry:sugar
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for 'hon mirin' (true mirin) for authentic flavor; 'aji-mirin' is a mirin-like condiment.

Recipes Using Mirin

Low In Something Low In Something Preparation Number Of Servings

Bento Chicken Teriyaki

Craving a delicious and satisfying lunch? This single-serving Bento Chicken Teriyaki recipe, adapted from Naomi Kijima's bento box cookbook, is perfect! Enjoy tender, glazed chicken with a vibrant teriyaki sauce, ready to be packed into your bento box alongside fluffy rice and your favorite veggies (maybe some Japanese pickles?). While it's not a quick recipe (marinating time is included in the cook time), the wait is worth it! Start marinating the chicken, then cook your rice, and prep your sides—it's a simple process that yields incredible flavor.

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Occasion Japanese Novelty Low Sodium

Benihana Hibachi Chateaubriand

Savor the sizzling excitement of Benihana's legendary Hibachi Chateaubriand right in your own kitchen! This copycat recipe recreates the restaurant's signature dish, featuring perfectly seared chateaubriand, vibrant vegetables, and a mouthwatering sauce. Impress your friends and family with this unforgettable, restaurant-quality meal – it's easier than you think!

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For 1 Or 2 Preparation Seasonal Number Of Servings

Beef Teriyaki With Cucumber Salsa

This vibrant and healthy Beef Teriyaki recipe is a quick and easy weeknight dinner, perfect for satisfying your red meat cravings without the guilt! Lean flank steak marinates in a flavorful teriyaki sauce, then cooks to perfection. The refreshing cucumber salsa, made with crisp cucumbers, bell peppers, and a tangy sweet-and-sour dressing, adds a delightful contrast. Prepare the salsa ahead of time for effortless assembly. Bethany's family-friendly version makes this dish adaptable for any occasion! #beefteriyaki #cucumber #salsa #healthyrecipes #quickdinner #easyrecipe #flank steak #asiancuisine

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Asian Main Ingredient Asian For 1 Or 2

Banh Mi Vietnamese Sandwiches Bnh Mi

Experience the taste of Vietnam with this incredible Banh Mi recipe! These homemade sandwiches rival the best from any Vietnamese shop. Using sourdough bread adds a delightful tang, and leftover Asian-flavored meats are perfectly welcome. Create a flavorful masterpiece with quick-pickled veggies and perfectly grilled protein. Get ready for an explosion of fresh herbs, crunchy textures, and savory deliciousness in every bite!

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Sweet Cuisine Fish Dietary

Anna's Tuna Soboro Quick And Easy

Discover the magic of Tuna Soboro, a savory-sweet Japanese condiment! This quick and easy recipe (originally from Anna at WordPress) delivers a versatile dish ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect as a rice topping, onigiri filling, or stirred into veggies and eggs, this tuna soboro is a flavor explosion. Make a big batch – it keeps for a week in the fridge and freezes beautifully for those busy nights! Explore the endless possibilities of this Japanese culinary gem – a delicious and convenient addition to your meal repertoire.

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30 Minutes Or Less Savory Sauces 30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Asian Dipping Sauces

Dive into a world of flavor with this collection of four irresistible Asian dipping sauces! Perfect for spring rolls, dumplings, or anything that needs a delicious boost, these easy-to-make sauces are ready in under 20 minutes. From the classic sesame to the zesty lemon-garlic, each sauce offers a unique taste adventure. Get ready to elevate your next Asian-inspired meal!

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Course Condiments Etc 15 Minutes Or Less Low In Something

Beef Teriyaki Marinade Tenderizer

Unlock the secret to unbelievably tender beef with our incredible Teriyaki Marinade! This recipe will transform your favorite cut into a juicy, flavorful masterpiece in just 24 hours. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or impressive dinner parties, prepare to be amazed by how easy it is to achieve melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

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Asian Dietary Asian Preparation

Asparagus Negimaki Japanese Beef Rolls

Impress your guests with these elegant Asparagus Negimaki (Japanese Beef Rolls)! Tender beef thinly sliced, wrapped around succulent asparagus and scallions, then grilled to perfection with a rich teriyaki glaze. This simple yet stunning dish is perfect as an appetizer or a light yet satisfying main course served over rice. Ready in under 20 minutes!

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Brunch 15 Minutes Or Less Vegetarian Course

Asian Herb Salad

A wildly refreshing Asian Herb Salad bursting with vibrant herbs and a tangy sweet and sour vinaigrette! This recipe, adapted from Jill Dupleix's Good Cooking cookbook, is quick, easy, and perfect for a light lunch or side dish. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this incredibly flavorful and healthy salad!

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Weeknight Hawaiian Independence Day Sweet

Backyard Style Barbecued Ribs

Fall-off-the-bone tender, backyard BBQ ribs inspired by Chef Sam Choy! This mouthwatering recipe delivers juicy, flavorful ribs with two incredible sauces. Perfect for a summer cookout or a special family dinner. Get ready for rib-tickling goodness!

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Course Salads Dinner Party Main Ingredient

Avocado Salad With Ginger Dressing

A vibrant and refreshing Avocado Salad with a zingy Ginger Dressing, perfect for a light lunch or healthy side dish. This recipe, inspired by Australian cuisine, combines creamy avocado with crisp sugar snap peas and a homemade ginger dressing that's bursting with flavor. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Preparation Course Stir Fry South West Pacific

Beef Stir Fry Asian Style

This quick and easy Asian-style beef stir-fry recipe is a family favorite! Learn how to achieve perfectly tender beef slices by freezing the meat beforehand. Inspired by Annette Sym's recipe (featured on Channel Nine's Extra), this tweaked version is packed with flavor and ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters. Impress your family with restaurant-quality beef stir-fry tonight!

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Main Ingredient Appetizers Lunch For Large Groups

Beef Fillet Crostini Asian Style

Indulge in this elegant and flavorful Beef Fillet Crostini, inspired by a memorable cooking class! This sophisticated appetizer features perfectly seared beef fillet, a vibrant Asian-inspired sauce, and crispy toasted baguette slices. Don't be intimidated by the ingredient list – it's all about creating a symphony of delicious flavors. Prepare to impress your guests with this show-stopping recipe, perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or a simply delicious weeknight treat.

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Low Carb Meat Dietary Appetizers

Beef Teriyaki Hors D Oeuvre

Impress your guests with these elegant and flavorful Beef Teriyaki Hors D'oeuvres! Thinly sliced flank steak is marinated in a savory teriyaki sauce, then quickly grilled or broiled to perfection. This recipe is surprisingly quick – only a 30-minute marinade – and perfect for parties or a special appetizer. Submitted by Mrs. Daus.

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Appetizers Pork Appetizers Meat

Authentic Japanese Gyoza

Craving authentic Japanese gyoza? This recipe, straight from Japan, delivers the most incredible homemade dumplings you'll ever taste! Get ready to get your hands dirty and create restaurant-quality gyoza from the comfort of your kitchen. Don't miss this incredibly flavorful and satisfying recipe – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend project.

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Dietary Low Calorie Preparation Healthy

Basic Steamed Fish

Unlock the flavor of perfectly steamed tilapia in just 12 minutes! This recipe, inspired by a classic technique, uses your bamboo steamer to create a healthy and delicious meal. Two-tiered steaming cooks the fish to flaky perfection on the bottom rack while vegetables (see variations below!) steam on the top. This easy recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners and showcases the fresh, delicate taste of tilapia.

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Low Carb Low Calorie Sauces Low Carb

Mark Bittman's Teriyaki Sauce

Homemade teriyaki sauce in just 7 minutes? Yes, please! Skip the store-bought stuff and make this incredibly flavorful sauce from scratch. Perfect for marinating chicken and pork, or as a delicious dipping sauce for your favorite Asian-inspired dishes. This quick and easy recipe uses simple ingredients to deliver big on taste.

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Dinner Party Asian Lunch Inexpensive

Agedashi Dofu

Experience the delightful crunch of perfectly deep-fried tofu in a warm, savory dashi broth infused with soy sauce and the subtle zest of ginger. This authentic Japanese Agedashi Tofu recipe is easier to make than you think! Impress your friends and family with this irresistible dish, a perfect appetizer or light meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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