Rice Wine

*Oryza sativa* (for rice) Cooking Alcohol

Rice Wine Cooking Alcohol

At a Glance

  • Category Cooking Alcohol

The Forktionary Angle

"The ancient grain's liquid magic, transforming Asian dishes with depth and aroma."

Definition

An alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice, used extensively in East Asian cooking to tenderize meat, add flavor, and remove odors.

Alcohol By Volume (ABV) Typically 12-20%
Historical Origin Dates back ~9,000 years in China
Tenderizing Action Enzymes break down meat proteins

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Rice Wine are:

Savory subtly sweet sometimes tangy umami-rich

Chef’s Secret

When using rice wine in marinades for stir-fries, add it early to allow its enzymes to tenderize meat and its alcohol to evaporate, leaving behind complex flavors. A final splash right before serving can brighten flavors.

Best Substitutes

Dry sherry

for savory
Ratio 1:1

Dry white wine

for savory
Ratio 1:1

Mirin

if sweetness is desired
Ratio 1:1

Non-alcoholic substitutes: Chicken or vegetable broth + a splash of rice vinegar

Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for "Shaoxing cooking wine" or "Sake" (Japanese rice wine). Avoid "cooking wine" labeled products that contain high salt.

Recipes Using Rice Wine

Low Sodium Asian Low Cholesterol Beginner Cook

Benihana Tsutsumi Yaki

Recreate the magic of Benihana's flavorful Tsutsumi Yaki at home! This easy copycat recipe features succulent grilled vegetables nestled in savory miso sauce, then baked to perfection in individual foil packets. Each steaming packet is a delightful surprise, bursting with umami and served alongside fluffy rice for a complete and unforgettable meal. Get ready for a restaurant-quality experience in your own kitchen!

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Main Dish Asian Meat Beef

Beef With Bean Sprouts

Experience the vibrant flavors of China with this quick and easy Beef with Bean Sprouts recipe! This delicious stir-fry is perfect as a main course or part of a larger Chinese feast. Tender beef, crisp-tender bean sprouts, and a savory sauce combine for a meal that's ready in under 30 minutes. Get your wok sizzling!

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Potluck Cuisine Time To Make Preparation

Asian Sticky Chicky

Get ready for an explosion of flavor with this Asian Sticky Chicky recipe! Juicy, tender chicken thighs are coated in a luscious, sticky glaze that's sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible. Forget dry chicken breasts – this recipe uses skinless, boneless thighs for maximum flavor and moisture. Easy to follow instructions and a short prep time make this the perfect weeknight meal.

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Main Ingredient Course Preparation Time To Make

Ants Climbing A Tree Ma Yi Shang Shu

Experience the fiery delight of Ants Climbing a Tree, a wildly popular Sichuan noodle dish! This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a mouthwatering explosion of flavor, with tender noodles coated in a rich, spicy sauce. The secret? Lee Kum Kee spicy bean sauce (ma po sauce) – a must-have ingredient! Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding or omitting chili peppers. Get ready for a culinary adventure that's both fun and incredibly satisfying. Serve with rice for a complete meal.

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Main Dish Weeknight Side Dishes Pasta Rice And Grains

Asian Steamed Pork Meatballs Sesame Noodles Salad

Craving delicious Chinese takeout but hate the wait? This vibrant 3-course Asian meal is ready in under an hour! Enjoy juicy steamed pork meatballs (perfect as an appetizer or main course) served alongside refreshing chilled sesame noodles and a crunchy Asian salad bursting with napa cabbage, mandarin oranges, cucumber, red onion, and water chestnuts. A simple, flavorful dipping sauce unites all the elements. This recipe uses readily available ingredients and features a clever time-saving technique: while the meatballs steam, you'll whip up the salad and noodles! Get ready for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying Asian feast.

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Main Ingredient Lunch Time To Make Asian

Asian Style Savory Baked Tofu

Transform ordinary tofu into an irresistible Asian-inspired dish! This recipe delivers incredibly flavorful, crispy baked tofu that will even convert tofu skeptics. The secret? A flavorful marinade and thorough pressing to remove excess moisture. Get ready for a culinary adventure that's both easy and incredibly rewarding. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings. Inspired by the Sunday Moosewood Cookbook.

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Time To Make Time To Make Stir Fry Cuisine

All Purpose Stir Fry Sauce Brown Garlic Sauce

This incredibly versatile brown garlic stir-fry sauce is a game-changer! Adapted from Martin Yan's classic techniques, this recipe yields 1 ¾ cups of deliciousness – enough for two meals. Imagine the convenience of having this flavorful sauce ready in your fridge for quick weeknight dinners. Even picky eaters will gobble up their veggies when dipped in this savory goodness! We've tweaked the original recipe to use Angostura soy sauce for a less salty, more balanced flavor. Start with a smaller amount of soy sauce and adjust to your preference. Make it vegetarian-friendly by using vegetable broth! Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor this easy-to-make sauce delivers.

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Number Of Servings For 1 Or 2 Cuisine 60 Minutes Or Less

1 Favorite Chinese Steamed Whole Fish By Sy

Experience the exquisite flavors of authentic Cantonese cuisine with this incredibly easy recipe for Steamed Whole Fish! This recipe elevates a simple, fresh fish into a culinary masterpiece. The delicate fish is perfectly steamed, then drizzled with a fragrant and flavorful sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. A perfect weeknight meal or impressive dish for guests!

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Chicken Stir Fry Meat Main Ingredient

Almond Chicken And Vegetables

A sensational stir-fry recipe inspired by Southern Living (January 1986)! This vibrant dish features tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and crisp-tender vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe requires a wok for authentic results. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Easy Course Soy Tofu Preparation

Baked Marinated Tofu

Elevate your tofu game with this incredible recipe from renowned food writer Joe Yonan! Freezing the tofu beforehand creates an unbelievably satisfying, crispy texture that absorbs the marinade perfectly. This recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly versatile. Enjoy it immediately as a hearty side dish, or add it to salads, stir-fries, and more! The secret? Freezing the tofu for maximum flavor and texture.

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Seafood Seafood Shellfish Course

Asian Black Pepper Crab

Experience the ultimate seafood feast with this Asian Black Pepper Atlantic Blue Crab recipe! We use only the freshest, live Atlantic blue crabs (callinectes sapidus) – the 'beautiful swimmers' – known for their rich, unctuous, mildly sweet, and briny flavor. Learn how to prepare these prized crustaceans, ensuring a succulent and unforgettable meal. This recipe celebrates the recent comeback of the Atlantic blue crab population, reminding us of the importance of sustainable seafood choices. Discover the story behind these incredible crabs in William W. Warner's 'Beautiful Swimmers,' a must-read for seafood enthusiasts. Serve this sensational dish al fresco for the ultimate summer experience!

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Pasta Cuisine Course Lunch

Sesame Noodles With Peanut Sauce

Escape the heat with this incredibly satisfying Sesame Noodles with Creamy Peanut Sauce recipe! A vibrant and flavorful cold noodle dish perfect for a hot summer day. This recipe features a rich, homemade peanut sauce that's bursting with sesame flavor and a touch of spice. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Low Calorie Seafood Shellfish Beginner Cook

Asian Style Grilled Sweet And Sour Scallops

Ignite your taste buds with these succulent Asian Style Grilled Sweet and Sour Scallops! This recipe yields 5-6 skewers from 2 pounds of scallops (easily doubled!), boasting a vibrant sweet and sour glaze that perfectly complements the tender, juicy scallops. The marinade, a fragrant blend of rice wine and ginger, infuses the scallops with incredible flavor. Get ready for a quick and easy weeknight meal that's bursting with delicious Asian-inspired tastes!

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Technique Course Vegetables Taste Mood

Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry

Craving authentic Chinese takeout? This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe delivers the same incredible flavors you love, right in your own kitchen! Inspired by a restaurant favorite, this recipe is quick, easy, and packed with savory goodness. Tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and a mouthwatering sauce come together in a symphony of textures and tastes. Get ready for a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes!

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Spicy Poultry Occasion Egg Free

Another Kung Pao Chicken Gluten Free

Craving authentic Kung Pao Chicken but need a gluten-free option? This recipe, adapted from a beloved blog, delivers explosive flavor in just 50 minutes! Forget complicated recipes – this one comes together quickly, despite the impressive ingredient list. Get ready for a delicious, restaurant-quality Kung Pao Chicken that's surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests!

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Pork Meat Main Ingredient Pork

Asian Inspired Pulled Pork Shoulder For Tacos Or Sliders

Craving incredible, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork? This slow cooker recipe delivers Asian-fusion flavor in a fraction of the time! Inspired by classic char siu, but with a unique twist, this recipe transforms a pork shoulder into tender, juicy perfection. Perfect for tacos, sliders, or enjoying on its own! Easy, delicious, and ready in just under 8 hours.

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Asian Easy 30 Minutes Or Less Chinese

Beef Black Beans And Rice Noodles With Oyster Sauce

Inspired by renowned Australian chef Neil Perry's Wokpool Noodle Bar, this recipe delivers a vibrant and flavourful beef noodle stir-fry. Enjoy tender beef, savory black beans, and perfectly cooked rice noodles in a rich, salty-sweet oyster sauce. A touch of chili adds a delightful kick! Skip the mushrooms (unless you're a fan!), and discover the secret to unlocking the ultimate flavor: adding sesame oil at the very end. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal.

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Fish Low Calorie Low Carb Preparation

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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