For sushi rice, dressings, and stir-fries, buy plain, unseasoned rice vinegar from a brand such as Marukan, Mizkan, or Yutaka. If you want a shortcut for sushi rice specifically, a “seasoned” or “sushi” rice vinegar has sugar and salt already mixed in. Do not substitute white wine vinegar or malt vinegar, since both are sharper and lack the mild, rounded taste rice vinegar gives Asian dishes.
Rice vinegar is milder than most Western vinegars and comes in a few different forms. This guide covers the difference between plain and seasoned versions, what to check on the bottle, and how brands compare.
Plain vs seasoned rice vinegar
- Plain (unseasoned) rice vinegar is just fermented rice vinegar with nothing added. It’s the more flexible option, used in dressings, pickles, and stir-fries, and for seasoning sushi rice yourself with added sugar and salt.
- Seasoned (sushi) rice vinegar already has sugar and salt mixed in, made specifically to season cooked sushi rice. It saves a step but is less flexible for other uses.
What to check before you buy
- Ingredients. A good rice vinegar should list rice and water, with little else. Some cheaper versions are diluted or blended with other vinegars.
- Acidity. Rice vinegar is milder than white wine or malt vinegar, usually lower in acidity. If a bottle tastes unusually sharp, it may not be a true rice vinegar.
- Colour. Rice vinegar is typically clear to pale yellow. A darker colour usually means it’s a different style, such as black vinegar, which has a stronger, smokier taste.
- Plain vs seasoned. Check the label carefully, since “rice vinegar” and “sushi vinegar” are not always the same product and using the wrong one will throw off a recipe’s balance of sugar and salt.
Comparing common brands
| Brand | Type | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Marukan | Plain rice vinegar | Dressings, pickles, everyday cooking |
| Mizkan | Plain and seasoned versions | Both cooking and sushi rice |
| Yutaka | Plain rice vinegar | Widely stocked, everyday use |
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FAQ
Can I substitute white wine vinegar for rice vinegar?
It will work in a pinch, though it’s sharper and lacks the mild, rounded taste rice vinegar gives. Dilute it slightly with water and add a touch of sugar to get closer to the right balance.
Is rice vinegar the same as rice wine?
No. Rice vinegar is fermented further than rice wine and has no alcohol content, while rice wine, such as Shaoxing wine, is used for cooking in a different way.
How long does rice vinegar last once opened?
It keeps well for a long time, often over a year, stored in a cool cupboard, since its acidity resists spoilage.
Related reading
- How to cook sushi rice to see it used.
- Best Sushi Rice Brands to Buy in the UK to pair with it.
- Best soy sauce: light, dark and which to buy.
