Plain rice vinegar can be swapped for white wine vinegar diluted slightly with water and a touch of sugar, since rice vinegar is milder and less acidic than most Western vinegars. Apple cider vinegar diluted the same way is another reasonable stand-in.
The best substitutes
- White wine vinegar, diluted. Mix 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water, plus a small pinch of sugar, to soften the sharpness.
- Apple cider vinegar, diluted. A similar approach works, though the flavour is slightly fruitier.
- Lemon or lime juice. Works in a pinch for dressings, though it lacks the fermented depth of rice vinegar.
- Mirin. Sweeter and less acidic, so best used for dishes where a little extra sweetness won’t hurt.
Why rice vinegar is different
Rice vinegar is fermented from rice and has a lower acidity and rounder, milder taste than white wine, malt, or cider vinegar. Substitutes that don’t account for this can make a dish taste sharper than intended.
