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Rice Wine

Rice wine is a traditional Asian alcoholic beverage made from fermented glutinous rice. Consumed as a drink and used in cooking, it has a storied history in countries such as China, Japan, and Korea. Through the fermentation process, yeasts convert rice starch into alcohol, resulting in a distinctive sweet, yet mildly tart and tangy flavor profile. It is typically clear or slightly golden in color, ranging from very low to moderate alcohol content. For home cooks, rice wine plays an essential role in numerous Asian recipes, imparting unique flavors and tenderizing meats. Commonly used in marinades, sauces, and stir-fries, it enhances the overall taste and aroma of dishes while also offering mild preservation benefits. Rice wines such as Chinese Shaoxing, Japanese Sake, and Korean Cheongju are regional favorites and available in various grades to suit both drinking and cooking needs.
#65
IN SAUCES
134
CAL / 100G
$0.65
AVG / OZ
rice wine
91%
CARBS
0%
FAT
9%
PROTEIN
Rice Wine FAQ
Rice wine offers a sweet, mildly tart, and tangy flavor to various Asian dishes. Many home cooks use it as an integral ingredient in their recipes, using it in marinades, sauces, or stir-fries to enhance taste and aroma and tenderize meats. The most common error people make while using rice wine is substituting it with rice wine vinegar, which is an entirely different product with a more acidic taste. To get the most out of rice wine, use it sparingly as its flavor can be potent - a small amount goes a long way. Additionally, one may enhance the flavor of rice wine by adding a pinch of sugar or by reducing it over low heat for a deeper flavor profile. Watch out for the alcohol content in your wine, some dishes call for a higher alcohol content for extra flavor while others may want a lower one for a subtler enhancement.
Can I use rice wine vinegar instead of rice wine in a recipe?
What can I substitute for rice wine in a recipe?
Why is my dish too sweet after adding rice wine?
What kind of rice is used to make rice wine?
What are the different types of rice wine?
Does rice wine contain gluten?
Can I make homemade rice wine?
Is rice wine good for health?
What's the alcohol content in rice wine?
Why is rice wine added in marinades?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does rice wine expire?
Rice wine typically has a shelf life of up to one year if unopened and stored properly. Once opened, it should be consumed within one to two months, but it can last up to six months if refrigerated. The printed date on the package is a reliable guide, as the flavor can change over time. Freezing rice wine is not a common practice, as freezing might impact the taste and texture.
How do you tell if rice wine is bad?
If the rice wine develops a sour smell, a severe change in flavor, a change in color, or shows signs of mold, it's probably gone bad. These are telltale signs that the rice wine has spoiled
Tips for storing rice wine to extend shelf life
• Store your rice wine in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry, to maintain its flavor and preservation qualities. • Once open, consider storing your rice wine in the refrigerator. The cooler temperature slows down the oxidation process, extending its shelf life. • Always ensure the cap or cork is tightly sealed after use. This prevents air, which can quicken spoilage, from entering the bottle. • Avoid storing your rice wine near a heat source like the stove or in direct sunlight, as heat can cause the wine to deteriorate quicker. • If you’ve purchased a high-quality rice wine for cooking, consider allocating it into smaller portions that can be consumed in a single cooking session. This reduces the frequency of opening the main bottle, consequently reducing exposure to air and maintaining its quality for a longer time.
EXPIRES WITHIN
19 - 29
MONTHS
Health Info
Macros
1g
CARBS
0g
FAT
0g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
Per Serving
29 MILLILITERS
Calories
39 kcal
2%
Carbohydrates
1 g
1%
Protein
0.1 g
0%
Minerals
*Current daily values are based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition values are calculated using the USDA nutrient database and may be inaccurate.
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