Asian ingredient substitutes
Rice Vinegar Substitute
For each 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, use 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar plus 1/4 teaspoon sugar. The sugar softens the sharper taste toward rice vinegar's mild sweetness. Other options: 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar plus 1/4 teaspoon sugar; 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar; 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar.
Use instead
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Rice Vinegar substitutes at a glance
| Use instead | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar plus 1/4 teaspoon sugar | The sugar softens the sharper taste toward rice vinegar's mild sweetness. |
| 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar plus 1/4 teaspoon sugar | Same adjustment as apple cider vinegar. |
| 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar | Mild enough to use as is. |
| 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar | Seasoned rice vinegar already contains sugar and salt. Healthline's figures (4 tablespoons sugar and 2 teaspoons salt per 3/4 cup) work out to about 1 teaspoon less sugar and a pinch less salt in the recipe for each tablespoon used. |
What not to use
Just One Cookbook warns against plain Western vinegar in Japanese dishes because the taste is harsher. If you use one, choose a mild one and add the sugar.
Where these swaps come from
The swaps and amounts on this page are from Healthline, The 6 Best Substitutes for Rice Vinegar, Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD. Each option's note keeps the source's own advice on when it works. The calculator scales the published amount: substitute = published amount x (your amount / 1 tablespoon).
Other Asian pantry substitutes
Frequently asked questions
What can I use instead of rice vinegar?
Per 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar plus 1/4 teaspoon sugar; or 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar plus 1/4 teaspoon sugar; or 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar; or 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar.
What do I use for 1/4 cup of rice vinegar?
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar plus 1 teaspoon sugar; or 1/4 cup white wine vinegar plus 1 teaspoon sugar; or 1/4 cup champagne vinegar; or 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar. The calculator above scales any other amount.
What should I not use instead of rice vinegar?
Just One Cookbook warns against plain Western vinegar in Japanese dishes because the taste is harsher. If you use one, choose a mild one and add the sugar.