Rice vinegar is a popular ingredient in Asian cooking, known for its mild tang and subtle sweetness. But when you’re staring at bottles labelled aji mirin and mirin, things can get confusing fast. Are they all interchangeable? Should rice vinegar be refrigerated? And what’s that weird stuff floating in it?
In this guide, we’ll clear up the confusion between rice vinegar, mirin, and if you can us apple cider vinegar in place of rice vinegar. We'll also answer common questions about cooking with rice vinegar, how to store it properly, and whether it ever goes bad.
Is Aji Mirin the Same as Rice Vinegar?
No, aji mirin is not the same as rice vinegar. While both are made from rice, they serve completely different culinary purposes.
· Aji Mirin (often translated as “tastes like mirin”) is a sweet rice wine used for cooking, especially in Japanese dishes. It has a low alcohol content and a high sugar content.
· Rice vinegar, on the other hand, is fermented to become acidic, giving it a tangy, mild taste perfect for dressings, marinades, and pickling.
So, if your recipe calls for rice vinegar, aji mirin won't be a good substitute.
Here are QuickSupply, we have these 2 popular rice-based vinegars:
· Marukan Sushi Su Rice Vinegar Dressing
Can I Use Apple Cider Vinegar Instead of Rice Vinegar?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar in a pinch, but the flavour will differ slightly.
· Apple cider vinegar is more robust and fruitier compared to the delicate and slightly sweet flavour of rice vinegar.
· If you're swapping them, you might want to add a pinch of sugar to the apple cider vinegar to mimic the subtle sweetness of rice vinegar. We recommend the purest form of ACV that we have here.
This substitution works best in salad dressings, marinades, and stir-fries where exact flavour replication isn’t critical.
Do You Refrigerate Rice Vinegar?
One of the most common questions is: do you refrigerate rice vinegar? The short answer is no—not necessarily.
Rice vinegar is self-preserving due to its acidity. It’s perfectly safe to store it in a cool, dark cupboard after opening. However, refrigerating it may slightly prolong its shelf life and help maintain its flavour longer, especially for unseasoned rice vinegars.
If your bottle says “refrigerate after opening,” follow that recommendation. Otherwise, pantry storage is perfectly fine.
Is Rice Vinegar the Same as Mirin?
No, rice vinegar is not the same as mirin, though both come from rice.
· Mirin is a type of sweet cooking wine used to add flavour and gloss to dishes like teriyaki and sukiyaki.
· Rice vinegar is acidic, not alcoholic or sugary, and adds a tangy brightness rather than sweetness.
Think of mirin as a cooking wine and rice vinegar as a tangy seasoning—they're used very differently in recipes.
Is Kikkoman Manjo Aji Mirin Rice Vinegar
There’s a lot of confusion surrounding Kikkoman Manjo Aji Mirin, especially because it often sits near the vinegars on store shelves. But no, Kikkoman Manjo Aji Mirin is not rice vinegar.
It’s a type of sweet cooking rice wine used to simulate traditional mirin. It contains added sweeteners and little to no alcohol, making it ideal for cooking—not for replacing rice vinegar in recipes.
So if you’re making sushi rice or a vinaigrette, reach for actual rice vinegar, not Kikkoman Manjo Aji Mirin.
Can I Just Add Rice Vinegar to Rice?
Yes, you can just add rice vinegar to rice, but it depends on the goal.
· For sushi rice, rice vinegar is usually mixed with sugar and salt first to create that signature flavour.
· If you're just adding rice vinegar straight to cooked rice, it can add a pleasant tang, but it won’t have the balanced taste you expect from sushi rice.
Always adjust the seasoning to taste if you're improvising.
What Does Rice Vinegar Do to Chicken?
Adding rice vinegar to chicken can work wonders:
· It tenderizes the meat thanks to its mild acidity.
· It adds a light tang that enhances marinades and glazes.
· When cooked down with ingredients like soy sauce and garlic, it helps develop a deep, savoury flavour.
Try using it in a teriyaki-style marinade or stir-fry sauce for moist, flavourful chicken.
What Is the Stuff Floating in My Rice Vinegar?
Ever noticed sediment or cloudy bits at the bottom of your bottle and thought, What is the stuff floating in my rice vinegar?
Don’t worry—this is usually the “mother” of vinegar, which is a natural byproduct of fermentation. It’s harmless and safe to consume. In fact, it shows that your vinegar was minimally processed and naturally brewed.
However, if it smells off or has a drastically different taste, it may be time to toss it.
Does Rice Vinegar Go Bad?
Technically, rice vinegar doesn’t go bad in the way fresh food does. Because of its high acidity, it’s naturally resistant to bacterial growth. But over time, it may:
· Lose flavour or aroma
· Become cloudy or develop sediment (which is not dangerous)
· Taste more mellow or “flat”
If your rice vinegar smells strange or has a drastically different taste, it’s best to err on the side of caution and replace it.
Does Rice Vinegar Expire?
While it rarely spoils, rice vinegar does have an expiry date printed on the bottle. This is more about quality than safety.
· Unopened rice vinegar can last indefinitely in a cool, dark place.
· Once opened, it’s best used within 2 years for optimal flavour.
Always store it in a sealed container away from sunlight and heat to maintain freshness.
How Long Does Rice Vinegar Last?
So, how long does rice vinegar last?
Here’s a quick guide:
Seasoned Rice Vinegar
· Pantry (Unopened): 2+ years
· Pantry (Opened): 1–2 years
· Fridge (Optional): Up to 3 years
Unseasoned Rice Vinegar
· Pantry (Unopened): Indefinitely
· Pantry (Opened): 2+ years
· Fridge (Optional): Longer
Remember: check for off smells, discolouration, or weird flavours if it’s been sitting for a while.
Final Thoughts
Rice vinegar is more than just a pantry staple—it’s a versatile and long-lasting ingredient that can elevate your cooking. Whether you’re marinating chicken, whipping up a salad dressing, or seasoning sushi rice, understanding its properties helps you make the most of this culinary gem.
Just keep in mind:
· Don’t confuse it with mirin or aji mirin.
· It doesn’t usually need refrigeration, but store it properly.
· Yes, it lasts a long time—but check for changes in taste or smell.
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