All About Mirin

We reach for this condiment when we want to add a sweet acidity to our Asian-inspired dishes.

Some of our recipes call for mirin, a low-alcohol Japanese wine made from fermented rice. Although mirin is sometimes served as an aperitif in Japan, here it is most commonly used to add a sweet acidity to Asian-inspired sauces, soups, and marinades. Mirin, sometimes labeled "sweetened sake" or "Aji-Mirin," can be found in the international section of most supermarkets. If you cannot find it, sweet sherry makes an acceptable substitute.