Substitute for Mirin

Perfect mirin alternatives for Japanese cooking and glazes. Alcohol-free and accessible options.

Cooking Updated: September 27, 2025 vegetarian vegan alcohol-free-options

Quick Answer

The best substitutes for mirin are: Rice Vinegar + Sugar, White Wine + Sugar, Sake + Sugar. Each works differently depending on your recipe needs.

Mirin adds sweet, complex flavor and beautiful glaze to Japanese dishes. Whether you avoid alcohol or simply can’t find mirin, these substitutes maintain that essential sweet-tart balance.

Mirin’s Unique Role

Mirin provides sweetness, mild acidity, and alcohol that enhances other flavors while creating glossy glazes. It’s essential in teriyaki, marinades, and many Japanese sauces.

Balancing Sweet and Acid

The key to substituting mirin is balancing sweetness with mild acidity. This combination creates the complex flavor and glazing properties that make mirin special.

Substitute for Rice Vinegar - Key mirin component
Substitute for Honey - Natural sweetener option
Substitute for Wine in Cooking - Alcohol alternatives
Substitute for Soy Sauce - Japanese cooking essential

Educational Disclaimer: This information is for cooking and baking purposes only.

All Substitutes at a Glance

Substitute	Ratio	Best For	Notes
Rice Vinegar + Sugar	1 tbsp rice vinegar + 1/2 tsp sugar = 1 tbsp mirin	teriyaki sauce, glazes, Japanese dishes	Most authentic substitute. Provides acidity and sweetness balance.
White Wine + Sugar	1 tbsp white wine + 1/2 tsp sugar = 1 tbsp mirin	cooking, when alcohol is okay, similar fermentation	Close to mirin's alcohol content and sweetness. Let sugar dissolve.
Sake + Sugar	1 tbsp sake + 1/2 tsp sugar = 1 tbsp mirin	authentic Japanese cooking, traditional recipes	Most similar base alcohol. Heat gently to dissolve sugar.
Apple Cider Vinegar + Honey	1 tbsp vinegar + 1/2 tsp honey = 1 tbsp mirin	alcohol-free, natural sweeteners, health-conscious	Alcohol-free option. Provides acidity and natural sweetness.
White Grape Juice + Vinegar	2 tbsp grape juice + 1 tsp vinegar = 2 tbsp mirin	alcohol-free, kids' dishes, sweet applications	Naturally sweet with added acidity. No alcohol content.
Sherry + Sugar	1 tbsp dry sherry + 1/2 tsp sugar = 1 tbsp mirin	fusion cooking, when mirin unavailable	Different flavor profile but similar cooking properties.