Substitute for Rice Vinegar

Perfect rice vinegar alternatives for Asian cooking and sushi rice. Mild acidity without harsh bite.

Cooking Updated: September 27, 2025 vegetarian vegan gluten-free

Quick Answer

The best substitutes for rice vinegar are: Apple Cider Vinegar (Diluted), White Wine Vinegar (Diluted), Champagne Vinegar. Each works differently depending on your recipe needs.

Rice vinegar brings mild acidity and subtle sweetness to Asian cuisine, especially sushi rice and delicate dressings. These substitutes maintain that gentle tang without harsh bite.

Rice Vinegar’s Gentle Character

Rice vinegar is naturally milder and slightly sweeter than most vinegars, making it perfect for dishes where you want acidity without overpowering other flavors.

Creating Mild Acidity

The key is diluting stronger vinegars to match rice vinegar’s gentleness. Start with less and adjust - you can always add more acidity, but you can’t take it away.

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

All Substitutes at a Glance

Substitute	Ratio	Best For	Notes
Apple Cider Vinegar (Diluted)	2 tsp apple cider vinegar + 1 tsp water = 1 tbsp rice vinegar	sushi rice, dressings, general cooking	Dilute to reduce sharpness. Most accessible substitute.
White Wine Vinegar (Diluted)	2 tsp white wine vinegar + 1 tsp water = 1 tbsp rice vinegar	delicate dishes, seafood, light sauces	Clean flavor when diluted. Closer to rice vinegar's mildness.
Champagne Vinegar	1:1 replacement	gourmet applications, salad dressings, delicate flavors	Naturally mild like rice vinegar. More expensive but excellent substitute.
Lemon Juice + Water	2 tsp lemon juice + 1 tsp water = 1 tbsp rice vinegar	when citrus flavor is welcome, brightening dishes	Provides acidity with fresh citrus notes. Different flavor profile.
Distilled White Vinegar (Well-Diluted)	1 tsp white vinegar + 2 tsp water = 1 tbsp rice vinegar	emergency substitute, when flavor matters less	Very harsh undiluted. Dilute heavily for rice vinegar mildness.
Lime Juice (Diluted)	2 tsp lime juice + 1 tsp water = 1 tbsp rice vinegar	Southeast Asian dishes, tropical applications	Adds tropical notes. Works well in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.