Vinegar is one of the commonly used ingredients in several recipes. In particular, many recipes specify a certain type of vinegar.
If you’ve run out of any one type of vinegar that a recipe demands then it may become necessary to use its substitute.
This article brings home to you some of the best vinegar substitutes that you can try in a pinch.
Vinegar Substitute
All vinegar adds acidity to balance out flavors; you can substitute one for another. Choose a vinegar substitute according to the flavor profile of the recipe. Let us look at some of the possible replacements for all popular types of vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Everyone loves the fruity punch that apple cider vinegar adds to a recipe. In addition, it’s also dearly loved for its manifold health benefits.
The flavor ACV in teas, salad dressings, sauces, and marinated meat is simply awesome.
Rice vinegar, white wine vinegar, or lemon juice all substitute nicely for cider vinegar, especially in salad dressings.
Please note, the substitutes won’t provide you the same health benefits you get from apple cider vinegar.
Balsamic Vinegar
The sweet and exotic flavor of balsamic vinegar induces a mild acid flavor to sauces, salad dressing, marinades, and glazes.
In comparison to others, it has higher acidity with a touch of sweetness and fruity flavor. The longer it’s aged better the quality.
Suitable substitutes for balsamic vinegar include brown rice vinegar and Chinese black vinegar.
Also, use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar blended with sugar or honey to replace balsamic vinegar.
Rice Vinegar
In East Asian countries, rice vinegar is a staple ingredient in many common recipes like sushi rice, stir-fries, and sauces.
The moderately acidic and sweet flavor of rice wine vinegar adds a mild snap to marinades and salad dressings.
Either you can replace rice vinegar with white wine vinegar + sugar, or apple cider vinegar + sugar.
Champagne Vinegar
I dearly love the bright flavor of champagne vinegar with no harshness like other vinegar.
It brings a gently sweet champagne flavor to vinaigrette and salad dressings. Using it as glazes for meat and fish dishes is amazingly delicious.
Any sweet and mildly acidic vinegar is a worthy substitute for champagne vinegar. The closest match for this vinegar is red or white wine vinegar. Adding a little amount of champagne to other vinegar also works well.
White Wine Vinegar
White wine vinegar tends to be milder and less acidic than cider or white distilled vinegar. So, no wonder, why it makes an incredible addition to salad dressings, sauces, and marinades. Also, it’s equally good for meat glazes and braising.
Closet substitutes for white wine vinegar are rice wine vinegar and red wine vinegar. Another option is to add an equal amount of white wine in place of the vinegar.
Red Wine Vinegar
An unavoidable ingredient in Italian salad dressings and marinades is red wine vinegar. Notably, this wine vinegar is also used with heartier flavors and foods, like beef, pork, and vegetables.
A fine substitute for red wine vinegar is a blend of white vinegar and red wine in equal portions. If you are averse to alcohol, try a mixture of grape juice and white vinegar instead.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is the most common vinegar which is invariably found in every kitchen. Its uses are many both in cooking and other household uses like cleaning.
In cooking, it goes well with salad dressing, pickling, and sauces.
If you’ve run out of white vinegar the best alternatives are cider vinegar, malt vinegar, lemon juice, or lime juice.
Malt Vinegar
Malt vinegar has a bold and unique flavor that makes it a great condiment for French fries, fish, or chips. Undauntedly, it’s a flavorful ingredient for pickling mixtures.
As substitutes, lemon juice or cider vinegar stands well in place of malt vinegar.
Sherry Vinegar
Drizzling a little sherry vinegar over roasted meat, fish, and vegetables makes them wonderfully tasty. Use it in marinades, salad dressings, vinaigrettes, or to add a splash to the soup.
In case you’ve run out of it, use an equal amount of red or white wine vinegar instead.
Chinese Black Vinegar
Chinese black vinegar is a common ingredient in cooking different types of cold appetizers, noodles, dipping condiments for dumplings, and braised meats and fish.
Clearly, balsamic and rice vinegar are the best replacement for black vinegar. Adding a little amount of soy or Worcestershire sauce to malt or balsamic vinegar is another good option for its substitution.
Raspberry Vinegar
Raspberry vinegar goes well with a variety of salad dressings to add a fresh and delicious flavor.
Adding a little raspberry vinegar brings in a sweet punch to the raspberry vinaigrette. All the more, it tastes great in glazes.
If you ask me, then I would good go with sherry vinegar as the best substitute for raspberry vinegar.
Herb Vinegar
Commonly, herb vinegar is flavored with herbs such as thyme, tarragon, or rosemary.
Herb vinegar is highly versatile and works well with many spicy dishes. Honestly, it’s a wonderful ingredient for salad dressing.
Use cider vinegar, wine vinegar, or rice vinegar blended with herbs in place of herb vinegar.
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