Discover the Perfect Mirin Substitute!
There is a reason mirin is one of Japan’s most loved kitchen ingredients. Sugary and rich in umami, this delicious seasoning finds that perfect balance between sweet and savoury.
The only issue can be its availability in British supermarkets and its alcohol content – that little bit of booze can take time to cook off before mirin can be used in recipes. That’s where Mizkan’s Mirin-Style Sweet Seasoning comes in. It’s mirin without the alcohol!
Get Mizkan Mirin-Style Sweet Seasoning from Ocado!
In this feature, we’re taking a closer look at mirin and our beautiful mirin alternative. What exactly is mirin? How is it made? What makes Mizkan Mirin-Style Seasoning such a fantastic substitute? We reveal all, right here…
What is Mirin?
Mirin is a sweet, golden-hued rice wine used in Japanese cooking.
It has a relatively low alcohol content and a much higher amount of natural sugar compared to other rice wines like sake. That higher sugar count comes from the fermentation process used to make mirin, which transforms rice starches into sugar over time.
And it’s that fermentation process that gives mirin its signature flavour: sweet yet umami-rich, with a subtle tang that’s famed for enhancing the taste and appearance of countless Japanese dishes.
What makes Mizkan’s Mirin-Style Sweet Seasoning different to standard mirin is its lack of alcohol. The production process is exactly the same, and done with Mizkan’s masterful craftsmanship developed over 200 years, we just remove the alcohol so you don’t have to.
How Is Mirin Made?
Both traditional mirin and Mizkan’s Mirin-Style Sweet Seasoning are crafted from three key ingredients:
- Glutinous rice (mochi gome)
- Koji (a fermentation starter)
- Shochu (a distilled spirit)
The ingredients are combined and fermented over several months and the result is a sweet, golden liquid with a mild alcohol content.
For our Mirin-Style Sweet Seasoning, we just add an extra step to remove the alcohol content.
Because of mirin’s alcohol content and long fermentation time, traditional hon-mirin can be difficult to find outside of Japan and it’s expensive to import.
Luckily, when a recipe does call for mirin, Mizkan’s Mirin-Style Sweet Seasoning is easy to order on Ocado!
What Is Mirin Used For?
Mirin can play multiple roles in Japanese cooking. They include:
- Glazing and shine: Mirin is used to give teriyaki sauce that iconic gloss and create that beautiful lacquered effect on yakitori skewers.
- Balance and depth: Mirin sweetens dishes without overpowering them.
- Tenderising proteins: Mirin is especially useful in marinades for meats and fish.
- Desserts: Mizkan’s Mirin-Style Sweet Seasoning can be used as a 1:1 replacement for sugar in sweet treats. We love marinated strawberries in Mirin-Style Sweet Seasoning and serving them with cream.
Looking for a Mirin Substitute or Alternative?
It can be hard to find a “mirin substitute” or “mirin alternative” when a recipe calls for mirin but you don’t have it on hand—or you need a no-alcohol version.
As such, some websites recommend mixing white wine with sugar or combining sake with honey to make a DIY mirin alternative. However, these options fall short when it comes to depth of flavour and real authenticity.
That’s where we come in…
Mizkan’s Mirin-Style Sweet Seasoning: The Perfect Mirin Alternative
Mizkan’s Mirin-Style Sweet Seasoning has been made by the master brewers at Mizkan, leaning on Mizkan’s 200 years of Japanese culinary heritage, to be an easy-to-use mirin substitute for profession and home kitchens alike.
Authentic Taste
Designed to closely mimic the flavour and functionality of hon-mirin, Mizkan’s Mirin-Style Sweet Seasoning offers that classic sweet-umami balance.
No Compromise Convenience
Unlike traditional mirin, Mizkan’s version is easy to find and alcohol-free—making it much more user-friendly than its traditional counterpart.
Versatile in the Kitchen
Use it in marinades, glazes, sauces, dressings, stir-fries, and even desserts. It’s a one-bottle wonder for elevating fusion dishes and authentic Japanese dishes.
Made by Japan’s No.1 vinegar company
With over 200 years of expertise, Mizkan is a trusted name in Japanese seasonings all over the world, and they put all of that experience into every product they make.
How to Use Mizkan’s Mirin-Style Sweet Seasoning
Anywhere a recipe calls for mirin, simply use Mizkan’s Mirin-Style Sweet Seasoning in the same quantity.
Here are a few joyful ideas to try:
- Mix with soy sauce and ginger for a quick teriyaki glaze
- Add to miso soup or broths for a layer of warmth
- Drizzle over grilled aubergines or tofu
- Splash into ramen to bring harmony to the bowl
So, next time a recipe asks for mirin, think Mizkan Mirin-Style Seasoning!