What Is Rice Vinegar? Get to know this Japanese staple!

With over 200 years of experience crafting the finest rice vinegars, let us tell you all about this fantastic ingredient.

If you’ve ever enjoyed the tangy-sweet flavour of sushi rice or the refreshing lift in a Japanese salad dressing, you may have already tasted rice vinegar without even knowing it.

But what is rice vinegar, really? How is it made, and how do you use it?

With over 200 years of experience crafting the finest rice vinegars, let us tell you all about this fantastic ingredient.

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What Is Rice Vinegar?

Rice vinegar (also known as rice wine vinegar) is a type of vinegar made from fermented rice.

With its light, slightly sweet taste and mild acidity, rice vinegar is a cornerstone of Japanese cooking, used to bring brightness and balance to dishes without overpowering the other flavours.

Unlike many Western vinegars, which can be sharp and intense, rice vinegar offers a gentler acidity that complements both savoury and sweet dishes. And it’s that subtle elegance that makes it a favourite in everything from sushi and pickles to dressings, marinades, and dipping sauces.

How Is Rice Vinegar Made?

At Mizkan, our Rice Vinegar is brewed with care using traditional techniques honed over centuries – it takes a lot of patience and craftsmanship!

The process begins with rice, which is first fermented into alcohol (rice wine).

Then, through a second fermentation, acetic acid bacteria turns the alcohol into vinegar.

The result is a clear, delicate liquid with soft acidity and a mellow aroma that adds depth to dishes without dominating them.

How to Use Rice Vinegar in Cooking

Rice vinegar is an incredibly versatile ingredient. Here are just a few tasty ways to use it in your kitchen:

Sushi Rice

Rice vinegar is the secret behind that signature tang in sushi rice. Mix it with a touch of sugar and salt, and you’ve got the perfect base for sushi rolls or chirashi bowls.

Salad Dressings

Combine rice vinegar with Mizkan’s Yuzu Ponzu, sesame oil, and a dash of ginger for a quick, vibrant Japanese-style vinaigrette.

Pickling

You can use rice vinegar to make light Japanese pickles known as tsukemono with cucumbers, daikon or radishes, and carrots. It adds a gentle zing without overwhelming the natural sweetness of vegetables.

Find our rice wine pickle recipe here!

Stir-Fries & Marinades

Rice vinegar balances out the richness of sauces and marinades. Try it with Mizkan Yuzu Ponzu for a quick and easy savoury stir-fry sauce.

Unexpected Twist

A splash of rice vinegar in sparkling water or cocktails? Surprisingly refreshing and bright—don’t knock it ‘til you try it!

Why Choose Mizkan Rice Vinegar?

Mizkan’s Rice Vinegar is crafted with care, inspired by over 200 years of vinegar-making expertise in Japan.

Whether you’re creating your first homemade sushi roll or refining your teriyaki glaze, our rice vinegar is your trusted companion in the kitchen.

We believe in keeping things simple, authentic, and joyful—just like good food should be.

There you have it, a whistlestop guide to rice vinegar! Be sure to follow Mizkan on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok so you don’t miss out on even more easy Japanese recipes!