Chinese rice wine

a.k.a.

Shaoxing, Shao Hsing

what is it?

Brewed from rice and water, rice wine is a staple of drinking and cooking in China. It adds an acidic element to stir-fries and sauces and tenderizes in marinades. Chinese rice wine should be golden in color, with nutty flavor undertones.

don't have it?

If you can't find a good imported Chinese rice wine, good quality dry sherry is a fine substitute. Don't substitute Japanese rice wines (sake or mirin), which have different flavors altogether.

how to choose:

Look for a brand imported from China; domestic brands are usually of low quality.