COOKING WITH MIRIN

COOKING WITH MIRIN

What is it?

Hon mirin, literally “true mirin”, is a low-alcohol (around 14 percent), sweet Japanese cooking wine made from glutinous rice combined with the distilled alcohol shochu and fermented for a few months. Commercially produced, synthetic, condiment-style mirins such as Aji Mirin, which are popular for cooking due to their ready availability, contain much less alcohol (and as such are less expensive) but they don’t have the same aroma or similar properties in cooking.

The flavour

Hon mirin is golden in colour with a sweet taste and delicate aroma.

Where to find it?

In the Japanese aisle of supermarkets or in the alcoholic beverages section.