绍兴酒，料酒，黄酒 | shàoxīng jiǔ, liàojiǔ, huángjiǔ

Chinese cooking wine

Cooking wine is an essential in the Chinese pantry. The most popular and recognizable variety is Shaoxing wine, a 30 proof grain liquor and specialty of the ancient city of Shaoxing in Zhejiang province. Amber-colored and aromatic, it’s also called “yellow wine” (huángjiǔ).

In meat dishes, Shaoxing wine is used to refine the flavors of fish and meat, and in vegetarian dishes it lends a savory aroma and deglazes the wok. It has a nutty grain flavor and mushroomy note, and smells faintly sweet as it evaporates.

What brand should I buy?

Many “Shaoxing wine” brands from China are actually knock-off brands from the genuine Shaoxing original, and their ingredients can be questionable. The best-quality Chinese cooking wines are actually produced in Taiwan—my current favorite is the Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation brand. Look for a red label and square glass bottle.

I love this cooking wine because the ingredient list contains just water, rice, and salt, with no additional flavoring, sugar, or caramel coloring.

How do I store cooking wine?

Store in a cool, dark place as you would any other kind of wine, and keep the cap tightly covered. Unopened rice wine will keep indefinitely.

What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?

Dry sherry is a great substitution.