Substitutes for Vinegar

Are you looking for substitutes for vinegar in your cooking or cleaning routine? You’re in the right place! There are several options available that can replace vinegar.

 

Sherry Vinegar Substitutes

If you run out of sherry vinegar, don’t worry! There are a variety of substitutes that can mimic the slightly sweet and tangy flavor of sherry vinegar. Here are a few ideas for you to try:

1.  Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a versatile option as it has a similar fruity tang to sherry vinegar. To replace sherry vinegar in your recipe, use an equal amount of apple cider vinegar. However, bear in mind that it may have a slightly stronger taste, so you can consider diluting it with a bit of water if necessary.
2.  Red Wine Vinegar: Another suitable alternative is red wine vinegar. It shares some of the same flavor notes as sherry vinegar, although it is a bit more acidic. To balance the acidity, mix one part of red wine vinegar with one part of water, and use this mixture in place of sherry vinegar in your recipe.
3. Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar can also be used to replace sherry vinegar, especially in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces. Balsamic vinegar is sweeter and thicker, so use a little less than the amount of sherry vinegar called for in your recipe.
4. Rice Wine Vinegar: Rice wine vinegar has a milder, less acidic flavor compared to other types of vinegar. To use it as a substitute for sherry vinegar, mix three parts of rice wine vinegar with one part of sugar. This mixture will provide a similar sweet and tangy taste to sherry vinegar.

 

White Vinegar Substitutes

1. Lemon or Lime Juice: You can easily replace white vinegar with lemon or lime juice. Use equal parts of either juice for a similar tangy flavor. This option is particularly suitable for salad dressings, marinades, and even some baking recipes.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar: Another substitute you can use is apple cider vinegar. Its fruity taste blends well with most dishes, making it a versatile alternative. Use it in the same amount as white vinegar for recipes like pickles, sauces, and dressings.
3. Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar has a dark color and rich, sweet flavor. Although it may drastically alter the color of your dish, it is a great alternative for dressings, glazes, and sauces. Replace white vinegar with balsamic vinegar at a 1:1 ratio.
4. Rice Vinegar: Known for its mild, slightly sweet taste, rice vinegar is another option to consider. It works best in Asian cuisines like sushi rice, stir-fries, and dipping sauces. Replace white vinegar with rice vinegar in equal amounts.
5. Wine Vinegar: Red or white wine vinegar serves as an excellent alternative, especially for savory dishes. They have a similar acidity level as white vinegar but with a hint of wine flavor. Use an equal amount of wine vinegar when swapping out white vinegar.

 

Black Vinegar Substitutes

1. Balsamic Vinegar is a popular choice when you need a black vinegar substitute. It has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that can somewhat mimic the taste of black vinegar. You can use it in equal amounts as a substitute in recipes, but keep in mind that balsamic vinegar has a stronger flavor, so you might want to add it gradually and adjust to your taste. Mix balsamic vinegar with water: To mellow down the robust flavor, you could mix 1 part water with 2 parts balsamic vinegar.
2. Rice Vinegar is made from fermented rice, just like black vinegar. It has a mild and slightly sweet taste, making it a suitable replacement in your recipes. Use either white or red rice vinegar: White rice vinegar is milder and closer to black vinegar, while red rice vinegar has a stronger flavor. You can experiment with both to find the one that suits your dish the best.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar has a moderate acidity level and a fruity taste, which can provide some depth of flavor to your recipe. Bear in mind that apple cider vinegar might not be suitable for all recipes, as its fruity taste might be too pronounced in some dishes. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water: To lessen the fruitiness, mix it with an equal part of water before using it as a substitute.
4. Lemon Juice or Lime Juice can be used as a black vinegar substitute, especially in recipes that require only a small amount of vinegar. Combine lemon or lime juice with water: Since these juices are stronger in flavor than black vinegar, dilute with equal parts water for a better match.

 

Champagne Vinegar Substitutes

1. White wine vinegar is an excellent choice due to its similar acidity and fruity flavor. It can seamlessly blend into most recipes that call for champagne vinegar, like vinaigrettes and sauces.
2. Apple cider vinegar is another substitute you can consider. It offers a fruity, tangy taste that pairs well with various ingredients. In salads and dressings, apple cider vinegar adds a delicate sweetness that complements the dish.
3. Lemon or lime juice can effectively replace champagne vinegar. They provide the necessary acidity, and citrus flavors work well in a wide range of dishes. Be cautious when using lemon or lime juice as they have a much more potent taste, so adjust the quantity accordingly.
4. Rice vinegar is less acidic and has a subtle sweetness, making it suitable for recipes that need a more delicate flavor. However, keep in mind that rice vinegar might not perform well in dishes that require a bold taste.
5. Sherry vinegar can act as a substitute for champagne vinegar when used sparingly.

 

Rice Vinegar Substitutes

White wine vinegar is a reliable substitute, as it has a mild flavor and low acidity, similar to rice vinegar. It works well in dressings, marinades, and pickling recipes. Start with a 1:1 ratio when replacing rice vinegar, and adjust according to your taste preference.

Apple cider vinegar has a fruity flavor profile and mild acidity, making it well-suited for many dishes that call for rice vinegar. Like white wine vinegar, use it in a 1:1 ratio and adjust the amounts based on your taste.

Lemon juice can be an excellent choice because the tartness of lemon juice closely mimics the tanginess of rice vinegar. Since lemon juice has a stronger flavor, begin by replacing half the amount of rice vinegar and adjust as necessary.

FAQs

What can replace vinegar in a marinade?

You can replace vinegar in a marinade with citrus juices like lemon, lime, or orange juice. These juices also provide the acidity needed to tenderize the meat while adding a fresh, zesty flavor. Another option is to use a mix of equal parts water and plain yogurt for a tangy and creamy substitute.

 

What is a good alternative for malt vinegar on fries?

If you’re out of malt vinegar for your fries, you can use apple cider vinegar as a suitable alternative. It has a similar tangy, fruity flavor that complements the taste of fries. Another option is to sprinkle your fries with a mixture of lemon juice and sea salt for a unique twist.