Best Rice Cooking Wines of 2025

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

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Rice cooking wines are a staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines, especially Chinese and Japanese. These wines are made from fermented rice and are used to add flavor and aroma to various dishes, such as stir-fries, marinades, and sauces. Unlike regular drinking wines, rice cooking wines are not meant to be consumed on their own, as they are high in salt and often contain added spices or herbs. Some popular brands of rice cooking wines include Shaoxing, Mirin, and Sake, each with their own unique taste profile and cooking applications. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner, adding rice cooking wine to your pantry can elevate your Asian-inspired dishes to the next level.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Qian Hu Chinese Shaohsing Rice Cooking Wine (Red) Cover #TOP 1
Qian Hu Chinese Shaohsing Rice Cooking Wine (Red)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Soeos Mirin Rice Cooking Wine Cover #TOP 2
Soeos Mirin Rice Cooking Wine
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Soeos Shaoxing Rice Wine, 21.64 fl oz Cover #TOP 3
Soeos Shaoxing Rice Wine, 21.64 fl oz
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Rice Cooking Wines

#TOP 1

Qian Hu Chinese Shaohsing Rice Cooking Wine (Red)

750ml (Pack of 1)
Qian Hu Chinese Shaohsing Rice Cooking Wine (Red) Cover
Qian Hu Chinese Shaohsing Rice Cooking Wine (Red) (750ml)

This Chinese Shaohsing Rice Cooking Wine (Red) by Qian Hu comes in a 750ml bottle and is sold in a pack of 1. It is a great product in the category of rice cooking wines.

What We Like
Great flavor for cooking
Versatile for various dishes
Enhances homemade meals
Excellent price point
What We Don't Like
Possible leakage issues
Dented and loose cap
#TOP 2

Soeos Mirin Rice Cooking Wine

Mirin
Soeos Mirin Rice Cooking Wine Cover
Soeos Mirin, Japanese Cooking Wine, 16.9 fl oz (Pack of 1), Mirin Rice Wine, Authentic Natural Sugar Sweet Rice Cooking Wine for Cooking, Condiments, Seasoning Homemade Sauces, Japanese Seasoning

Soeos Mirin is an essential ingredient for your Japanese cooking needs. This rice wine, sweeter than sake, enhances a variety of dishes, from marinades to sauces. Made with premium short-grain rice and all-natural sugar, it guarantees high quality in every drop. The beautiful, BPA-free plastic bottle not only protects the flavors but also makes pouring and resealing easy. With Soeos, your satisfaction is a priority, so you can feel confident in your purchase and cooking adventures.

What We Like
High quality product
Authentic taste
Great price for value
Easy to find
What We Don't Like
Less sweet than some preferences
Plastic bottle instead of glass

Soeos Shaoxing Rice Wine, 21.64 fl oz

Soeos Shaoxing Rice Wine, 21.64 fl oz Cover
Soeos Shaoxing Wine, Shaoxing Rice Wine, Chinese Cooking Wine, Rice Cooking Wine, Shaoxing Wine Chinese Cooking Wine, Shao Hsing Rice Wine, 21.64 fl oz (640ml),1 Pack, Regular Cooking Wine

Soeos Shaoxing Rice Wine is widely used in every Chinese restaurant to add authentic flavor to any Asian dish. It can bring out the full flavors of stir-fries, soups, marinades, and elevate pan-fried dumplings with just a few splashes. The wine should be used when the temperature in the pot is the highest during the cooking process. SOEOS is a well-known spice and herb brand that ensures expertly produced fresher ingredients for every kitchen.

What We Like
High-quality cooking wine
Improves flavor in dishes
Long shelf life
Excellent for egg drop soup
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Possible salt sensitivity
May require cooking adjustments
#TOP 4

52USA Shaoxing Cooking Wine

52USA Shaoxing Cooking Wine Cover
52USA Shaoxing Cooking Wine 21.64 fl oz, Chinese Asian Cooking Wine, Shao Hsing Rice Wine, Shaoxing Rice Wine, Hsing Rice Wine, Fermented Rice Wine, Homemade Asian Cooking

52USA Shaoxing Cooking Wine is an authentic Chinese rice wine that adds a distinct flavor and aroma to dishes. It is a famous variety of huangjiu, fermented from rice, and originates from the Shaoxing region in China. 52USA Shaoxing wine is commonly used in Chinese restaurants for almost every savory dish. However, it contains wheat.

What We Like
Subtle, rich flavor
Transforms home-cooked dishes
Great for various Asian recipes
Excellent packaging
Long-lasting value
What We Don't Like
Some may find it pricey
#TOP 5

SHAOHSING RICE COOKING WINE 750ML (Golden Brand)

Da Xing
1 Count (Pack of 1)
SHAOHSING RICE COOKING WINE 750ML (Golden Brand) Cover
SHAOHSING RICE COOKING WINE 750ML (Golden Brand)

SHAOHSING RICE COOKING WINE 750ML (Golden Brand) is a traditional Chinese wine fermented from rice, which is widely used as a cooking wine in Chinese cuisine. It has been in production for centuries, and large quantities are made and stored in the classic Shaoxing wine container over long periods of time.

What We Like
Authentic flavor for Asian cuisine
Well-packaged and fast delivery
Great taste and value
Glass bottle preferred
Enhances broth and soup
What We Don't Like
Slight leakage reported
Label issues noted
#TOP 6

Premium Shaoxing Cooking Wine 33.81 Fl Oz

NPG
Premium Shaoxing Cooking Wine 33.81 Fl Oz Cover
NPG Premium Shaoxing Cooking Wine 33.81 Fl Oz (1000ml), Shaoxing Rice Wine Chinese Cooking Wine, Red Cooking Wine the Most Common Ingredient Used in Homemade Asian Cooking

The Premium Shaoxing Cooking Wine is a value-sized red cooking wine used in Asian cuisine. Made of water, rice, wheat, salt, and caramel, a bottle of 33.81 FL OZ (1000ml) is 50% more than regular red cooking wine. It's a widely used ingredient in Chinese restaurants and can remove the fishy smell of the food, making dishes appetizing. It is better in marinade, richer in flavor, and has a fragrant aroma than other brands. Shaoxing Wine is a great alternative to Mirin Japanese cooking wine, which is sweeter.

What We Like
Great flavor for Asian dishes
Good value for money
Long-lasting in storage
Versatile in recipes
Quick delivery
What We Don't Like
Plastic bottle not ideal
#TOP 7

52USA Mirin Cooking Wine

52USA Mirin Cooking Wine Cover
52USA Mirin,Japanese Mirin Cooking Wine 16.9 FL OZ(Pk of 1)Red Rice Cooking Wine&Seasoning Homemade Sauces,Marinades,Glazes,Salad Dressings,Sushi Rice,Ramen Noodles,Natural Sugar,Less Sugar&Calories

52USA Mirin is a versatile cooking wine that can be used in a variety of Japanese dishes. Made with granulated sugar, it serves as a go-to sweetener for savory recipes. Whether you're making dipping sauces for noodles, sashimi, tonkatsu, or tempura, 52USA Mirin adds a delicious touch of sweetness. Additionally, it can be used as a seasoning in soups and noodle dishes like ramen, miso soup, soba noodles, sukiyaki, and stir-fried udon noodles. With its ability to balance the salty flavors of soy sauce and enhance the sweetness of dashi fish broth, 52USA Mirin elevates the taste of your homemade Japanese cuisine. Enjoy the convenience of a high-quality mirin that contains less sugar and fewer calories than other brands.

What We Like
Great flavor and quality
Versatile for various dishes
Good price for quantity
Excellent for sushi rice
Staple in household cooking
What We Don't Like
Leakage at the lid
#TOP 8

Best of Thailand Mirin | Sweet Japanese Rice Wine Condiment

Best of Thailand Mirin | Sweet Japanese Rice Wine Condiment Cover
Best of Thailand Mirin | Authentic Sweet Japanese Rice Wine Condiment for Cooking & Seasoning Homemade Sauces, Marinade, Glaze, Salad Dressing, Sushi Rice | Kosher for Passover | 16.9 Oz 2 Pack

Experience the deep, rich, distinctive flavor of authentic Mirin with Best of Thailand Mirin. This champagne-colored Japanese rice wine serves as a versatile dressing, marinade, and condiment, infusing food with a mysteriously delicate balance of tart acidity, mellow sweetness, and satisfying umami taste. A staple ingredient in oriental cuisine, this premium Mirin adds mild sweetness and pleasant aroma to your favorite dishes. It is bottled by the industry's best and is diet-friendly with a host of health benefits.

What We Like
Good value in 2-pack
Versatile for various dishes
Not overly sweet
Essential for sushi rice
Easy to find for purchase
What We Don't Like
Contains alcohol, not as expected
#TOP 9

Soeos Shaoxing Cooking Wine 51.24oz (1500ml)

Soeos Shaoxing Cooking Wine 51.24oz (1500ml) Cover
Soeos Shaoxing Cooking Wine, 51.24oz (1500ml), Chinese Cooking Wine, Shaoxing Hua Diao Cooking Wine, Premium Cooing Wine for Asian-Style Cooks

Soeos Shaoxing Wine is a versatile Chinese cooking rice wine widely used in savory dishes. It adds an authentic flavor to Asian stir-frys, soups, and marinades. This cooking wine enhances pan-fried dumplings and is essential in Asian dumpling fillings, marinades for roasted meats like char siu pork, seasonings for stir-fries, and red-cooked dishes. Expertly produced by Soeos, this rice cooking wine is favored by chefs for bringing fresher ingredients to every kitchen. Soeos values customer satisfaction, ensuring your questions and concerns are addressed promptly.

What We Like
Great flavor enhancer
Good value for quantity
Versatile for various dishes
Reliable quality at fair price
What We Don't Like
Long delivery time
#TOP 10

Wan Ja Shan Mirin Cooking Wine

Wan Ja Shan Mirin Cooking Wine Cover
Wan Ja Shan Mirin Cooking Wine - Premium Japanese Sweet Rice Wine for Cooking, No Corn Syrup Added, Perfect for Sushi Rice, Sauces, Glazes, Marinades & Stir-Fries, Authentic Flavor, 15oz

Wan Ja Shan Mirin is a premium cooking wine that enhances your culinary creations with its corn syrup-free formula, ensuring an authentic taste. Ideal for sushi rice, it provides a delightful sweetness and perfect texture, making your sushi dishes stand out. This versatile ingredient also elevates sauces and glazes, adding depth to meats and vegetables. Whether you're stir-frying or making soups, this mirin introduces a hint of sweetness and umami, transforming everyday meals into something special. With Wan Ja Shan Mirin, you can easily bring authentic Japanese flavors to your kitchen.

What We Like
Authentic taste
Consistent quality
Reliable product
What We Don't Like
Higher price point
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is rice cooking wine the same as cooking wine?

No, rice cooking wine is not the same as cooking wine sold in local supermarkets. Rice cooking wine, especially Chinese rice wine, has a different flavor profile and is not overly salted like cooking wine. Additionally, rice cooking wine should not be confused with rice wine vinegar, as they are different products with distinct flavors.

2. What is rice cooking wine good for?

Rice cooking wine, like other types of wine, is a versatile ingredient in cooking. It is commonly used for tenderizing meat, deglazing pans, and adding flavor to dishes like sushi, sashimi, and various Asian recipes. It can enhance the taste of soups, sauces, and noodle bowls, making it a key ingredient in many delicious recipes.

3. Is rice cooking wine the same as rice wine vinegar?

No, rice cooking wine and rice wine vinegar are different products and should not be used interchangeably. While both are made from rice, rice cooking wine is used for cooking and adding flavor to dishes, while rice wine vinegar is a vinegar with an acidic taste. If you need a substitute, pale dry sherry or dry white wine can replace rice wine, and apple cider vinegar can be used instead of rice vinegar.

4. Can I drink rice cooking wine?

Technically, you could drink rice cooking wine, but it is not intended for consumption as a beverage. It is considered undrinkable due to its salty, acidic, and even metallic flavors. Drinking rice cooking wine may not be an enjoyable experience, and it is primarily used as a cooking ingredient rather than for drinking purposes.

5. What flavor does rice wine add?

Rice wine, particularly mirin in Japanese cooking, adds a tangy sweet flavor to dishes. It is commonly used to enhance flavors in soy and teriyaki sauces, as well as to add complexity to fish or rice dishes. The unique taste of rice wine, with its sweet and tangy notes, makes it a popular choice for marinades, glazes, and noodle-based stir-fry dishes.

Editor's Notes

During our rice cooking wine research, we found 24 rice cooking wine products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 66,270 customer reviews through our big data system to write the rice cooking wines list. We found that most customers choose rice cooking wines with an average price of $15.43.

The rice cooking wines are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of rice cooking wines, including Qian Hu, Soeos, 52USA, Da Xing, NPG. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 489 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Rice Cooking Wines Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP5
#TOP6
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#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Qian Hu Soeos Soeos 52USA Da Xing NPG 52USA Best of Thailand Soeos Wan Ja Shan
Flavor Regular Cooking Wine Mirin Regular Regular grape unflavored Mirin Mirin Shao Xing Huadiao Rice Wine sweet
Body Description Red Light" or "Medium Rice wine with a typical flavor of Shaoxing wine, made from rice, water, wheat, and salt. Light - Premium Shaoxing Cooking Wine with richer flavor and larger volume than regular brands - - - -
Package Information - - - - Bottle - Bottle Bottle Can Bottle
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.6
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