Best Sherry Vinegar Substitutes
Sherry vinegar substitutes are easy to find using other vinegar you probably already have. Keep reading to determine what is the best substitute for your recipe!
Sherry vinegar substitutes are easy to find. In fact, you probably already have most of my recommendations. The real trick is knowing what sherry vinegar tastes like and the flavor you are trying to achieve. From there, use the list below to determine the best substitute for your dish.
What is Sherry Vinegar?
Before we get into sherry vinegar substitutes, let’s talk about Sherry vinegar. In the simplest of terms, it is a vinegar derived from sherry wine. Sherry vinegar that comes to the US can only have that name if it meets two criteria. 1. It must aged within the sherry triangle, a specific region in Spain. 2. It also must age inside of American oak. (Wikipedia)
If you are scratching your head, you are not alone! But Wikipedia is always right, correct?
What does Sherry Vinegar Taste like?
The flavor is sharp and tangy. Because it’s aged on oak, it has a caramel undertone. Sherry vinegar is also highly acidic, at 7%. By contrast, apple cider has a 5% – 6%, and balsamic vinegar has a 4% – 6%. This acidity gives it a sharp flavor!
How Do I Use Sherry Vinegar?
It would be best to use it sparingly, like any other vinegar. It will add a pop of flavor to your food, but it can also overpower it. I think it tastes best in salad dressings, marinades, or as a finishing vinegar (similar to a sprinkle of lemon).
Best Sherry Vinegar Substitutes
There are many possible substitutes. The list below is necessarily in order. Use the information below to determine which flavor is best for your recipe.
Rice Wine Vinegar
Rice wine vinegar has a 4% to 5% acetic acid content, much lower than sherry vinegar. It will add the vinegar tang but keep the flavor of your dish the same. It has sugar added so that it can be a sweetness. It is a more neutral vinegar, but it is vinegar!
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is nicknamed Sherry vinegar Italian cousin. It is slightly sweeter in flavor, but it’s still vinegar, with an acid content of 4% to 6%. It works best in salad dressings and marinades. It will give your dish sweetness.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is my go-to substitute. It has a strong flavor and acid content, like sherry vinegar. In fact, it has a higher acid content, which gives your recipes a sharper zing! That is what I like about it, the sharp zang!
I recommend following the golden rule: start with less and add more as needed. In other words, you can always add but can’t remove.
Citrus Fruit Juices
A squeeze of lemon or lime will provide a similar zip. It is pretty different, so use it in smaller quantities, or your dish might taste like citrus. Another nice thing about citrus is its convenience and affordability.
White Wine Vinegar
White wine vinegar has a cleaner, crisper flavor. It is less complex and more neutral vinegar. Use white wine vinegar when you want the zip and a clean flavor without complexity.
Red Wine Vinegar
I love red wine vinegar. It has a strong and distinctive flavor. If you want to add a bold flavor, use red wine vinegar.
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