Wine is one of the drinks alcoholic Spanish favourites. However, we are used to the fact that it is always made with fermented grape juice, which is not always the case. Today we will talk about rice wine known as mirin, which is often confused with sake. Find out!
The most popular rice wine
El mirin is a rice wine very similar to sake. It is often confused with this one, in fact, because its composition is similar and its appearance is also similar. However, the main difference between these Popular beverages lie in the fact that they differ in the content alcoholic. Another of the differentiating characteristics is the high sugar content, which is achieved naturally during its fermentation. Depending on the way to prepare it, there are several types.
El hon mirin It has 14% alcohol, being the most alcoholic variant of this rice wine. The shio-mirin 1,5%, being the most used version for the kitchen. Lastly, the shin mirin, a synthetic version from industrial flavors, barely reaches 1%, becoming the version with less alcohol of the family. Its most common use, especially that of the last two varieties, It's like a food seasoning.
Muchos chefs Experts doubt that these variants less alcoholic provide the same properties as the version with more alcohol. The preparation to accompany food is different, moreover, since the hon mirin It is usually left to boil a little before consumption to lower the alcohol content. The result is a wine that can not only be consume in glass, but it can also help us to give it a touch unique to some particular dishes.
The different uses of rice wine
We have already talked about how this is used in the kitchen. wine made with a rice base, but… what are its applications on the plates? Well, one of its main uses is to give it a touch bright and glazed grilled fish, for example. And, at the same time, eliminate its smell. It is usually used that it has a very powerful, so you have to always use it with care.
Es very important keep this in mind if we decide to add some mirin (of any type) to the mixture of vinegar, sugar and salt that is used to season the sushi rice, since it can be too much sweet and sticky. It is always better to do a small test that demonstrates the result that we hope to obtain. If not, you can bring us some dislike extra.
El rice wine is the basis of many marinades and seasonings of Japanese cuisine, along with the famous soy sauce. It is also one of the ingredients of teriyaki sauce, one of the most Popular from all over Japan. The mixture of mirin, soya and sugar is ideal for preparing all kinds of meat or grilled fish. Without a doubt, it is one of the most versatile ingredients in oriental cuisine that can be used to experience with numerous recipes.
Can I do it at home?
Unfortunately, it is very complicated make your own mirin at home Both this and the sake are varieties of rice wine that, to ensure its quality, it is preferable to buy already manufactured. However, there is a very practical way to replace it, in case you do not have it at hand. You just have to search sake, what is more simple to find, and mix the same amount of this drink with 1/3 parts of sugar.
There is also a similar product that can be used as substitute, called mirin-fū chōmiryō. The name can be a bit confusing, to be sure (and we had a hell of a time writing it), but it actually means "mirin style dressing". It is a perfect substitute for this. The substitute usually has a 1% alcohol content, similar to shin mirin, and, in reality, it is a synthetic preparation that is made with starch syrup and various additives.
What do you think? Did you know the use that this rice wine did you have in the kitchen? Of course, it has left us wanting to try a recipe with it.
