Seasoning
Rice Vinegar (Komezu)
Availability:
★
★
★
★
☆
(Local supermarket)
What is it?
A mild vinegar brewed from rice. It tastes softer and a little sweeter than Western vinegars. It seasons sushi rice, pickles, and dressings.
Substitution Guide
✅
Best Substitute
Apple Cider Vinegar
It is also mild and a little fruity. Use a bit less, since it tastes sharper.
⚠️
Acceptable
White Wine Vinegar
It is clean but more sour. Add a pinch more sugar to soften it.
🚫
NEVER Use
Malt Vinegar
Its strong malt smell covers the rice. It also contains gluten.
Related Ingredients
Did you know?
🔬Early Edo sushi used a red vinegar made from sake lees. Clear rice vinegar became the home standard later. Most Japanese kitchens keep a bottle today.
Sensory Profile
It smells gently sour with a hint of rice. On the tongue, the acid feels round, not sharp.
