Shaoxing wine
A Chinese rice wine from Zhejiang with a nutty, amber taste.
At a glance
- Chinese: 紹興酒 (Cantonese siu6 hing3 zau2; Mandarin Shàoxīng jiǔ)
What it is
A Chinese rice wine from Zhejiang with a nutty, amber taste. Used in marinades, sauces and braises.
How we use it
A splash in a marinade for meat or fish, or added to the pan near the end of a stir-fry so the alcohol cooks off.
Check the label
"Cooking wine" is often salted, so use less salt in the dish. The wine is alcoholic. If someone does not take alcohol, leave it out or use a substitute.
Where to find it in Hong Kong
Supermarkets and Chinese grocery shops.
Substitutes
Dry sherry is the usual swap. Dry white wine or a little rice vinegar plus water also work in a pinch.
Dishes here that use it
Sources
Facts on this page come from these pages. We have summarised them in our own words.