Black vinegar substitute

Chinese black vinegar is a favourite ingredient of many Asian cooks. It adds a sweetish sour note to dishes. Here's our definitive guide on using this Chinese staple ingredient and our favourite dipping sauce recipe.

We've changed our recipe over the years to make it perfect for dipping steamed and grilled goods without being too salty.

Black vinegar brands

If you want to learn how to make your dipping sauce from scratch, you're in the right place. 

What is in Chinese black vinegar?

Chinese black vinegar has two primary ingredients: glutinous rice and malt vinegar. 

Another version of it sold on the market has added sugar and ginger.

Many cooks use this version primarily for braised pork dishes. However, you should note that many Asian cooks do not replace one another. 

The sauce is black due to a special chemical reaction between the two main ingredients.

Carbohydrates react with amino acids, resulting in the source colour.

How is Chinese black vinegar made?

Chinese black vinegar is made from black sticky rice or r

how is black vinegar used

how is white vinegar made