Chinese Rice Wine (米酒) - All About Shaoxing & Baijiu Wine
- Afrah F
- Jun 11
- 5 min read
The art of winemaking has always intrigued me. I remember a French wine book from my childhood that got me drooling over grapes. Later, I found out that wine can be made with all kinds of fruits and flowers, like Osmanthus. Then I came across Asian wines and once again was fascinated by how common it is in most Eastern households and kitchens. Chinese rice wine is one of the most consumed spirits in the world, and here's all you need to know about it!
What is Chinese Rice Wine Called?
Chinese Rice Wine is called Mijiu (米酒). It's made by fermenting rice, similar to how other wines are made. Commonly referred to as Asian Wines, rice wines have an alcohol content ranging from 15%-60% v/v. Although some people refer to it as 'China Wines', other East and Southeast Asian countries also produce Rice Wine for both cooking and consumption. It's made using various types of Rice, but primarily from glutinous rice.
Shaoxing Rice Wine Vs. Baijiu Wine
What is Shaoxing Rice Wine
Shaoxing Wine - shàoxīngjiǔ (绍兴酒) - is the Red Wine of China. Instead, it's used ONLY for Cooking. It's produced in the Shaoxing Region in the Zhejiang Province, and every Chinese household has a bottle of this rice wine in their kitchens. Made with Glutinous Rice, it tastes like a hard, dry Sake. It's unpleasant for direct consumption. Shaoxing Wine is a variety of Huangjiu Wine, which is known as Yellow Wine due to its brownish hue.
Some Chinese do consume aged Shaoxing, but we have to tell you, it's not for the mild palates. This article focuses mostly on Shaoxing wine, so keep reading to find out more information about it.
What is Baijiu Wine
Baijiu is the world's most consumed spirit. It's a traditional Chinese distilled liquor, often called “Chinese white liquor", made from fermented grains like sorghum, rice, or wheat. It's a clear beverage with a high alcohol content (usually 35%–60%). The Chinese people drink Baijiu during festivals and celebrations like the Mid-Autumn Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Tomb Sweeping Festival.
What does Baijiu Taste Like
Baijiu has a bold, soy-like flavour depending on its contents. Its taste ranges from sweet and fruity to savoury. To many first-timers, Baijiu may taste intense or even strangely starchy, but connoisseurs describe it as rich, layered, and deeply aromatic.
What is Baijiu Made of?
Made from fermented grains, Baijiu is a slightly complex version of Shaoxing Wine. The grains are mixed with a fermentation starter called qu, then distilled and aged in clay jars or pits.
Where can I buy Baijiu?
You can buy Baijiu at your nearest Asian market. As it's a distilled Liquor, you'll most probably find it in the liquor section of the store. Alternatively, you can buy online as well. Moutai, Luzhou Laojiao, and Wuliangye are some popular Chinese Baijiu brand names.
History of Shaoxing Rice Wine (绍兴酒)
With a rich history dating back over 2,000 years to ancient China, Shaoxing Jiu has its roots in the first half of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (known as the Spring and Autumn Period from 771-476 BC).
Based on the records of "Lüshi Chunqiu", King Goujian of Yue suffered shame as he did not have enough food to share with his fellow soldiers in Kuaiji. To make up for it, he poured wine into the river to make it accessible for the army.
By the Northern and Southern Dynasties, Shaoxing old wine had become a tribute, and over time, the Shaoxing wine-making industry grew, exceeding 500,000 tons of wine being produced in the country.
Chinese Cooking Wine Substitute
There are many Shaoxing Wine Substitute options if you've got no Chinese Rice Wine in your pantry right now. Alternatives for Chinese rice wine include:
Sake / Soju
Mirin
Dry Sherry
Apple Cider - Better for marinating.
White Wine - Better for marinating
Gin
What food pairs with Chinese Rice Wine
Shaoxing wine pairs with Chinese food, and you won't believe how many day-to-day Chinese dishes contain it. It's an Asian staple just like Ajino Moto (MSG). It's a household ingredient like Soy Sauce.
Dishes made using Shaoxing Rice Wine:
Wonton Noodle Soup
Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken and Egg Fried Rice
Braised Beef Tendon and Shank Stew
Kung Pao Chicken
Stir-Fried Prawns and Green Beans
Lemon Chicken
Drunken Chicken
Hong Shao Yu Braised Fish
Beef and Broccoli
Often, marinades and stir-fries require a few tablespoons of Shaoxing, while certain soup/stew recipes require at least 3/4 of Shaoxing wine.
How to Store Shaoxing Wine?
Shaoxing wine should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight and heat. It can often last for months. If you cook with it regularly, storing it in the fridge door is convenient. For long-term storage, transferring it to a smaller airtight container can help reduce air exposure.
Where can I buy Shaoxing Wine?
You can buy Shaoxing wine at most Asian grocery stores or supermarkets. Many liquor stores with international selections may stock it, too. When buying, look for labels that say “Shaoxing Cooking Wine” or “Shaoxing Hua Tiao Wine.”
Is Chinese Rice Wine the same as Rice Vinegar?
No. One adds depth and aroma (wine); the other adds tang and acidity (vinegar). Many people wonder whether rice vinegar can be used as a Chinese cooking wine substitute, but the answer is no. Rice wine is an alcoholic drink made from fermented rice, used for cooking or drinking. Rice vinegar is made by fermenting rice wine further into acid, completely removing alcohol.
Is Shaoxing Wine the same as White Rice Wine?
No. White Rice wine is made with White Rice, whereas Shaoxing Wine is made with Glutinous Rice. It's more expensive and gives a better aroma. The Chinese use White Rice Wine to blanch and cure meat. Some use it as a Chinese cooking wine substitute as well.
Which Chinese Wine is Best for Cooking
Shaoxing Rice Wine is the best Chinese rice wine for cooking, as it's rich, bold and enhances food taste. There are many brands, but it's almost always the same product. The colour of properly aged Shaoxing wine is amber, and well-aged wine often looks clear golden. Caramel colour Shaoxing wine is not always the best in terms of flavour.
However, do keep in mind that there are 4 types of Shaoxing wine - Yuanhong wine, Jiafan wine, Shanniang wine, and Xiangxue wine. The best Shaoxing Chinese rice wine for cooking is Jiafan wine, which is semi-dry.
If you're new to the Chinese cooking scene, don't stress much. Every Asian store has about 2 -3 brands - an average one and an exclusive one (used to make dishes like drunken chicken, which uses a lot of wine).
Is Chinese Rice Wine Haram?
Yes, Chinese rice wine is generally considered haram in Islam because it contains alcohol. Even when used in cooking, some believe it’s still prohibited, while others say it’s acceptable if the alcohol fully evaporates. As it remains a grey area, it's advised for muslims to avoid rice wine.
Is Chinese Rice Wine Vegan?
Yes. Fortunately, Chinese rice wines (Shaoxing and Baijiu) are vegan and vegetarian as it does not contain any animal products. However, it is NOT gluten-free as wheat is generally used in the fermentation process.
Are Hua Tiao and Shaoxing Wine the Same?
Hua Tiao (or Huadiao) is a type of Shaoxing wine. It’s a premium, aged version with a richer, deeper flavour. So, all Hua Tiao is Shaoxing wine, but not all Shaoxing wine is Hua Tiao. It’s often used for special recipes or drinking.
Wrapping Up;
So there you go! All you need to know about Shaoxing rice wine. Making your own Chinese rice wine dish? Let us know how it goes in the comments below!
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