The Best Simple Chinkiang Vinegar Substitutes

[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #00adef;”] W[/dropcap]ondering what you can use instead of Chinkiang Vinegar? Then look no further! Here are my favourite simple Chinkiang Vinegar substitutes.

What is Chinkiang Vinegar?

Also called Chin Kiang or Zhenjiang this vinegar is made from glutinous rice. It’s used in Chinese cooking.

It has a strong harsh acidity combined with a unique salty flavour and a hint of sweetness like balsamic.

The Best Simple Chinkiang Vinegar Substitutes

(in order of preference)

1. Rice or Wine Vinegar + Soy Sauce

Rice vinegar would be my first choice but if you don’t have it white or red wine vinegar will work.

Soy sauce is the closest match for the slightly caramelly salty flavours of chinkiang.

For 1 tablespoon Chinkiang = 2 teaspoons vinegar + 1 teaspoon soy sauce.

2. Rice or Wine Vinegar + Salt

The dominant flavour from Chinkiang is acidity. Other vinegar can easily be substituted.

If you don’t want to use soy sauce, a pinch of salt will help boost the savoury flavours.

They won’t have the same complexity but in a dish with lots of other ingredients, you aren’t likely to notice.

3. Balsamic Vinegar + Soy Sauce

Balsamic is much sweeter than Chinkiang but there is something similar about the deep caramelly flavours present in both.

For 1 tablespoon Chinkiang = 1.5 teaspoons balsamic vinegar + 1.5 teaspoons soy sauce.

4. Lemon or Lime Juice + Soy Sauce

If you can’t tolerate vinegar, lemon or lime juice is your best alternative.

Citrus will add other fresher flavours so balancing these with some salty soy sauce will help.

For 1 tablespoon Chinkiang = 2 teaspoons lemon juice + 1 teaspoon soy sauce.

More Tips for Cooking with Vinegar

Favourite Simple Chinkiang Vinegar Recipes

More Ingredient Substitutes

Also see see the Simple Ingredients Substitutes Index.

Have fun in the kitchen!

With love,
Jules x