Seasoned Rice Vinegar

Seasoned rice vinegar is regular rice vinegar that has been mixed with added sugar and salt, giving it a sweeter, more balanced flavor than unseasoned versions. It is a convenient condiment used to enhance dishes with a mix of sweet, salty, and tangy notes, and is commonly used for sushi rice, salad dressings, and dipping sauces. Key characteristics Added ingredients: It is a blend of rice vinegar with added sugar and salt, and sometimes includes sake or MSG. Flavor profile: The additions create a sweeter, more balanced, and less sharp taste compared to plain rice vinegar. Uses: It is frequently used in cooking for sushi rice (also called sushizu), salad dressings, marinades, and as a dipping sauce for dumplings. Convenience: Its convenience comes from being pre-seasoned, which saves the time of making your own mixture of sugar and salt for certain recipes. How to choose and use Seasoned vs. unseasoned: Use seasoned rice vinegar when a recipe calls for added sweetness or when you want to make a quick, balanced dressing or sauce. Choose unseasoned rice vinegar if you prefer to control the exact amount of sugar and salt yourself. Substitution: You can substitute it for unseasoned rice vinegar in a recipe, but the final dish will have a slightly sweeter and saltier result. Making your own: You can easily make your own seasoned rice vinegar by heating regular rice vinegar with sugar and salt until dissolved, then letting it cool.