Mirin

Mirin is a Japanese rice wine with a lower alcohol content and higher sugar content, and it is considered one of the essential ingredients in Japanese cuisine. It has a sweet, subtly complex flavor and lends dishes a glossy finish and depth. It is used in sauces, marinades, glazes, and broths, for example in teriyaki sauce, dashi, or Japanese salad dressings. Its sugar content helps create a beautiful caramelized crust on meat and fish during cooking. There are two main types: hon mirin (true mirin with around 14% alcohol) and aji mirin (seasoned rice wine with lower alcohol content). It should be stored in a cool, dark place.