Mirin is a sweetened sake or rice wine with a light syrupy texture. Look for a naturally brewed mirin (hon-mirin) and beware of 'new, improved mirin' (aji-mirin) which contains salt and corn syrup. Sweet sherry may be substituted, but the flavour is not the same.Used only for cooking except on the four or five days of the New Year holiday, when it is flavoured with pepper and spices and sipped from ceremonial cups.Mixed in equal quantities with soy sauce to make that most versatile of Japanese sauces, teriyaki, which serves as a marinade, a glaze and a dipping sauce. |
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