Red wine vinegar is one of the world’s most popular vinegars. It’s used in many sauces, marinades, and other condiments, as well as in the kitchen at home.
However, it’s not always easy to find red wine vinegar on grocery store shelves or while traveling.
This is especially true if you live outside the United States and can’t find it!
This guide will help you find a substitute for red wine vinegar, whether regular white vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or something else!
1. White Vinegar Mixed With Red Wine
Whisk together one tablespoon of white vinegar and one tablespoon of red wine in a small bowl. This mixture can be used as a 1:1 substitution for red wine vinegar in most recipes.
It may take a little bit of getting used to, but you’ll soon find it has many benefits. First, it is less expensive than purchasing red wine vinegar because you only need one ingredient to make it.
Next, this substitute for red wine vinegar works well with all types of dishes, like salad dressings and sauces.
This recipe will also not worry about spoiled or rotten ingredients because the alcohol content is minimal compared to other substitutes like apple cider or balsamic vinegar.
The final benefit of using this recipe as a substitute for red wine vinegar is its lighter flavor.
This means you can use more without ruining the taste of your dish. Especially if you are trying to lighten up those heavy sauces.
2. White Wine Vinegar
Have you ever reached the end of a recipe only to realize you’re missing an ingredient? It’s happened to all of us at some point.
But don’t worry—there is always a substitute for red wine vinegar that can be used in a pinch. A few different options can be used as a replacement for red wine vinegar.
One good substitute for red wine vinegar is white wine. Of course, any other vinegar tablespoons will also work well, but this tends to have a more distinct flavor.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great substitute for red wine vinegar with a similar flavor.
It’s made from fermented apples, so it has a slightly sweet taste that can add depth of flavor to many dishes.
Plus, it’s widely available and usually less expensive than red wine vinegar. Just make sure not to cook with it, though, as it will lose its acidity and could become too sweet.
4. Balsamic Vinegar
Made from grapes, it has a sweeter flavor and can be used as a substitute for red wine vinegar.
Like apple cider vinegar, don’t cook with it because it’s highly acidic when raw and will lose its acidity once heated.
Some other tablespoons of vinegar are also commonly used as substitutes for red wine spoonfuls of vinegar.
But remember that not all are created equal; some have an overpowering taste or smell.
They may be unsuitable for dishes like French fries or salads. Therefore, try experimenting to see which works best for you!
5. Raspberry Vinegar
Like red wine vinegar, raspberry vinegar has a tart and tangy flavor that can enhance the taste of many dishes. It is also an excellent alternative for those looking to avoid alcohol.
Use an equal amount in your recipe to substitute raspberry vinegar for red wine vinegar. Depending on how tart you want your dish to be, you may need to experiment with the amount.
6. Tamarind Paste
Tamarind paste is an excellent substitute for red wine vinegar, and it has a similar sour and tangy taste, making it perfect for use in sauces, salad dressings, and marinades.
Plus, it’s easy to find at most grocery stores. Here’s how to use tamarind paste as a red wine vinegar substitute:
- Start by adding tamarind paste to your dish in small amounts.
- Taste as you go and add more if needed.
- Remember that tamarind paste is also sweeter than red wine vinegar, so you may need to adjust other ingredients accordingly.
7. Rice Vinegar
You can use rice vinegar as a 1:1 replacement for red wine vinegar. Rice vinegar is less acidic than red wine, so it will not have the same zing. Add an extra 1/2 teaspoon to your recipe to make up for this.
You may also consider using fruitier or more floral spoonfuls of vinegar as a stand-in for red wine vinegar in certain dishes.
8. Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute for red wine vinegar in a pinch. It is a bit sweeter and darker in color, but it will work in a recipe that calls for red wine vinegar.
Therefore, if you have balsamic on hand, try it the next time your recipe calls for red wine vinegar. You may be pleasantly surprised by the results.
9. Sherry Vinegar
Sherry vinegar is a great option when finding a red wine vinegar substitute.
It has a similar acidity level and can be used in many of the same dishes. If you’re looking for a red wine vinegar substitute for cooking, sherry vinegar is a great option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding a substitute for red wine vinegar is not tricky. You can use any vinegar or lemon juice to achieve the same effect.
The key is to experiment and find what you like best. With creativity, you can easily create just as delicious dishes as those made with red wine vinegar.
You may be wondering about its taste. All tablespoons of vinegar have a distinct flavor.
Also, this ingredient is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for anyone who follows a gluten-free diet.
