Chinese black vinegar

Chinese vinegar is a dark complex vinegar made of glutinous rice and malt somewhat similar to a balsamic used in Chinese stir-frys, braises and sauces. Black vinegar is from the Chinkiang Province of China. This is a traditional ingredient in sharks fin soup.

Where To Buy

You can find this vinegar in many Asian markets as well as online here at Amazon.com. Chinese Black Vinegar

Substitute For Chinese Black Vinegar

Clearly the best thing to do is to find the black vinegar but if that's not practical then there are some options that will produce acceptable results; more so if you if you've never had the real ingredient to begin with:

• Substitute equal parts of date vinegar, similar in color but sweet
• OR - Balsamic (more complex)
• OR - Red rice vinegar + small amount of superfine sugar
• OR - Balsamic vinegar with a splash of Worcestershire sauce
• OR - One home chef suggests success using malt vinegar to replace the black vinegar.
• OR - Per tablespoon needed, combine 1 tablespoon water, 1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar and 1 1/2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar