If you’re planning on cooking some Chinese dishes at home, you might run into a pantry gap: Chinese cooking wine. This essential ingredient adds that unmistakable tang and depth to stir-fries, braises and marinades. But if you don’t have a bottle of Shaoxing wine handy, don’t worry—there are plenty of local Aussie options that will do the trick. Here’s your guide to finding the best substitutes for Chinese cooking wine, including supermarket options and non-alcoholic alternatives.
What Is Chinese Cooking Wine?
Chinese cooking wine, or Shuijiu, comes in two main varieties:
Shaoxing Wine – A yellow-hued wine aged 5–12 years. It’s subtly sweet, nutty, and fragrant.
Xue Jiu (Red Rice Wine) – A darker, richer variety aged 10–20 years, known for its fruitier, heavier aroma.
Both are used to add complexity, reduce gamey flavors, and bring out umami in dishes.
How to Choose the Right Substitute
Choose your substitute based on the cooking technique and flavour profile you’re aiming for:
Stir-frying? Use a dry sherry or sake to mimic the aroma without overpowering.
Marinades? Mirin adds sweetness—reduce added sugar.
Braising? Use stock + vinegar or a local Chinese cooking wine for depth.
Tip: If your substitute is sweeter (like mirin), reduce other sweeteners in the recipe. Always adjust salt/sugar levels based on what you choose.
Australian-Friendly Substitutes for Chinese Cooking Wine
We’re going to go through some of our most recommended substitutes here but if you cannot find the particular brand you should be able to find something similar. Since these wines are used for cooking you won’t need to spend an exorbitant amount of money either so keep that in mind.
Here’s a handy table of Aussie-accessible substitutes:
| Substitute | Flavour Profile | Best For | Ratio | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McWilliam’s Dry Sherry Apera | Nutty, mildly sweet | Stir-fries, sauces | 1:1 with Shaoxing | Dan Murphy’s, BWS |
| Hardy’s Sauvignon Blanc | Light, dry, acidic | Umami-rich stir-fries | 1:1 with Shaoxing | Dan Murphy’s, Woolworths |
| Obento Japanese Cooking Sake | Subtle, smooth, umami | Braises, delicate dishes | 1:1 with Shaoxing | Woolworths, Asian grocers |
| Amoy Rice Vinegar | Mildly tangy, low aroma | Veg-heavy dishes | 2:1 (vinegar:Shaoxing) | Woolworths, Coles |
| Kikkoman Light Soy Sauce | Salty, light umami | Marinades, sauces | Add to taste | Coles, Woolworths |
| Pandaroo Chinese cooking wine | Authentic, aromatic | All-purpose | 1:1 with Shaoxing | Coles, Woolworths |
| Double Phoenix Chinese Cooking Wine | Rich, fermented, authentic | Braising, stir-fries | 1:1 with Shaoxing | Asian grocers, some Coles |
| White Grape Juice + Rice Vinegar | Mild, sweet + acidity | Non-alcoholic dishes | ½ cup juice + 1 tbsp vinegar | Home pantry |
| Chicken or Veggie Stock | Mild, savoury | Non-alcoholic braising | 1:1 with Shaoxing | Any supermarket |
Where to Buy Chinese Cooking Wine in Australia
Woolworths & Coles:
Pandaroo Chinese Cooking Wine – Australian-made, available in most major supermarkets.
Double Phoenix Chinese Cooking Wine – Imported and available at select locations.
Asian Grocers: For more traditional or imported options, check out:
Chinatown grocers in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane.
Asian suburbs like Cabramatta (NSW), Box Hill (VIC), or Sunnybank (QLD).
Non-Alcoholic Chinese Cooking Wine Substitutes
Not using alcohol? These pantry-friendly alternatives work well:
White Grape Juice + Rice Vinegar – Mimics the sweetness and tang.
Low-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Stock – Great for braising or soups.
Soy Sauce + Vinegar Combo – Use sparingly in stir-fries for umami.
Pro Tips for Best Flavour
Moisturise your dish (with oil or water) before adding acidic subs like vinegar.
Always taste and adjust—especially if you’re using sweeter or saltier replacements.
For stir-fries: stick to light, dry options like sherry or sake.
For braises: deeper flavours like Pandaroo or Double Phoenix work best.
FAQ: Chinese Cooking Wine Substitutes in Australia
Q: What’s the best substitute if I don’t drink alcohol?
A: Use white grape juice + a splash of rice vinegar, or unsalted chicken stock.
Q: How much mirin should I use as a substitute?
A: Use half the amount and reduce other sugars in the recipe.
Q: Where can I buy Pandaroo Chinese Cooking Wine?
A: Available at Coles and Woolworths in the Asian food aisle.
Photo by Orijit Chatterjee on Unsplash
