What is Chinkiang vinegar?
Chinkiang Vinegar is a variety of black vinegar that presents a complex aromatic acidic sauce made from either fermented black sticky rice or regular glutinous rice. At times certain manufacturers make Chinese black vinegar, otherwise known as ‘Zhenjiang Vinegar’ ‘zhènjiāng xiāngcù’ or ‘镇江香醋’ from a blend of fermented sorghum and/or wheat and rice.
What is Chinese black vinegar made of?
What is 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 does black vinegar come from?
The Chinese staple black vinegar originates in the city of Zhenjiang in Jiangsu province, which is situated on the riverbank of the Yangtze River in Eastern China.
What is Koon chun black vinegar?
This vinegar is aged until the color turns inky black or dark brown. Its woody character and malty taste distinguish it from fruity rice and light-colored vinegar. This one has a pungent, tart, and rich flavor, which is perfect for spinach salad, vinaigrette cabbage, kung pao chicken, and many more. Why do we like it? 4. Koon Chun Black Vinegar
Is Chinkiang vinegar the same as black vinegar?
Hailing from a town in the Eastern part of China called Zhenjiang, Chinkiang vinegar (also called “black vinegar” or “Chinese brown rice vinegar”) is a staple of Chinese cuisine, and it's worth having in your pantry.
What is a substitute for black vinegar?
If you can't find black vinegar, you can substitute white rice vinegar/rice wine vinegar, which is usually more readily available, even in regular supermarkets. In a real pinch, you can substitute a bit of balsamic vinegar, though be careful because some balsamic vinegars can be very syrupy and sweet.
What can I use instead of Chinkiang vinegar?
The Best Simple Chinkiang Vinegar SubstitutesRice or Wine Vinegar + Soy Sauce. Rice vinegar would be my first choice but if you don't have it white or red wine vinegar will work. ... Rice or Wine Vinegar + Salt. The dominant flavour from Chinkiang is acidity. ... Balsamic Vinegar + Soy Sauce. ... Lemon or Lime Juice + Soy Sauce.
What kind of vinegar is black vinegar?
WHAT IS CHINKIANG VINEGAR: Zhengjiang vinegar is a type of Chinese black vinegar also known as Black Rice Vinegar. Made from fermented various grains such as black sticky rice or regular glutinous rice....Item FormLiquidPackage Weight1.01 Kilograms3 more rows
What is Chinkiang vinegar used for?
Chinese black vinegar, also known as Chinkiang vinegar, is made from glutinous rice and has a malty, slightly sweet flavour. Particularly delicious for dipping soup dumplings in, this dark condiment can be added to sauces, dressings, braises, soups or used to pickle vegetables.
What is black vinegar in Chinese cooking?
Chinese black vinegar is a dark and mild vinegar made of glutinous rice and malt, similar to a balsamic. It is made from sorghum, peas, barley, bran and chaff, which gives it a strong smoky flavor compared to other black vinegars.
Is Worcestershire sauce black vinegar?
Worcestershire is made by steeping a malt vinegar base with ingredients like molasses, anchovies, garlic, and tamarind extract. Taiwanese black vinegar is similar in that much of its flavor comes from infusion.
Is Chinkiang vinegar the same as rice vinegar?
Although Chinese cooking uses both Chinkiang vinegar (also called Chinese black vinegar) and rice vinegar, the former is used more often in authentic Chinese cuisine.
Is balsamic vinegar same as black vinegar?
A. Black vinegar is an Oriental condiment made from white rice, somewhat similar to the balsamic vinegar made from grapes. It varies in quality in the same way that balsamic vinegars vary. The better black vinegars are aged for several years and display a complex, smoky depth of flavor.
What does Chinkiang vinegar taste like?
Chinese black vinegar—known usually in its most popular form, Chinkiang or Zhenjiang vinegar—is deeply colored and tastes fruity (though it's less sweet than balsamic), with a touch of umami richness.
Is Chinese black vinegar healthy?
Black vinegar detoxifies the body, balances pH levels and improves digestion, according "Healing with Whole Foods," written by Asian nutrition expert Paul Pitchford. Black vinegar also is said to boost energy levels and improve mood.
What is Japanese black vinegar?
Black vinegar (黒酢) is an aged vinegar made from rice and it's usually aged for 1-3 years. In Japan, black vinegar is always made from rice. It is deeper in color and flavor and has a distinct smell and almost smoky flavor. Taste is milder and less sour than regular rice vinegar.
Is Worcestershire sauce the same as black vinegar?
Worcestershire is made by steeping a malt vinegar base with ingredients like molasses, anchovies, garlic, and tamarind extract. Taiwanese black vinegar is similar in that much of its flavor comes from infusion.
Can you substitute apple cider vinegar for black vinegar?
Black vinegar has a unique aroma and flavor thanks to its one-of-a-kind production process. It's thus not advisable to try to use white or apple cider vinegar as a swap. Instead, look to substitutes like red wine or date vinegar.
How do you make black vinegar?
Chinese black vinegar is made from black sticky rice or regular glutinous rice. The manufacturers choose whole steamed grains for their creation. Then, they steep the grains in vinegar and leave them to sit in clay pots for at least a year. But, dips from different regions may have some variations.
Can I use soy sauce instead of black vinegar?
To replace a tablespoon of black vinegar, you want to combine 2 teaspoons of rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Feel free to adjust this mixture to your liking, depending on your personal preference and the desired amount of acidity and umami.
Chinese vinegars: pale rice vinegar and Chinkiang black vinegar (白醋 bai cu, 香醋 xiang cu)
There are two main types of vinegar used in Chinese cooking: pale rice vinegar and black vinegar. In general, think of it this way: pale vinegar is for acidity, and black vinegar is for aroma.
Pale rice vinegar
Made from fermented rice wine, this unseasoned vinegar has a clean, fruity acidity, and it's used for pickling, sweet-and-sour sauces, and for dressing cold dishes or salads.
Chinkiang black vinegar
Black vinegar, also called “fragrant vinegar" (香醋 xiāngcù), is a dark brown vinegar made by fermenting glutinous rice with the addition of grains and herbs, and aged for months and sometimes years, similar to balsamic vinegar. This aromatic vinegar develops a deeper and more complex flavor than pale rice vinegar.
Black vinegar
Wu cu (烏醋), "black vinegar," is another variety of black vinegar that's brewed using pale rice vinegar as the base, with the addition of vegetables and fruits (carrots, tomatoes, onion puree, etc.), juice concentrates, mushrooms, spices (such as cloves, cassia bark, star anise, garlic powder, etc.), sugar, and caramel coloring.
What is Chinese black vinegar?
Chinese black vinegar is a dark complex, mild 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.
Sweetened Black Vinegar
There are two types of Chinese black vinegar sold. One will be labeled "Black Vinegar" and the other is "Sweetened Black Vinegar". Sweetened black vinegar is very different and has added sugar and flavorings, usually including ginger. This ingredient is used primarily for braised pork dishes.
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. This is particularly true if you've never had the real ingredient, to begin with:
Favorite Chinese black vinegar Recipes
This is a versatile sauce you can use on traditional scallion pancakes or use to as a dip for gyoza or spring rolls. Whip it up in minutes and serve right away or store, refrigerated for up to a week.
1. Soeos Chinkiang Vinegar, Zhenjiang Vinegar
When it comes to aromatic and high-quality Chinese Black Vinegar, no other product can beat Soeos Chinkiang Vinegar, Zhenjiang Vinegar. You can either buy an individual bottle or a pack of two. An individual 16.9-oz bottle can cost up to $13, which is surprisingly cheap.
2. Gold Plum Chinkiang Vinegar
Second, on our list is Gold Plum Chinkiang Vinegar. Being second does not mean it is not worth buying; in fact, this Chinese Black vinegar is even more inexpensive and mouth-watering than the above one. An 18.6-oz Gold Plum Chinese Black Vinegar can cost up to $9. This vinegar is produced in Zhenjiang, China.
3. Soeos Chinkiang Vinegar, Chinese Black Vinegar
If you liked the above-mentioned Soeos Black Vinegar, but want to buy some extra volume, then this one is for you. Soeos Chinkiang Vinegar, Chinese Black Vinegar also costs up to $13, but this one comes with a volume of 18.6 ounces. In addition, this item comes with dimensions of 10.51 x 3.31 x 3.1 inches and weighs about 2.4 pounds.
4. Koon Chun Black Vinegar
Koon Chun produces some of the best Chinese sauces and vinegar. If you have used other Koon Chun products, you surely know they are delicious and high-quality. Koon Chun Black Vinegar comes with a volume of 16.9 ounces and costs up to $9. You can use this Chinese black vinegar as braises, marinades, stir-fry, or as a dipping sauce.
5. 52USA Chinkiang Vinegar, Chinese Black Vinegar
Last but not least, we have 52USA Chinkiang Vinegar, Chinese Black Vinegar. This mild and tangy black vinegar comes with a volume of 16.9 ounces and costs up to $13. It is made with glutinous rice, water, wheat, salt, and sugar, providing a pungent, rich, and tart flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
Ingredients used in Chinese black vinegar influence the final product. A high-quality Chinese black vinegar is commonly made with glutinous rice, water, wheat, salt, and sugar. A trustworthy and reputable producer does not hesitate to reveal the ingredients or the aging technique.
Product Description and Labeling
Just like all other liquid products, the labeling of Chinese Black Vinegar is quite essential. If you like online shopping, the first thing you should do is to read the features and product description. By doing this step, you find a lot of information about a product.
Types
One type of Chinese "black vinegar" is Zhenjiang vinegar and similar condiments from southern China. The condiment is an inky-black rice vinegar aged for a malty, woody, and smoky flavor. It is made from rice (usually glutinous ), or sorghum, or in some combination of those, sometimes including wheat and millet.
History
Ancient Chinese laborers used wine as a leavening agent to ferment and brew vinegar. East Asian vinegar originated in China, and there are at least three thousand years of documented history of making vinegar. In ancient China, "vinegar" was called "bitter wine," which also indicates that "vinegar" originated from "wine".
Uses
Black vinegar has been used as a full-flavored but less expensive alternative to traditional balsamic vinegar.
