Mirin - The Secret Spice Of Japanese Cuisine

Video: Mirin - The Secret Spice Of Japanese Cuisine

Video: Mirin - The Secret Spice Of Japanese Cuisine
Video: What is mirin and how do you use it? Japanese seasoning explained 2024, November
Mirin - The Secret Spice Of Japanese Cuisine
Mirin - The Secret Spice Of Japanese Cuisine
Anonim

Mirin is a Japanese spice that contains about 14% alcohol. To make mirin, stewed mochi-gom (husked rice), kum goji (cultivated rice) and shochu (distilled alcoholic beverage) are mixed and fermented for about 2 months.

Mirin produced in this way is called hon-mirin. This is actually the real peace. Another type is shio-mirin, which also contains salt, and the third type is mirin-fu chomirio, which means a spice with a taste of myrin. It contains about 1 percent alcohol, but gives the same aroma.

This Japanese spice is a clear and slightly golden liquid. Adds a pleasant sweetness and aroma to many Japanese dishes. It especially helps to mask the smell of fish and seafood.

It is believed that the use of mirin began more than 400 years ago. Although it was used for drinking in the beginning, today it is only used for cooking as it becomes too thick and sweet.

Mirin is actually a type of rice wine, similar to sake, but with a lower alcohol content and higher sugar content. Its sweet taste creates a pleasant contrast when used with salty sauces.

Along with soy sauce, this sweet wine is one of the main ingredients in the traditional Tiriaki sauce. It is also used to make many Japanese soups, including miso.

Mirin is a universal spice and works well with everything from meat and fish to vegetables and tofu. It is a nice addition to french fries and marinades, and because of the sugar content it makes a nice glaze for vegetables, meat and fish.

When cooking with it, it should be borne in mind that it has a strong taste and therefore a small amount is used.

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