🇨🇳 Chinese Cuisine · Drinks

Shaoxing Wine

Prep

5 mins

Cook

5 mins

Serves

4

Difficulty

Easy

Aged Chinese rice wine from Zhejiang with a nutty, amber depth used in cooking and sipped warm in winter.

Ingredients

  • 600g ground pork
  • 300g glutinous rice
  • 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp white pepper
  • 2 tbsp neutral vegetable oil
  • 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • a handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • a drizzle of soy sauce
  • 2 cups pork stock

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the glutinous rice and chicken stock in a saucepan, blender, or pitcher, stirring well.

  2. 2

    Add the chili oil and Shaoxing wine, stirring gently so their flavor infuses the mixture.

  3. 3

    Heat gently over low heat (or blend, or steep, depending on the drink) until well combined and fragrant, about 5 mins.

  4. 4

    Strain through a fine sieve to remove any solids, if needed.

  5. 5

    Sweeten to taste with black vinegar, adjusting gradually until the balance feels right.

  6. 6

    Chill in the refrigerator, or pour straight over ice, depending on whether it is served cold or hot.

  7. 7

    Garnish with cilantro just before serving.

Tips

Adjust the sweetness gradually, tasting as you go — you can always add more black vinegar, but you cannot take it away.

Make a big batch and keep it chilled in the fridge — the flavor often deepens after a few hours.

Serve in a chilled glass for the most refreshing result on a hot day.