Mirin is one of the most important ingredients in Japanese cooking. If you've ever looked up Japanese recipes online, you've almost certainly seen it listed alongside soy sauce and sake.

But what exactly is mirin, and why does it show up so often in Japanese home cooking?

In this guide, I'll go through what mirin is, what it adds to your cooking and where you can easily find it here in Australia.

What Is Mirin?

Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine used for cooking. It is made from glutinous rice, rice koji and distilled alcohol, which gives it a gentle sweetness and a delicate fermented aroma.

Although mirin is sweet, it is much more than just sugar. It adds depth and helps balance salty ingredients like soy sauce, which is why it is used in so many Japanese dishes.

You'll find mirin in many familiar Japanese recipes, including:

• Teriyaki chicken (for that signature glaze)
• Simmered vegetables (nimono)
• Noodle soup dishes like soba or udon

Why Mirin Is So Useful in Japanese Cooking

Mirin does much more than add sweetness. In Japanese cooking, it usually helps in three ways.

Gentle sweetness: Mirin gives dishes a softer, more rounded sweetness than regular sugar.

Depth of flavour: Because mirin is fermented, it adds natural umami and a little more depth to sauces and broths.

A beautiful shine: Mirin also gives sauces that glossy finish. In Japanese, this shine is called teri, which is where dishes like teriyaki get their name.

Types of Mirin: What's the Difference?

When you're shopping, you'll usually come across two main types of mirin.

Hon Mirin

Hon mirin is the traditional version made through natural fermentation. It contains alcohol, usually around 14%, and has a richer, deeper flavour.

Mirin-style Seasoning

Mirin-style seasoning is what you'll usually find in Australian supermarkets. It contains little to no alcohol, and is formulated to give a similar sweetness and shine.

For everyday home cooking, this type works perfectly well. But if you come across traditional mirin, it is a worthwhile ingredient to keep in your pantry.

Where to Buy Mirin in Australia

The good news is that mirin has become much easier to find in Australia now. You can usually find mirin or mirin-style seasoning at:

• Major supermarkets such as Coles, Woolworths, or IGA (the Obento brand is commonly available)
• Japanese grocery stores
• Asian supermarkets

Cooking with Mirin

Mirin appears in many classic Japanese dishes and sauces. Once you start cooking Japanese food at home, you'll notice it comes up again and again.

Keeping a bottle of mirin in your pantry makes Japanese home cooking feel much more approachable.

- Tomoka