Chinese Rice Wine

It lends an unmistakable flavor and fragrance to a variety of Chinese dishes, from dumplings and stir-fries to clay-pot dishes and marinades. Fragrant, amber-colored and slightly nutty, Chinese rice wine (also called Shaoxing wine) is made from fermented rice and yeast. It’s a staple in my pantry, and I find it indispensable. If you can’t find Chinese rice wine, then dry cooking sherry is fine as a substitute.