Here are some of the best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes that you can use for cooking, baking, and preserving! Whether you just realized you’ve run out when in the middle of a recipe or just simply don’t even have any cider vinegar on hand, you are guaranteed to find a great alternative in this list!
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What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
It is not surprising that apple cider vinegar (also known as cider vinegar) comes from apples! To be specific, apples are crushed which creates apple juice which then ferments into vinegar.
This light golden vinegar uses yeast as an addition to the natural sugars of the apple juice in order to produce an alcohol. The alcohol then becomes acetic acid as a result of the fermentation process. Apple cider vinegar is used in a wide range of recipes like salad dressings and marinades and numerous dishes that involve preserving, cooking, and baking.
Best Substitutes for Apple Cider Vinegar
Rice Vinegar
This type of vinegar is produced from fermented rice and is mostly used in Asian recipes. Its acidity level is similar to apple cider vinegar. However, don’t use seasoned rice vinegar as a substitute as it is seasoned with sugar and salt to be used on sushi rice and Asian style salads.
Its flavor is like the fruitiness of apple cider vinegar but less acidic. You are still able to substitute using a 1:1 ratio.
Red Wine Vinegar
These vinegars are the result of fermented wine and you might even have either one of these on hand already. Red wine vinegar is a bit more potent than white wine and is more bold in flavor.
Use either folllowing a 1:1 substitute.
White Wine Vinegar
Just like red wine vinegar, substitute with a 1:1 rato.
Sherry Vinegar
Sherry vinegar is another nice substitute for apple cider vinegar. It is medium-bodied with just a hint of sweetness. Its flavor is distinct but it actually resembles that zing of apple cider vinegar pretty well. It’s popularly found in Spanish recipes.
It is a good idea to first sample sherry vinegar to make sure you like the flavor. If you like it and want to use it in your dishes, you can follow a 2:1 substitution.
Champagne Vinegar
This vinegar is made from fermented champagne. Its flavor is quite mild, so it does not really match the intensity of apple cider vinegar.
The best substitution ratio for this alternative is 2:1 meaning 2 parts champagne vinegar for each 1 part apple cider vinegar.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can be used as a substitute in a small amount since it is just as acidic and tangy as apple cider vinegar. It does, however, taste like lemon and not vinegar! Lemon juice works nicely for things like salad dressings but it might be necessary to add more parts of lemon juice to get the equal amount of zing of the apple cider vinegar. Make sure to taste first!
Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting lemon juice for apple cider vinegar.
Lime Juice
Similar to lemon juice, lime juice is another great alternative. Although it is stronger than lemon juice, it still has that necessary fruity acidity. Lime juice is perfect for salad dressings, marinades, and recipes that call for it when cooking.
Just squeeze some fresh limes and use a 1:1 ratio!
White Vinegar
White vinegar is thought to have a neutral flavor but it is high in acidity.
White vinegar can be swapped for apple cider vinegar using a 1:1 ratio. However, you might want to add some fresh citrus juice to create more fruitiness so that it better resembles apple cider vinegar.
Orange Juice
It’s not surprising for orange juice to be listed as a substitute when other common citrus fruits are also options. Just like lemon and lime juice, this fruit makes a tasty replacement for apple cider vinegar. Orange juice is fruity and has that tang and acidity that you need.
Use a 1:1 ratio when subbing orange juice for apple cider vinegar.
Apple Juice
It might not be the most well-known option but it is certainly possible to use apple juice as an alternative for apple cider vinegar. This is an especially perfect substitute when recipes require that nice apple flavor. It will not match the acidity since it has not been fermented but its fruitiness makes it worth trying!
Use 2 tablespoons of apple juice for 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, (a 2:1 ratio).
Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitute For Baking
When baking, regular white vinegar can be used (in a 1:1 ratio) or lemon juice in a somewhat smaller amount. If the recipe requires ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, opt for ⅓ cup of lemon juice instead.
Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitute for Ribs and Pulled Pork
For ribs and pulled pork recipes that need apple cider vinegar, your best bets are lemon, lime, or orange juice! They are all easy and tasty alternatives that will bring hints of sweetness and acidity to your hearty meals.
Best Substitutes for Pickling
For alternatives to use when pickling, it is recommended to use white vinegar, malt vinegar, or another vinegar containing a minimum of 4% acetic acid. ACV has an acetic acid content of 5-6% meaning it is more of a weak acid.
Whenever you are using apple cider vinegar substitutes in canning and pickling recipes, your vinegar should match the acetic acid content of apple cider vinegar as closely as possible.
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How to Substitute Apple Cider Vinegar
Ingredients
- Rice vinegar
- Optional other substitutes
Instructions
- Replace apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar or other substitutes
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