Marsala Wine is a beloved ingredient often used to make many delicious Italian recipes or desserts. Even in Italian restaurants based in the United States, dry marsala wine is added to a variety of meat and rice dishes. If you realize that you don’t have any Marsala wine left, you’d be glad to know that there are a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic substitutes you can use.
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What is Marsala Wine?
Marsala wine is made by blending a variety of wines which is then fortified with brandy. The wine is named after the Marsala port of its home place in Sicily, Italy and comes in dry and sweet varieties. Although mainly used as a cooking wine, some also enjoy sipping it from time to time.
Dry Marsala is generally used in savory dishes for caramelization and its signature nutty flavor while sweet Marsala is preferred in sweet sauces and desserts such as tiramisu or zabaglione.
While you can use dry Marsala to substitute for sweet Marsala, this doesn’t work the other way around.
Best Substitutes for Marsala Wine in Cooking
As with most cases of substituting, it can be hard to find one that replicates the unique flavor exactly as you’d like. That said, most of these Marsala wine substitues come quite close when you find yourself in a pinch.
Unless specified otherwise, use the following substitutes in a 1:1 ratio and follow your recipe as usual.
1. Madeira
Madeira is one of the best substitutes for Marsala wine because it’s closest in flavor and color. It’s made with five types of grapes and so delicious that you’d hardly notice the difference. Similar to Marsala, it becomes stronger with age so keep this in mind when choosing which Madeira to use as a substitute.
2. Fortified Wine
Earlier we described Marsala as a fortified wine and quite frankly it’s the most popular in this category. Nonetheless, other fortified wines will be similar and can therefore be used to substitute in both sweet and savory dishes when you run out of Marsala.
3. Dry Sherry
There are two types of sherry, drinking sherry and cooking sherry. When using this substitute, ensure that you always use drinking sherry. That’s because cooking sherry has a lot of sodium which can alter the taste of your recipe.
4. Sweet Vermouth
Sweet vermouth can be used on its own but won’t give the intense burst of flavor as Marsala wine. For greater intensity, make a mixture by combining an equal amount of sweet vermouth and dry sherry for a substitute that’s sure to please.
5. Amontillado Wine
Amontillado wine is a dry variety of sherry that originated in Spain. It’s a good substitute especially when your recipe calls for dry Marsala wine. For a sherry variety that works best when seeking a replacement for sweet Marsala, go for the Pedro Ximenez wine.
6. Port
Port is a sweet, fortified, red wine and works as a great substitute for sweet recipes including desserts. If you can get your hands on a dry or semi-dry port then it can be used to substitute for Marsala wine in savory recipes.
7. White Grape Juice With Brandy( Or Cognac)
This is an easy do-it-yourself substitute that works well every time. You’ll need white grape juice as well as brandy or cognac. For every one cup of white grape juice, add 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of brandy or cognac and there you have it!
8. White Wine
Though not as great as other substitutes, a bottle of white wine can be used as a replacement for Marsala. Take the flavor up a notch by adding some brandy or cognac to the white wine. Use a sweet white wine substitute when making desserts or a dry white wine for savory dishes.
9. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is one of the easiest substitutes as it’s readily available. It’s not as sweet as Marsala wine so add a bit of sugar when making something sweet. For savory dishes, use it straight out of the bottle.
NON-ALCOHOLIC MARSALA WINE SUBSTITUTES FOR COOKING
Alcohol evaporates while cooking, though a small percentage will remain especially in poached, simmered or baked foods. If you’re avoiding alcohol completely, whether for religious or personal reasons, here are great substitutes that are 100% alcohol-free.
10. White Grape Juice
Plain grape juice works well as a substitute for Marsala wine. Boost the flavor by adding 2 tablespoons of sherry vinegar and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract for every ¼ cup of white grape juice used.
11. Prunes, Figs, Or Plums With Balsamic Vinegar
Cook fruits such as prunes, figs or plums similar to a stew. Simmer over low heat until reduced and strain through a fine mesh or cloth. Add a touch of balsamic vinegar to the strained liquid and you’re ready to get cooking!
Balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute on its own but it’s not the best so go with another option if you can.
12. Red Grape Juice Or Cranberry Juice
If you’re making a dessert or other sweet recipe, cranberry juice or red grape juice are some of the best substitutes. Cranberry juice can be tart so feel free to add some sugar according to your taste.
13. Figs And Rosemary With Sage
Make a puree with figs, rosemary and sage then add water a little at a time until you achieve a similar consistency as Marsala wine. Use one teaspoon at a time in your recipe and add more as necessary.
14. Chicken Stock
This may sound like an unlikely substitution but it works well for savory dishes such as meats and sauces, especially when cooked over a long period. However, if you’re looking for the sweet touch of Marsala wine then try another substitute.
15. Vegetable Stock
Similar to chicken stock, vegetable stock can be used in place of marsala wine in many savory dishes. T
Summary
Marsala wine is one of the secret ingredients that bring just the right depth of flavor to a sweet or savory dish. Its unique flavor is attributed to the blend of ingredients and how its processed.
If you can help it, chances are you won’t ever want to use a substitute. If you must, consider the dish you’re making (whether savory or sweet), what ingredients you already have on hand and then which substitute will be easiest to get. It may not be Marsala wine, but it can come pretty close.
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Marsala Wine Substitute Recipe
Ingredients
- Madeira
- Other optional substitutes
Instructions
- Replace marsala wine with Madeira or other substitutes according to the recipe.
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