Shao Shing (Shaoxing) rice cooking wine is a style of wine that is very common in chinese kitchens. Another popular wine is the rice wine, which is clear. I prefer this stuff because it is slightly more flavorful. It reminds me of a watered down, but salty Marsala wine. There is a definite depth of flavor that is just not present in the clear version, which has a similar smell, but way milder, almost like vinegar, but without the sourness.
You can add a splash of this to any braised dish, or even use it to help marinate meat before stir frying it. This wine definitely adds a new layer of flavor to cooked dishes.
You can add a splash of this to any braised dish, or even use it to help marinate meat before stir frying it. This wine definitely adds a new layer of flavor to cooked dishes.