Nihaizu and Sanbaizu – Japanese Seasoned Vinegars | Sybaritica

Nihaizu and Sanbaizu are both seasoned vinegars used in Japanese cuisine, sometimes as marinades or the bases for dipping sauces, but primarily as dressings for the salad type preparations known as ‘Suomono’ or ‘Aemono’ dishes. In this post, we will be looking at both preparations together as they are very similar in composition and function, with the latte being a sweeter elaboration on the former. Since both will last almost indefinitely once prepared, and since they each can form the basis for a whole range of more complex dressings, they are extremely handy to have on hand in one’s refrigerator… 

A Nihaizu always consists of Rice Vinegar seasoned with soy sauce, and a simple one might be limited to these two ingredients, but, just as commonly, the blend includes Dashi. A Sanbaizu, in contrast, is essentially a Nihaizu except that it also has Mirin, sugar, or a combination of the two, added to make it significantly sweeter.

The proportion of ingredients can variously for both preparations and, as such, there is no ‘correct’ recipe. Rather, you can adapt the blend to suit your own taste, or for the  intended use. A good starting point for each would be as follows:

• Nihaizu – 1 cup each dashi and Rice Vinegar plus 2  tbsp. Soy Sauce
• Sanbaizu – Nihaizu plus ¼ cup Mirin.

For Nihaizu, you can simply blend the ingredients and store in a suitable container. With Sanbaizu, however, it is common to heat the ingredients and simmer briefly to allow the sweetness to blend. This is not strictly required but is advisable if sugar is used.

Many recipes will call for more Vinegar than Dashi (3 parts to 2 parts, for example), while I actually prefer the opposite. Above, I have suggested 1 cup each as this is probably the most versatile starting point. Obviously, you can use whatever proportions suits your fancy, and may even wish to have a couple of different preparations on hand. To experiment, you can try making up a simple and very traditional Japanese Cucumber Salad like the one pictured above and then test whatever versions (either plain or sweetened) that you like…

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