If you are looking to substitute malt vinegar in your recipes whether you have run out of it or are looking for a gluten-free option, here is the ultimate guide to help you out.
So, let’s get right into it.
12 Best Substitutes for Malt Vinegar
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
If you are looking for a gluten-free option that works well in all recipes that malt vinegar is called for, apple cider vinegar is the best option.
It is milder in flavor and so is versatile enough to work with a wide range of recipes.
How to Substitute?
You can use a 1:1 ratio substitution of apple cider vinegar for malt vinegar in your recipes and it should work just fine.
Here is how you can make some apple cider vinegar at home to use in any recipe that you like –
2. Lemon Juice
When pressed for malt vinegar, one of the quickest solutions is to add lemon juice instead.
It gives the kick of acidity that malt vinegar offers and can work well in salads and dressings.
Remember that it is milder in flavor and intensity than malt vinegar.
How to Substitute?
You can use more or less the same measure of lemon juice as malt vinegar is called for in the recipe.
Check out this simple lemon garlic salad dressing that you can add to your dishes –
3. Red Wine Vinegar
Red wine vinegar is another fermented vinegar that you can try to replace malt vinegar. It has sweeter and fruity notes of flavor.
Red wine vinegar is best used with meat dishes, roasted veggies, and salad dressings.
How to Substitute?
Although you can use the same measure of red wine vinegar to replace malt vinegar, you might want to keep the flavor differences in mind and adjust the recipe accordingly.
Here is a chicken with a red wine vinegar sauce that you can try at home –
4. Balsamic Vinegar
If you have balsamic vinegar in your pantry, then it can work as a great substitute for malt vinegar in most recipes.
It has similar sweetness levels and is perfect for sauces, dressings, and marinades.
But due to its high sugar concentration, it might not be a great choice for diabetic patients.
How to Substitute?
You can use the same measure of balsamic vinegar as malt vinegar is called for in your recipe and it should work just fine.
For a simple balsamic vinegar dressing, check out this YouTube tutorial –
5. White Wine Vinegar
White wine vinegar is a great option if you are looking for milder flavors. It offers just the right amount of sweetness with crisp and refreshing flavors.
You can use white wine vinegar in almost any recipe that calls for malt vinegar.
How to Substitute?
You can use the same measure of white wine vinegar as malt vinegar but if you want the same intensity, you might want to use slightly more.
For a quick and easy white wine vinegar salad dressing, check out this video –
6. White Vinegar or Spirit
White vinegar or spirit is an easy find in most pantries because of how it is used for everything from cooking to cleaning.
It is perfect if you are looking to add a bit of acidity to your salads or to sprinkle a bit over the dish and don’t have malt vinegar to work with.
How to Substitute?
White vinegar can be used in the same ratio as malt vinegar but it is best used in recipes that call for small measures.
7. Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar is most commonly used in Asian recipes, and it can also be used in most recipes that call for malt vinegar.
It has a mildly sweet flavor that is similar to that of malt vinegar. It is best used in dressings, marinades, stir-fry, and salads.
How to Substitute?
You can use the same measure of rice vinegar to replace malt vinegar in your recipes and it should taste just as good.
For a rice vinegar dressing recipe that you can experiment with, check out this YouTube tutorial –
8. Worcestershire Sauce
This sweet and sour sauce replaces malt vinegar in salad dressings and marinades.
Worcestershire sauce might not give the same flavors as malt vinegar but it gives the acidity and sweet flavors that you are looking for in malt vinegar.
How to Substitute?
Depending on the recipe and the flavor balance you like, you might have to play around with the measure of Worcestershire sauce.
Here is a salad recipe with Worcestershire sauce that you can try at home –
9. Sherry Vinegar
Sherry vinegar is a great fit to replace malt vinegar because it has a similar level of sweetness and acidity.
Though the flavors might differ, it works well in most recipes, like marinades and dressings that call for malt vinegar.
How to Substitute?
You can use a 1:1 ratio substitution of sherry vinegar for malt vinegar in most recipes that you like.
Here is a YouTube video to help you make the most of your sherry vinegar in your cooking –
10. Black Vinegar
Black vinegar is another fermented vinegar that you can use instead of malt vinegar, and it is especially great for salad dressings.
It is made from rice and has more sour notes of flavor.
But remember that it is not a great choice if you are looking for gluten-free options.
How to Substitute?
Black vinegar can be stronger, so it is best to use half the measure and add more as you see fit later.
Here is a dipping sauce that you can try making at home with black vinegar –
11. Cane Vinegar
Cane vinegar is a milder and more refreshing alternative to malt vinegar.
It is similar in color and flavor and is a perfect substitute in most recipes that call for malt vinegar.
It is especially great for meat recipes and marinades.
How to Substitute?
Since cane vinegar is a milder alternative you might want to add slightly more than the original measure the recipe calls for, to get the same intensity of flavors.
12. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce gives a very different range of flavors, but if you want to make a fancy dressing or marinade, it works just as well.
It has the perfect acidity levels, and with a slight adjustment to the salt levels, you should be good to go.
How to Substitute?
You can use a 1:1 ratio substitution of soy sauce for malt vinegar but you might want to experiment with the ratios to find the flavor balance you like.
Check out this video for a soy sauce marinade recipe –
Bottom Line
I hope this article has given you the best alternatives to replace malt vinegar in your cooking.
Do you have a favorite substitute for malt vinegar that you would like to share?
Be sure to share this article with your friends and family and let us know what you think in the comments below.