sherry substitute
Sherry Substitutes
Usually served as an aperitif, sherry is also added to certain dishes. This article enlists some of its substitutes that can be used instead of sherry.
While baking, coffee or coffee syrup can be used in place of sherry. This substitute works best in baked goods with chocolate.
Sherry is made in the Jerez region of Southern Spain. It is made using white grape varieties like Palomino, Moscatel, and Pedro Ximenez. Once the grapes get fermented, brandy is added to make the wine stable. There are various types of sherry, and they include Fino, Manzanilla, Jerez Dulce, Oloroso, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, etc.
Sherry is also used for cooking, especially soups, stews, and even desserts. However, what you get as cooking sherry is different from the regular version that is used for drinking. It is always better to use regular sherry, as cooking sherry has salt and other additives. Unlike the regular sherry, cooking sherry is not suitable for drinking. If you want to prepare a recipe that calls for sherry, follow the measurements strictly, or else use it in moderation. If sherry is not available, you may go for its substitutes.
Substitute Options
There are two scenarios when people search for sherry substitutes: one is when they want to avoid using alcohol in food, and the second is when sherry is not available. Sherry wine substitutes can be non-alcoholic or alcoholic, but make sure that the one you choose helps you to retain the original taste of the dish. Cooking sherry can be replaced with sherry wine. Using drinking sherry as a substitute is ideal if you want to reduce salt intake. You can have any dry form of drinking sherry as a perfect replacement. In case you are not aware, two tablespoons of cooking sherry contains more than 190 mg of sodium, apart from the harmful additives, preservatives, and food colors. You can use drinking sherry in order to stay away from the harmful side effects of these ingredients. If you are looking for alternatives to drinking sherry, to be used for cooking, you may use any of the following substitutes.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the easily available substitutes for sherry. However, make sure you dilute it with an equal amount of water, before use. If the recipe calls for a cup of sherry, you may replace it with half a cup of apple cider vinegar diluted with an equal amount of water. Add a tablespoon of sugar, for an enhanced flavor. This substitute is meant for marinades, soups, stews, and sauces, and not for desserts. If the recipe calls for a small amount of sherry, you may use an equal amount of apple cider vinegar.Other Wines
You can try alcoholic substitutes, like dry red or white wine instead of sherry. Other such substitutes include port wine, Marsala wine, or Madeira. You may use any of these wines instead of sherry. If you need a cup of sherry for preparing a recipe, replace it with an equal amount of any of these wines. An unflavored brandy may also work wonders in some recipes. In general, dry Vermouth is preferred as a sherry substitute, in a wide range of recipes. These substitutes are ideal for creamy soups, sauces, stews, and poultry.Vanilla Extract
This substitute is mainly used in sweet dishes. If the recipe calls for two tablespoons of sherry, use two teaspoons of vanilla extract instead. You may use alcoholic or non-alcoholic vanilla extract for this purpose. If you want to compensate for the liquid part, use some water, along with the vanilla extract. If you want to replace two tablespoons of sherry, use two teaspoons of vanilla extract mixed with four teaspoons of water.Fruit Juices
In some recipes, you can replace sweet sherry with fruit juices. These substitutes are ideal for desserts, especially baked goods with fruits. Usually, an equal amount of orange, pineapple, apricot, or peach juice is used instead of sherry. If the juice is thick, dilute it with water, before use. It is always better to use fresh juice instead of store-bought ones.Other Options
Red wine vinegar or champagne wine vinegar can be used instead of sherry, in some recipes. You may dilute the vinegar or use it in small amounts. Another option is chicken broth mixed with a small amount of vinegar. If you want a cup of sherry, use two tablespoons of vinegar mixed in a cup of chicken broth.