Homemade Rice Vinegar Using Just 3 Simple Ingredients

Rice vinegar is an indispensable condiment in every kitchen. It’s not only used to season dishes and prepare dipping sauces, but also works wonderfully for cleaning fruits, vegetables, and even household surfaces.

While store-bought vinegar is widely available, making your own rice vinegar at home is both simple and rewarding. With just a few natural ingredients, you can create a batch of fragrant, mild vinegar that’s free from preservatives and additives — perfect for daily use.

Ingredients for Homemade Rice Vinegar

You’ll only need three basic ingredients:

• 200 grams of white rice

• 20 grams of white sugar

• 500 grams (ml) of boiled and cooled water

Additionally, prepare a glass jar with a tight lid for fermentation, and a small amount of strong white liquor (like rice wine or vodka) to sterilize the container.

Step 1: Prepare and Toast the Rice

Rinse the rice twice in clean water to remove any dust and impurities. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as that may strip away valuable nutrients from the rice’s surface.

Next, heat a dry pan over high heat and add the rice. Stir constantly until the grains lose their surface moisture. Then lower the heat to medium and continue stirring until the rice turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.

This process usually takes 15–20 minutes. Once done, spread the toasted rice evenly on a clean tray and let it cool completely. Toasting the rice helps activate its natural sugars, giving your vinegar a deeper flavor and pleasant aroma.

Step 2: Sterilize the Jar

Cleanliness is key when fermenting. Wash the glass jar thoroughly, then sterilize it by boiling it in hot water. Let it air-dry completely.

For extra protection, pour a bit of high-proof white liquor into the jar, swirl it around to coat the surface, and allow it to evaporate. This step helps eliminate bacteria and prevents spoilage during fermentation.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

Add the cooled, toasted rice and sugar into the jar, keeping a ratio of 10 parts rice to 1 part sugar. Pour in the cooled boiled water, then stir gently with a clean utensil until the sugar is fully dissolved.

If you want your vinegar to have a richer, fruity aroma, you can add small slices of apple to the jar. Make sure the apple is washed, scalded briefly with hot water, and thoroughly dried before adding. The natural fruit acids in apples can enhance fermentation and deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Fermentation Process

Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Let it sit undisturbed for about 15 days. During this time, natural fermentation will occur, gradually turning the rice mixture into fragrant vinegar.

The finished rice vinegar should have a slightly cloudy appearance, a mild tangy taste, and a delicate aroma — quite different from the sharp acidity of industrial vinegar.

Once fermentation is complete, strain out the liquid and transfer it to a clean glass bottle. Seal tightly and store in a cool place. Properly stored, your homemade vinegar can last for several months.

Tips for Adjusting the Flavor

• For stronger acidity: Reduce the amount of water during the initial mixing stage.

• For a milder, gentler taste: Add more water.

• Always make sure the rice is fully submerged in liquid, with at least a few centimeters (about two finger-widths) of water above the rice to prevent mold formation.

You can also experiment with different types of rice — brown rice, glutinous rice, or jasmine rice — to discover unique flavors and aromas. Brown rice will produce a deeper, slightly nutty vinegar, while jasmine rice creates a more floral fragrance.

Why Homemade Vinegar is Worth It

Homemade rice vinegar isn’t just healthier — it’s also more eco-friendly and economical. You avoid unnecessary plastic packaging, control the ingredients, and can even reuse leftover rice for fermentation. Plus, the gentle tang and clean flavor make it ideal for salad dressings, marinades, pickles, and more.

With just a bit of patience and three simple ingredients, you can enjoy a bottle of naturally fermented rice vinegar that’s flavorful, safe, and uniquely your own.