The Chinese Vinegar That Adds A Blast Of Umami To Any Dish

Vinegar is known for its ability to brighten dishes while adding a depth of flavor and a little zing you may not have known you're missing. There are plenty of different types of vinegar that can offer your taste buds a true adventure. From balsamic vinegar to rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and everything in between, these acidic ingredients bring their own rich and light attributes to a dish. Chinese black vinegar is a bomb of umami. If you have yet to dip your dumplings into this stuff or douse your favorite noodles with it, you may want to give it a try. 

With its sumptuous, dark color and umami taste, this is an essential ingredient that can be used in many of your every day meals. This vinegar is aged for months in clay pots and the Maillard reaction — the  same chemical reaction that occurs when you brown foods — is responsible for the color and umami taste.

Chinese black vinegar is made using grains like sorghum, wheat, or barley. Chinkiang vinegar, which is part of the Chinese black vinegar family, is aged for at least six months and is made with sticky rice. Its malt-like flavor has a smoky element and both sour and savory notes There is an earthy quality to this vinegar that you will not find with others. Sichuan vinegar has a completely different taste. It's made with wheat bran and has a sharp smell to it. Its color skews more on the red-brown side, and its taste is savory. Taiwan black vinegar can be fermented with carrots, mushrooms, and other vegetables, or it can be made with fruits like plums and lemons.

So, how do you use these dark, acidic temptresses to up the taste of your food? Black vinegar is the perfect counterbalance to fatty meats, especially pork belly and duck, and it's a must-add ingredient for dumpling dipping sauces. It can also add its superpower taste to salad dressings. If you are making some ramen with chili oil or some Dan Dan noodles, Chinese black vinegar will give them an oomph that will make you lick your lips in satisfaction. But, don't stop there– use it in your next soup or even in chili. Everyone will be asking about your secret ingredient!