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Looking for a way to replace malt vinegar when you need it but don’t have it around? Look no further for a malt vinegar substitute!
What is malt vinegar?
Malt vinegar is known for being sweeter and milder than other types of vinegar. It’s also less acidic, so it packs less of a punch when you add it to a dressing or a marinade. It still holds plenty of flavor to spice up your dish!
It’s made by putting barley in water and letting it germinate. When it germinates and sprouts, the grains are dried out. This creates the malt! The malt is then brewed into ale (like you’re making beer) and then it’s taken one step further into acetic acid – which is the vinegar!
What is malt vinegar used for?
You can spread malt vinegar on some fries to add a little tangy flavor or use it in a glaze for some veggies. It would taste great sprinkled over vegan fish and chips. With it’s milder flavor, it’s pretty versatile but also hard to replace!
Don’t worry though, we’ve got some options for when you need malt vinegar but don’t have it handy.
Best Malt Vinegar Substitutes
Can I replace malt vinegar? Yes! The most common malt vinegar substitutes are apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar. Read more about each malt vinegar replacement below.
1. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar makes a great malt vinegar substitute because it is similarly mild in taste and tangy without being too acidic. It’s made from fermenting apples, so it’ll carry a bit of an apple taste into your dish. This will rarely cause an issue but just something to keep in mind!
You can substitute apple cider vinegar for malt vinegar at a 1:1 ratio and it’ll serve the same purpose. Go get ‘em!
2. Lemon juice
Lemon juice is an excellent malt vinegar substitute! Tangy and delicious, it’ll make the perfect replacement. It has the right amount of acidity and flavor that you’re trying to substitute.
Just squeeze the juice of a lemon and double it for the amount of malt vinegar you’re trying to replace. For example if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of malt vinegar, you’ll use 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
3. Balsamic vinegar
Traditional balsamic vinegar is made by aging crushed grapes in barrels for a long time. Like, 12+ years long time. The balsamic you’ll buy at a regular grocery store is likely just aged a few months, but delicious nonetheless. It’s great for drizzling over foods or salads, much like malt vinegar. This makes it a great replacement!
If you’re using balsamic vinegar as a malt vinegar substitute in a recipe or as an alternative to sprinkle onto some food for some extra flavor, just substitute 1:1.
