mirin

American  

[mir-in] / ˈmɪr ɪn /

noun

1. a Japanese cooking wine made from rice, sweeter than sake.

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Etymology

Origin of mirin

First recorded in 1870–75; from Japanese mirin, equivalent to mi “taste, flavor” + rin “to remove astringency,” both from Middle Chinese

Example Sentences

Unlike the numbing-hot Sichuan version, this one is savory and sweet, with the classic Japanese flavors of soy, sake and mirin, and comes together even faster, if you can believe it.

From Washington Times • May 12, 2023

If you'd like to deepen the savory notes, opt for a dash of balsamic; fish, oyster or soy sauce; Tamari; Worcestershire; or even mirin.

From Salon • Jan. 11, 2023

Best of all, the Campagnas’ kitchen was fully stocked with all of the Korean cooking essentials, including mirin, kimchi, red pepper paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili flakes and a rice cooker.

From Washington Times • Dec. 26, 2022

Sharp bites of scallion complement earthy grilled steak that’s been marinated in a deeply savory combination of soy, mirin, sake and sugar in this traditional Japanese dish.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 3, 2022

They are cooked in mirin, a kind of sweet liquor made from saké, and you eat all you can pick off the bones with your hashi.

From Letters from China and Japan by Dewey, John