Beverage

Aji Mirin

C tier

Aji-mirin ("tastes like mirin") is a seasoning syrup: glucose or corn syrup, water, a little alcohol or salt, and flavouring, built to glaze without the tax of real hon-mirin. It will shine a teriyaki and sweeten a simmer. It will not give you fermented rice depth. Many Western recipes that say "mirin" were tested on this bottle. Use it when the dish is weeknight and the shine is the point. Cut back other sugar. For a glaze you care about, buy hon mirin. Mirin-fu is the same neighbourhood—read the ingredients, not the calligraphy.