Is Mirin Halal?
Commonly non-halal — check for a certified version
Traditional mirin is a fermented sweet rice wine containing alcohol, so it is haram. Alcohol-free 'mirin-style' seasonings are a separate, permissible product.
What is Mirin?
Mirin is a sweet Japanese condiment used in sauces, glazes and simmered dishes (teriyaki, sukiyaki, nimono). Genuine mirin (hon-mirin) is a fermented rice wine of roughly 14% alcohol; cheaper 'aji-mirin' also usually contains alcohol.
Traditional hon-mirin is made by fermenting glutinous rice with koji and shochu, producing an alcoholic sweet liquid. Non-alcoholic 'mirin-style' seasoning is formulated from rice syrup, vinegar and flavourings without the fermentation alcohol.
Why is it best avoided?
Intoxicating alcohol (khamr) is prohibited, and traditional mirin is an alcoholic rice wine, so it is haram. Because Japanese and Korean dishes such as teriyaki, sukiyaki and many glazes commonly use mirin (and sake/cooking wine), these dishes need checking. Alcohol-free 'mirin-style' seasonings are a different product and can be halal — verify the label and certification.
Commonly found in
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
- Teriyaki, sukiyaki and simmered (nimono) dishes
- Glazes and marinades
- Japanese and some Korean sauces
- Salad dressings and dipping sauces
How it appears on labels
MirinAji-mirinSweet rice wineRice wineCooking wineHow to verify a product in Singapore
- Ingredient-level guidance is not halal certification — check the complete product, not just this ingredient.
- Look for recognised halal certification, and check the finished product on the official MUIS HalalSG register.
- When the source or processing aids are unclear, contact the manufacturer.
In Singapore, MUIS HalalSG-certified Japanese/Korean restaurants and products do not use alcoholic mirin, sake or cooking wine. For uncertified eateries, ask specifically about mirin/cooking wine in sauces and glazes.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: MUIS, FAO/WHO · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
Frequently asked questions
Is mirin halal?
No. Traditional mirin is a fermented sweet rice wine containing alcohol, which is haram. Look for alcohol-free 'mirin-style' seasoning or halal-certified products instead.
Is alcohol-free mirin halal?
'Mirin-style' or 'mirin-fu' seasonings made without fermentation alcohol are a different product and can be halal — check the label and certification to confirm no added alcohol.
Does teriyaki contain mirin?
Often, yes — teriyaki, sukiyaki and many Japanese glazes use mirin or sake. Verify with the manufacturer or restaurant, or choose halal-certified options.
What can I use instead of mirin?
Alcohol-free mirin-style seasoning, or a mix of water/rice vinegar with a little sugar. Halal-certified Japanese sauces avoid alcoholic mirin.
Sources & methodology
- Halal Certification — HalalSG — Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) · Alcohol (khamr) and alcoholic cooking wines are not permitted under halal certification
- General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) Online Database — Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) · Fermented rice condiments — composition
Humble Halal methodology: we classify additives by their common origin, not by any specific product. A generally-halal ingredient does not make a finished product halal-certified. This page is general guidance, not certification or religious/legal advice — always verify the complete product. Last reviewed July 2026.