Commonly known as cane vinegar, Datu Puti vinegar is one of the most commonly used vinegar varieties in the Philippine cuisines, and recently, it is being used in Southeast Asian cuisine. It has a syrupy texture and mild flavor, which makes it an apt choice for roasted meat, salads, and preparing vinaigrettes. It has a perfect level of acidity and has its unique sweetness as well. However, since it’s a niche product, it’s hard to find in the western side of the world, which is why we are listing down some substitutes with you.
Datu Puti Vinegar Substitutes
- Rice Wine Vinegar
The first substitute that you can try is rice wine vinegar, and actually, the culinary experts recommend using the Japanese version. It is made from wine and some varieties are produced from rice as well. The rice-based vinegar is produced by fermenting the rice grains until they become alcoholic. Since alcohol turns into acetic acid, vinegar achieves the acidic notes.
However, to replace the datu puti vinegar, make sure you choose the unsweetened version to replicate the flavor. Keep in mind that this vinegar has a more concentrated flavor, which is why you should add less of it. As far as the application is concerned, rice wine vinegar can be used to prepare fried rice and sushi but you can also flavor the marinades and sauces to enhance the flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is the second option and it’s produced by a combination of water and fermented water. It tends to be sweeter as compared to other vinegar and also has apple notes. The vinegar has a mild flavor and is a perfect choice for adding a sharp and bright flavor to salad dressings. In addition, it can be used for glazed ham or you can prepare the blue cheese salad with cherries, apples, and pecans.
- White Wine Vinegar
The third option that you can try is the white wine vinegar and it’s actually the most affordable choice – it’s also easier to find. This is one of the most reliable and versatile ingredients out there. What we love about white wine vinegar is that it doesn’t have a very bold flavor, which is why it can be used to replace the mild flavor of Datu Puti vinegar. It doesn’t have any fruitiness in the flavor, which is why it appears mild to many people. However, you should add this vinegar to the recipe in a limited quantity.
- Balsamic Vinegar
In case you are preparing vinaigrette or salad dressing and cannot get your hands on Datu Puti vinegar, you can opt for balsamic vinegar without a second thought. It is made from grape juice, which leads to a fruity undertone. However, as compared to the mild flavor of Datu Puti vinegar, balsamic vinegar has a sweeter and sharper flavor. In addition, it is a wine-like option, which makes it a great option for cooking. Last but not least, you’ve to remember that this vinegar has more calories
- Red Wine Vinegar
Red wine vinegar is one of the best choices for people who are looking for an easy-to-find substitute. As the name suggests, it has a tangy flavor as well as a deep red hue, which means it can change the appearance of the recipe. The red wine vinegar is produced from fermented red wine and only has minimal traces of alcohol.
- Sherry Vinegar
This variety of vinegar is also prepared from wine, and to be precise, it’s made from Spanish sherry wine. Since the wine has a deep flavor, it translates into the complex flavor of sherry vinegar, especially even if it is aged for a few minutes. It’s a suitable choice for people who need a less overpowering option. There are no carbohydrates and fats in this vinegar, which makes it a healthier choice as well.
- Lemon Juice
If you don’t want to use vinegar-based alternatives, we recommend that you opt for lemon juice. That’s because lemon juice has an acidic nature as well as a fruity flavor, which makes it perfect to replace the sweetness of Datu Puti vinegar. What we love about this alternative is that you can squeeze some fresh lemons rather than visiting the market to purchase bottled lemon juice!