In case you are a fish lover like me, you would know what malt vinegar adds to fish when you sprinkle it during its making. Malt vinegar distinguishes it from normal vinegar because of malted barley.
Brown vinegar, as it is often called, contains only 15 calories at maximum in one tablespoon. Malt vinegar is an easily available item. However, if you have run short of it or are looking for malt vinegar substitutes, do not worry. Those with celiac disease may also need some alternatives for malt vinegar.
Malt vinegar has a mixed taste of sweet and sour. It goes well with sugar and balances the taste. So, besides sprinkling it on fish and salad, you can make chutneys and marinades for meat and other poultry. Malt vinegar is a great addition to other side dishes. It is extensively used in pickling and increasing the shelf life of certain vegetables like beetroot.
As impossible as it seems, if you ever get tired of eating your fries with ketchup, use malt vinegar. The dip of malt vinegar would leave your taste buds wanting more of it. Some have even stopped using ketchup altogether. However, we would suggest you keep on mixing things up.
It has numerous health benefits. A top benefit is a reduction in cholesterol level. A low cholesterol level prevents consequent heart diseases. Malt vinegar kills the need for mayonnaise that is high in fats. Hence, it can aid you on your weight loss journey.
The benefit of using malt vinegar as a cleanser is underrated. You can give fruits and veggies a vinegar bath to remove toxic and harmful organisms.
Be it celiac disease or the unavailability of malt vinegar, you can opt for some other options as well. So, let’s jump into the main topic of malt vinegar alternatives.
Malt vinegar substitutes
1) Apple cider vinegar
If you are sensitive to barley, try out the apple cider vinegar. You will achieve a desirable taste close to malt vinegar. The orange-brown vinegar can be used in salads, chutneys, marinades, and also in the pickling process. In pickling, apple cider vinegar breaks into the food’s surface and adds full flavor.
For salad dressings, apple cider vinegar combines with olive oil and other ingredients to give the best taste. Corned beef requires malt vinegar. Your best alternative in this case would be apple cider vinegar. It can help to balance out excess saltiness in a dish.
Made from an extensive process of crushing and fermentation, apple cider vinegar has been used as a home remedy for ages. It is a laxative produced naturally. Hence, a great healthy source for improving the digestive process.
Apple cider vinegar is great for treating obesity. It minimizes the risk of cardiac diseases by controlling your blood pressure. Furthermore, research on type 2 diabetics showed better blood glucose levels with the use of this vinegar type.
2) Balsamic Vinegar
This type of vinegar originated in Italy but now is popular throughout the world. The sweet and sour taste of the vinegar comes from a special type of grapes. It has numerous uses in salads, steaks, chicken, fruits, fish, etc.
So, when it comes to being a substitute for malt vinegar, it can be used with fries and fish. The best combo is with some Indian spices and highly nutritious olive oil. When used with strawberries, it enhances the flavor. Furthermore, salads, marinades, fish, and steaks go well with balsamic vinegar.
When it comes to health benefits, balsamic vinegar will leave you in awe. It is a great source of energy that strengthens the bones and immune system. The rich antioxidant property will keep your immune system at its best. Like any other vinegar, this one will surely help you on a weight loss journey.
3) Lemon juice
The versatile lemon is a fit for almost every dish. The flavor and health benefits both are a plus for us. When it comes to flavor, lemon is similar to malt vinegar but is not as strong. If you are not a fan of vinegar’s strong taste, squeeze healthy lemon juice as a substitute. You would like the tart flavor instead of a strong, acidic taste.
Due to versatility, lemon can be added easily to any dish you want a malt vinegar substitute for. You can use it for pickling, salads, fish and chips, and for meat products. Lemon enriches the ingredients on the plate.
An easy salad dressing without vinegar is a combination of lemon juice with some olive oil sprinkled with salt and pepper. You can add herbs and other condiments according to your liking.
Lemon is a great source of Vitamin C which is important for immunity. It improves digestion and prevents cancer. Are you sick of all the acne and skin problems? Lemon juice can improve skin quality and keep you hydrated.
4) White Vinegar
You might be wondering why we have added white vinegar to our list. It is because some people need to follow a gluten-free diet. For that, apple cider is a great alternative, but white vinegar is easily available at any supermarket.
The taste of white vinegar is slightly stronger than malt vinegar, the latter being sweeter. White vinegar is purified while the malt vinegar is made from grains.
Like all other vinegar types, white vinegar has numerous health benefits. They will help control your cholesterol level as well as your weight.
In case you are using vinegar for cleaning or disinfecting purposes, remember white vinegar is stronger than malt vinegar.
Each cooking item has its importance as it adds a specific flavor to the dish. Malt vinegar with its extensive uses is no exception. Whether it is pickling, sprinkling mat vinegar on fish and salad, or its health benefits in preventing heart diseases, you should make it a part of your diet. Things may not always work out and you may require some malt vinegar substitutes. So, choose any one from the above and use them in your dishes.