Asian vinegars are often made with fermented rice, creating a liquid that is sweet, savory, and sour. Chinese rice vinegars or mi cu can often come in white, red, and black varieties. As the color darkens, the flavor deepens. It’s easier to use white or red vinegar in dressings and marinades, as they blend in nicely with your dish. Black Zhenjiang vinegar is so strong that it’s a great dipping sauce on its own, typically used for dumplings. 

Japanese rice vinegar can come in a seasoned (added salt and sugar) or unseasoned types. These vinegars are a great marinade for fish, and the seasoned variety makes creating sushi rice a breeze - just add to cooked white rice!