Does Mirin Go Bad?

Is there anything more frustrating than opening a bottle of sauce, dressing, or condiment, only to find that it has gone bad? Not only is it a waste of money, but it can also be dangerous if you eat something spoiled.
Unfortunately, many people (myself included) don’t know how to tell when their favorite sauces have gone sour and often end up throwing them away prematurely or using them long after they’ve expired. Don’t let yourself be one of them with Mirin.
Does mirin go bad? It certainly can! But how can you know?
In this article, we’ll teach you how to tell if Mirin has gone bad, and we’ll provide some tips to extend its shelf life.

What Is Mirin?
Mirin is a type of rice wine used in Japanese cuisine and has been a staple of Japanese cooking for centuries. Mirin is made by fermenting rice with koji mold and adding water and alcohol. Mirin is sweetened with sugar or honey and has a slightly alcoholic content of around 14%.
It’s a sweetened rice wine with a slightly viscous and syrupy texture, often used to add sweetness to dishes. Mirin is great paired with grilled foods or added to sauces like Teriyaki sauce.
Does Mirin Need to Be Refrigerated?
While mirin does not need to be refrigerated, you should keep it cold to preserve the quality and flavor for a longer period. You can also store it in a cool, dark place like your pantry or cupboard, especially if you plan to use it rather quickly.
However, if you live in a warm climate, store it in the fridge to prevent it from going bad prematurely. That’s what I do and how most people I know store their mirin.

How Long Does Mirin Last?
When stored properly, Mirin can last for up to 12 months. However, it’s best to use it within 6 months for the best flavor and quality.
You’ll know that your mirin has gone bad if it starts to develop a cloudy appearance or if the texture changes and becomes watery. The flavor will also change, becoming sourer and less sweet. If you notice any of these changes, consider discarding the mirin.
What Color and Consistency Should Mirin Be?
When Mirin is first bottled, it has a clear, lightly golden appearance. Mirin may be stored in a darker-colored bottle, making it hard to tell its natural color. However, pour some out into a clear glass and you should see its natural appearance. Over time, it may develop a cloudy appearance or begin to separate as it turns bad.
The consistency should be slightly viscous and syrupy. If it starts to thin out or become watery, it’s a sign that you should discard it. Alternatively, if you notice chunks of mold forming in the liquid, it’s also a sign it may not be safe to eat anymore.
If you’re storing your mirin in the refrigerator, you may notice the sauce whiten a bit in color. Some whitening is natural and is usually from the sugar crystallizing within the sauce due to the colder temperatures. You may see it collect at the bottom. It’s normal. Just shake to bring it back to the proper consistency and color.

How to Know If Mirin Is Bad
Now that we’ve answered the question, “Does Mirin go bad?” let’s talk about how you can tell if it has indeed gone bad.
Expiration Date on the Bottle
The first place you should look is the expiration date on the bottle. If it has expired, then it’s not safe to consume anymore. You don’t have to go any further to know if it’s gone bad. That expiry date is enough to tell you it’s not worth using.
However, if the expiration date hasn’t passed yet, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the Mirin is still good. The expiration date is just an estimate of how long the sauce will retain its quality. Keep going down the list of ways to know if your mirin is bad even if the expiration date hasn’t passed.

Left Out Without Sealing
In certain cases, it has less to do with long-term storage and more to do with short-term mistakes or lapses in judgment.
One of these examples would be if you left the bottle out overnight without sealing it. In this case, your best bet is to discard the entire bottle, since there are good chances that it has oxidized, or started the process of turning into vinegar.
While forgetting to refrigerate for a night or two won’t ruin your mirin, forgetting to cap it in addition to forgetting to refrigerate it is a combination that’s not worth risking.
Changing Color With Safe Possibilities Ruled Out
Mirin shouldn’t change colors drastically if it’s safe to eat.
As mentioned before, the sugar can begin to crystallize within the bottle, changing the color slightly and adding a whiteness to it, but beyond that scenario, it shouldn’t be changing colors.
If you notice that it’s much darker than it was when you originally bought it or turns a shade of orange or dark yellow, it might have soured.
If you can rule out the possibility of crystallized sugar causing the color change, then it’s best to toss the bottle rather than risk it.
Rotten Smell
Mirin should have a slightly sweet acidic smell, akin to sake. If you take a whiff of your mirin before cooking with it and it smells rotten, overly sweet, or acidic and vinegar-like, toss it. The smell shouldn’t be off-putting, so if it is, it’s a surefire sign it’s no longer safe to use or eat.

Sour Taste
Similarly to the smell test, the taste test is another way you can tell if your mirin has gone bad. Take a small amount on a clean spoon and give it a try. If it’s too sour or vinegary for your liking, discard it and buy yourself a new bottle at the store.
Those are the most common signs that your Mirin has gone bad. If you notice any of these, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard the sauce. Trust your senses; if it smells or tastes off, there’s a good chance it is. Don’t take the risk.
Final Thoughts: Ensuring Mirin Stays Fresh
Does mirin go bad? Like most condiments, it will go bad after a while or if improperly stored.
To ensure your mirin stays fresh and doesn’t go bad, always make sure to check the expiration date when you buy a new bottle so you have a good idea of how long it will last. Once you open the bottle, refrigerate it or at least keep it somewhere cool and dark. Finally, check it before using it each time – just in case.
These simple tips will help keep your mirin fresh for as long as possible so you can enjoy the flavors of Japanese cuisine.