What it is and where it comes from
Mirin is a sweet rice wine used in Japanese cooking. Real mirin contains about 14 percent alcohol and is sold as an alcoholic drink in Japan. Cheaper "mirin-style seasoning" (aji-mirin) has less alcohol or none, depending on the brand.
What scholars say
- The four schools: an alcoholic drink, so not to be used in food, and cooking does not remove all the alcohol.
- Mirin-style seasonings without alcohol, or with a halal logo, are fine.
Where you find it
Teriyaki sauce, sushi rice seasoning, ramen broth, glazes and Japanese restaurant dishes.
What to look for on the label
Avoid hon mirin. For mirin-style seasoning, look for a halal logo or a stated alcohol content of zero. Rice vinegar with a little sugar is a halal replacement.
This is a guide, not a fatwa. Recipes change, so check the label, look for halal certification, and ask your local imam where scholars differ.