Mirin — here’s what you need to know about the sweet and versatile Japanese rice wine

Mirin is often used to add sweetness and savoriness in many Japanese dishes such as noodle soup bases, sauces and marinades. (stock.adobe.com)

Japanese cuisine is full of flavor, including the fifth taste “umami.” The term translates “essence of deliciousness” in Japanese, with the taste providing a mouthwatering sensation and lasting longer than the other basic tastes, according to Ajinomoto. 

From ramen to teriyaki, Japanese foods contain umami flavors which is quite often the result of mirin. You probably have had mirin without even knowing it.