Using sherry as a substitute for Marsala wine is a common question for home cooks. Marsala wine is a fortified wine that originates from Sicily, Italy and is commonly used in Italian dishes like chicken marsala. However, Marsala wine can be hard to find in regular grocery stores. Sherry, on the other hand, is more readily available and less expensive. So can you use sherry instead of Marsala wine when cooking? Let’s take a closer look.
The Short Answer
Yes, you can substitute sherry for Marsala wine in most recipes. Sherry makes a suitable replacement for Marsala in terms of flavor profile and cooking properties. The key is choosing the right type of sherry to match the sweetness level of the Marsala specified in the recipe.
Comparing Marsala Wine and Sherry
To understand how sherry works as a Marsala wine substitute, it helps to first look at what defines these two fortified wines:
Marsala Wine
- Made in Sicily from local grapes
- Fortified with brandy or wine spirits
- Aged for 1-5 years in wooden casks
- Rich, nutty flavor with caramel and vanilla notes
- Ranges from dry to sweet varieties
- Used in Italian savory dishes and desserts
Sherry
- Made in southern Spain from Palomino grapes
- Fortified with brandy
- Aged for years in American or Spanish oak barrels
- Dry to sweet flavor profile with nutty, yeasty qualities
- Used in savory cooking and some desserts
As you can see, Marsala and sherry share some similar characteristics. The most notable similarities are:
- Both are grape-based fortified wines.
- They have comparable aging processes for depth of flavor.
- Range from dry to sweet varieties.
- Feature nutty, caramelized flavor profiles.
- Commonly used in savory cooking applications.
The comparable flavors and aging processes allow sherry to work well in place of Marsala for cooking purposes. The key is selecting sherry varieties with a similar sweetness level.
Picking the Right Sherry Substitute
Since Marsala ranges from dry to sweet, you’ll need to choose an appropriate sherry variety based on the recipe requirements:
| If the recipe calls for… | Substitute with… |
|---|---|
| Dry Marsala | Fino or Manzanilla sherry |
| Sweet Marsala | Cream sherry |
| Marsala Vergine (fine, delicate flavor) | Amontillado sherry |
Here’s a quick guide to the different types of sherry and their flavor profiles:
Fino Sherry
- Very dry and light-bodied
- Fresh flavor with nutty, briny notes
Manzanilla Sherry
- Dry, delicate and tangy
- Hint of sea saltiness
Amontillado Sherry
- Medium-dry
- Rich nutty flavor
- Notes of caramel and spices
Cream Sherry
- Sweet and viscous
- Raisiny, maple syrup-like flavor
Matching the sweetness levels helps mimic the Marsala flavor profile. Fino sherry makes the closest dry Marsala substitute, while cream sherry replaces sweet Marsala nicely.
Sherry Cooking Tips
When cooking with sherry as a Marsala replacement, keep these tips in mind:
- Use slightly less sherry – Sherry is a bit more pungent. Use about 10-20% less sherry than the Marsala amount.
- Reduce the sherry first – For best flavor integration, reduce down the sherry by about half before adding to the dish.
- Add some acidity – A squeeze of lemon juice helps brighten up sherry’s flavor.
- Watch the salt – Sherry can be saltier than Marsala, so adjust seasonings.
- Use younger sherries – Younger styles have a fresher, fruitier flavor for cooking.
With these tips in mind, sherry can seamlessly sub for Marsala in recipes!
Dishes That Use Sherry Instead of Marsala
Here are some popular recipes where sherry makes an excellent Marsala wine substitute:
Chicken Marsala
Chicken marsala is a classic Italian dish of chicken sauteed with mushrooms in a Marsala pan sauce. Substitute an equal amount of dry fino or amontillado sherry for the Marsala wine in the sauce.
Marsala Mushroom Sauce
This silky mushroom gravy features Marsala as its base. Use 1/4 cup less amontillado sherry and add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Marsala Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Marsala adds a richness to the sweet potato puree in this recipe. Replace with 1/4 cup cream sherry for a similar sweet flavor.
Risotto
Many risotto recipes call for a splash of Marsala to finish. Finishing with a bit of fino sherry instead adds a similar aromatic quality.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu often uses Marsala-soaked ladyfingers. Substitute dry sherry such as fino or amontillado for soaking the ladyfingers.
The Difference in Flavor
While sherry makes a suitable Marsala substitute in most recipes, there will be a slight difference in flavor. Here’s how they compare:
- Marsala – Richer, more caramelized flavor. Prominent nutty taste with oak and vanilla nuances.
- Sherry – Lighter bodied and drier. Not as sweet or viscous. More tartness and tang.
The flavor distinction likely won’t make a huge impact for savory recipes. But for desserts or dishes where Marsala’s honeyed sweetness stands out, sherry may not achieve the exact same complexity.
When Not to Substitute Sherry
While sherry works great in most applications, there are a few instances when it’s best not to substitute:
- Drinking Marsala straight – For sipping Marsala wine by itself or on the rocks, sherry won’t provide the same rich Marsala flavor.
- Sweet Marsala desserts – Cream sherry can work, but doesn’t quite replicate Marsala’s velvety sweetness in delicate desserts.
- Recipes where Marsala is central – In dishes where Marsala is front and center, like zabaglione or Marsala gelato, the flavor profile change will be more pronounced.
For these applications, it’s best to use authentic Marsala wine to fully enjoy its unique characteristics. But in most cooked dishes, sherry makes an excellent stand-in.
Marsala and Sherry Pairing Suggestions
Marsala and sherry both pair well with a variety of foods due to their flavor versatility. Here are some pairing suggestions:
Savory Pairings
| Marsala | Sherry |
|---|---|
| Rich meats like beef, lamb, or game | Seafood like oysters, fish, shrimp |
| Mushrooms | Olives and almonds |
| Pasta or risotto | Hard cheeses |
| Tomato-based dishes | Cured meats like chorizo or prosciutto |
Sweet Pairings
| Marsala | Sherry |
|---|---|
| Vanilla desserts like panna cotta or crème brûlée | Nut-based desserts like baklava |
| Chocolate | Fruit desserts |
| Coffee | Spice cookies like gingerbread |
| Pears | Apple desserts |
Experiment with different food pairings to enjoy Marsala and sherry in all their glory!
Storing and Shelf Life of Sherry
An opened bottle of sherry lasts 3-6 months when properly stored. Here are some sherry storage tips:
- Keep sherry corked in a cool, dark place like a pantry or wine cellar.
- Store fino and manzanilla sherries in the fridge once opened – they oxidize faster.
- Transfer sherry to a smaller bottle if not finishing quickly to minimize oxidation.
- Look for signs of spoilage like color changes, off smells, or mold.
With proper storage, sherry has a relatively long shelf life of several months to a year. Just be sure to store it correctly to maintain freshness.
Cooking with Sherry Vinegar
In addition to sherry wine, you can also use sherry vinegar as a substitute in recipes calling for Marsala. Sherry vinegar has a bright, tangy flavor that works great for salad dressings, marinades, glazes, and reductions.
Some tips for using sherry vinegar:
- Start with a smaller amount – sherry vinegar is very tart. Use about 1 teaspoon per 1 tablespoon Marsala.
- Whisk sherry vinegar with a bit of oil and sweetener to mellow the acidity.
- Add some richness back with chicken or vegetable stock.
- Use in raw applications like salad dressings vs. cooking.
With some adjustments, sherry vinegar can also substitute for Marsala in the right recipes. But reach for sherry wine when you want a closer flavor match.
How to Use Up Leftover Sherry
Here are some delicious ways to use up the rest of an opened bottle of sherry:
Cooking
- Pan sauces and gravies
- Risottos and pasta dishes
- Marinades for proteins
- Glazes for meat, chicken or fish
- Reduction sauces
Baking
- Soak sponge cake or pound cake with sherry syrup
- Poach pears or quince in sherry
- Flambé desserts like crepes suzette
- Macerate berries or cherries in sherry
Drinking
- Sherry cocktails like Sherry Cobbler or Cream Sherry Flip
- Sherry spritzers with club soda or citrus
- Sherry sangria punch
- Sherry margaritas or Sherry Marys
With this inspiration, you can creatively use up extra sherry so none goes to waste!
Conclusion
While Marsala wine has its own distinct flavor, sherry makes an excellent substitute in most recipes. Just be sure to choose a sherry variety with a similar sweetness level. Amontillado and fino sherries mimic dry Marsala nicely, while cream sherry substitutes well for sweet Marsala. With some simple sherry cooking tips, you can seamlessly substitute in everything from risottos to chicken dishes. So don’t hesitate to open a bottle of sherry the next time a recipe calls for Marsala!