HoneyEasy to find
Same amount
Sweeter and more flavorful, with a floral note. Use a mild honey so it doesn't take over.
▲ sweeter▲ floral note
Ingredient guide
Rice syrup 올리고당
Olligodang is the clear, mildly sweet syrup Korean home cooks use to give sauces gloss and a gentle sweetness without the sharpness of sugar. It is common in braises, stir-fries and fried chicken sauces.
Taste
Mildly sweet and neutral, with a thick, glossy body.
What to look for
Bottles labeled olligodang, "oligosaccharide syrup" or "rice syrup" in Korean markets.
Storing it
Keep in the pantry; it lasts for months.
How to find Rice syrup, anywhere
Works in any country — look for these names, in these kinds of shops.
Names to look for
- olligodang
- oligosaccharide syrup
- rice syrup
- 올리고당
Show this at the shop올리고당
Where to look
- Korean grocery stores, in the sauces and sweeteners area
- Asian supermarkets
- Honey or corn syrup in any supermarket
Watch out for
- Brown rice syrup from health-food stores is much darker and malty — a rougher swap.
- Don't confuse it with sugar-free syrups.
Can't find Rice syrup? Use this instead
Honest swaps, with amounts per unit of the original and how the dish will change.
Light corn syrupEasy to find
Same amount
The closest in texture and neutral taste; gives the same glossy finish.
▲ glossier
Where to buy it near you
Recipes that use Rice syrup
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