vinegar-soy sauce mix; equal parts vinegar and soy sauce
A simple Japanese seasoning blend of roughly equal parts vinegar and soy sauce, often used as a dipping sauce or dressing. Compare with 合わせ酢 (awasezu), a broader term for mixed vinegar seasonings.
See also: 合わせ酢
Nihaizu goes well with sashimi.
Nihaizu is made by mixing equal amounts of vinegar and soy sauce.
三杯酢 is a similar blend that adds mirin or sugar to the vinegar and soy sauce, creating a sweeter, more complex flavor.
Literally 'two-cup vinegar', from 二 (two) + 杯 (cup) + 酢 (vinegar), referring to the two main ingredients: vinegar and soy sauce.