Easy Homemade Ponzu Sauce: A Zesty Japanese Citrus Delight
Discover the tangy, umami-packed world of ponzu sauce – a versatile Japanese condiment that will elevate your dishes to new heights!
Ponzu sauce is a culinary gem that originated during Japan’s Edo Period, blending Eastern and Western influences. This citrusy, soy-based sauce has a fascinating history dating back to the 17th century when Dutch traders introduced a citrus punch called “pon” to Japan. Over time, it evolved into the delectable condiment we know today.
Perfect for dipping noodles, dumplings, and sashimi, or drizzling over grilled meats and salads, ponzu sauce adds a bright, complex flavor to any dish. With just six simple ingredients, you can create this authentic Japanese sauce in your own kitchen!
Homemade Ponzu Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (1 ounce; 30ml)
- 1/2 cup mirin (4 ounces; 120ml)
- 1 (3- by 3-inch) piece kombu (about 1 ounce; 30g)
- 1/2 ounce (15g) shaved katsuobushi
- 1/2 cup yuzu juice, or equal parts lemon and lime juice (4 ounces; 120ml)
- 1/2 cup light soy sauce (4 ounces; 120ml)
Directions
- In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, mirin, and kombu. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and add the katsuobushi. Cover and let the flavors meld for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer, discarding the solids (or save them to make a second batch with some extra katsuobushi). Allow the infused liquid to cool completely.
- Mix the cooled, steeped mirin mixture with the citrus juice and soy sauce. Your homemade ponzu sauce is now ready to use! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Recipe Notes
Mirin, kombu, and katsuobushi (bonito flakes) can be found in Japanese grocery stores or well-stocked supermarkets. If you can’t find fresh yuzu, bottled yuzu juice works well. For a more budget-friendly option, use a combination of lemon and lime juice to replicate the citrusy flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
---|---|
40 | Calories |
0g | Fat |
6g | Carbs |
2g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 12 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 40 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 0g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
Cholesterol 4mg | 1% |
Sodium 911mg | 40% |
Total Carbohydrate 6g | 2% |
Dietary Fiber 0g | 1% |
Total Sugars 5g | |
Protein 2g | |
Vitamin C 2mg | 8% |
Calcium 13mg | 1% |
Iron 0mg | 2% |
Potassium 96mg | 2% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |