Ponzu is a Japanese citrus seasoning sauce made from citrus juice (classically yuzu or sudachi), soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar and dashi. It is salty, tangy and slightly sweet at once.

Origin

The name traces back to the Dutch word "pons" (punch), which reached Japan through trade in the Edo period.

In flexitarian cooking

For flexitarians, ponzu is a light, low-fat alternative to heavy sauces: perfect with fish, tofu, grilled vegetables and as a dressing.

Alternative

Quick version with 3 parts soy sauce, 2 parts lime or lemon juice and 1 part mirin.

Tip

Let homemade ponzu rest in the fridge for a day or two to mellow. For a vegan version, swap dashi for kombu stock.

Related recipes

Avocado tartare with seared octopus and ponzu vinaigrette

Related terms

Dashi, Miso, Vinaigrette