Homemade Ponzu Sauce

User Reviews

4.7

287 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    1 d

  • Total Time

    1 d 5 mins

  • Servings

    1 cup

  • Calories

    220 kcal

  • Course

    Condiments

  • Cuisine

    Japanese

Homemade Ponzu Sauce

Homemade Ponzu Sauce blends soy sauce with a mix of citrus juices, mirin, and umami-rich ingredients like katsuobushi and kombu. This combination results in a tangy, savory sauce with bright citrus notes and a subtle depth from seafood and seaweed elements. The sauce is versatile for dipping or dressing, particularly enhancing dishes such as hot pot, grilled oysters, and salads. Its layered flavors bring a refreshing contrast to rich or fried foods.

Description

Homemade Ponzu Sauce is a Japanese citrus-based soy sauce that combines the salty depth of soy sauce with the fresh acidity of lemon, orange, or grapefruit juices. The addition of mirin adds slight sweetness while katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) and kombu (dried kelp) infuse the sauce with complex umami flavors. This combination produces a balanced sauce that is light yet flavorful. It is often used as a dipping sauce for dishes like Shabu Shabu hot pot or as a dressing for salads and seafood dishes to add bright, fresh, and savory notes.

The method involves mixing the base ingredients and allowing the flavors to meld. The sauce can be stored refrigerated for several weeks if prepared and handled carefully. When using mirin substitutes like sugar and water, a shorter storage duration is recommended. Ponzu's versatility makes it easy to incorporate into various recipes where a citrus soy component is desirable.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup citrus juice (a mixture of lemon, orange, and/or grapefruit juices)
  • lemon zest from one lemon
  • 2 Tbsp mirin (or substitute 2 tsp sugar + 2 Tbsp sake or water)
  • ½ cup katsuobushi packed; for vegan/vegetarian, omit or substitute 1-2 dried shiitake mushrooms, dried bonito flakes
  • 1 piece kombu 2 x 3 inches, 5 x 7.6 cm, 6 g per piece, dried kelp

Instructions

To Serve

  1. Ponzu is one of the classic dipping sauces for Shabu Shabu hot pot. You can also use ponzu to make refreshing sauces for dishes like Tuna Tataki, Pork Spring Rolls, Pan-Fried Eggplant, or Grilled Oysters. It‘s delicious on salads as well, like my Tofu Salad with Sesame Ponzu Dressing.

To Store

  1. You can keep the homemade ponzu in the mason jar for up to 1 month (to be safe); however, if you substitute the mirin with water and sugar, please use it within a week. When you use the ponzu, make sure to use clean utensils to avoid cross-contamination. The sauce will keep 6 to 12 months if you sanitize and keep everything clean while making the ponzu.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1cup Calories 220kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 28g (9%) Protein 13g (26%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 7713mg (321%) Potassium 158mg (3%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 12g (24%) Vitamin A 7IU (0%) Vitamin C 47mg (52%) Calcium 13mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1cup

Amount Per Serving

Calories 220 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1cup
Calories 220kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 28g 9%
Protein 13g 26%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 7713mg 321%
Potassium 158mg 3%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 12g 24%
Vitamin A 7IU 0%
Vitamin C 47mg 52%
Calcium 13mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.7

287 reviews
Excellent

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