Ponzu Sauce (Japanese Citrus Dipping Sauce)

User Reviews

5

82 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Additional Time

    1 d

  • Total Time

    1 d 5 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    41 kcal

  • Course

    Condiments

  • Cuisine

    Japanese

Ponzu Sauce (Japanese Citrus Dipping Sauce)

Ponzu Sauce is a tangy and savory Japanese citrus-based condiment combining soy sauce, lemon and lime juice, mirin, rice vinegar, and traditional ingredients like bonito flakes and kombu for umami depth. It balances salty, sour, and slightly sweet flavors in a versatile dipping sauce often served with seafood and vegetables.

Description

This traditional Ponzu Sauce blends soy sauce and mirin with fresh citrus juices of lemon and lime, mimicking the flavor of yuzu. It includes umami contributions from bonito flakes (katsuobushi) and kombu sea kelp. The sauce can be prepared by simmering the ingredients for maximum infusion or by steeping cold in the refrigerator for a milder taste. Lemon zest can be added for a stronger citrus note.

The final strained liquid offers a harmonious balance of salty, tangy, slightly sweet, and savory flavors ideal for dipping sauces, marinades, or dressings. By omitting bonito flakes and kombu, a simplified or vegetarian variant can be made without losing the essence of the citrus-soy combination.

Stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container, Ponzu sauce keeps for up to one month, making it convenient for multiple uses through various dishes.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (you can use all lemon juice but the combination of lemon and lime more closely resembles the flavor of yuzu, which is the traditional citrus fruit of choice)
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup bonito flakes 3 g, aka katsuobushi
  • 1 kombu 2-inch piece
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional for bigger citrus flavor boost, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Two methods:For a more intense tuna/sea kelp flavor: In a small sauce pan bring the soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, katsuobushi, kombu and lemon zest (if using) to a boil. Turn off the heat and let it cool completely. Strain out the solids. Stir in the citrus juice.For a milder tuna/sea kelp flavor: Place all of the ingredients in a glass jar, shake, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours or up to a few days, shaking occasionally. Strain out the solids.*For a simplified or vegetarian version you can omit the katsuobushi and kombu.Store in in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a month.Makes 1/3 cup ponzu sauce.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1tablespoon Calories 41kcal (2%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 7mg (2%) Sodium 611mg (25%) Potassium 106mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 2mg (0%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 41 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1tablespoon
Calories 41kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 7mg 2%
Sodium 611mg 25%
Potassium 106mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 2mg 0%
Iron 1mg 6%

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

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