5 from 82 votes
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.
Prep Time
5 mins
Additional Time
1 d
Total Time
1 d 5 mins
Servings:
6
Calories:
41 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
Japanese
Ingredients
- 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
- 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.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
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: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 41
% 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.