Ponzu Sauce
This Homemade Ponzu Sauce is a classic Japanese condiment that's both versatile and easy to make. This citrus-based sauce is perfect for both dipping and dressing and will add the perfect touch of umami to your favorite dishes.
Servings: 1
Calories: 280kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (approx. ½ large lemon)
- 1½ tablespoons soy sauce
- 2½ tablespoons mirin (or 1 teaspoon of sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons of water)
- ¼ cup bonito flakes
Instructions
- In a small bowl, squeeze 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice into the bowl. If you like it very lemony, you can also grate ¼ teaspoon of the lemon skin into the sauce as well. Make sure not to grate any of the white parts of the skin (the pith) it's bitter.
- Mix in 1½ tablespoons soy sauce and 2½ tablespoons mirin into the bowl. (If you don't have mirin, mix 1 teaspoon of sugar with 2 tablespoons of water to substitute it.)
- Add in ¼ cup bonito flakes and let it soak for at least 5 minutes.
- After the bonito flakes had time to soak in the sauce, you can remove it and discard it.
- Do a taste test. If you like your ponzu sauce more sweet, sour or salty, adjust it with mirin, lemon juice, or soy sauce.
- Enjoy as a dipping sauce or a dressing!
Notes
- This ponzu sauce recipe makes approximately ¼ cup of sauce.
- Use Fresh Lemon: For a vibrant and tangy flavor, use fresh lemon juice. You can also add a hint of zest for an extra citrus punch, but be sure to avoid the bitter white part of the skin when you are grating it.
- Substitute for Mirin: If you don't have mirin, a sweet Japanese rice wine, you can easily substitute it with a mixture of sugar and water.
- Let Bonito Flakes Soak: Allowing the bonito flakes to soak in the sauce for at least 5 minutes will help infuse the sauce with a rich umami flavor.
- Strain the Bonito Flakes: After soaking, remember to remove and discard the bonito flakes. This will prevent the sauce from becoming too strong or fishy in flavor.
