Flavorful Ponzu Sauce Recipe

My chef’s perfected recipe for Ponzu Sauce, a refreshing citrus-based Japanese condiment used as a dipping sauce, marinade or dressing for vegetables, noodles, salads, or Poke Bowls!  Easy to make in 5 minutes, vegan! Gluten-free adaptable!

This Ponzu sauce recipe comes straight from my former restaurant and catering business. As a chef, I’ve come to appreciate its simple yet vibrant flavor, without a lot of calories. It’s one of those sauces that makes everything a little bit better. Bright, happy, and tangy with real citrus juice, it adds a delicious brightness and savory depth to Asian dishes, giving them a burst of flavor!  A five-minute sauce that truly elevates!

What I love about this Ponzu Sauce is how light and low-calorie it is- it’s low in oil, having only a touch of toasted sesame oil for flavor.

What is Ponzu Sauce?

If unfamiliar, Ponzu is a classic Japanese condiment, a citrus and soy-based sauce similar to a vinaigrette or dressing. I like to think of it as a peppy dressing, and it likes to be paired with raw veggies and fish!

We’ve been using this on our Poke bowls in this Avocado Salad , with these Sushi Burritos, and most recently with this Grilled Bok Choy.

What does Ponzu Sauce taste like?

Ponzu sauce tastes bright and citrusy, with a subtle sweetness and umami flavor from soy sauce. It is light, refreshing and flavorful.

What is Ponzu Sauce used for?

Use Ponzu Sauce as a light dressing for Poke bowls or salads. It makes a delicious dipping sauce or use it as a marinade. Spoon it over rice for a little burst of flavor.

Ponzu Recipe Ingredients

• Soy sauce – or substitute, tamari or  gluten-free Liquid Amino’s
• Fresh citrus – yuzu is traditional, here we substitute meyer lemon, orange, mandarine or tangerine.
• Mirin – or substitute a mix of honey and water
• Rice wine vinegar
• Toasted Sesame oil
• Garnish with: sesame seeds and optional chili flakes

How to make Ponzu Sauce

It really can’t be any simpler!

1. Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness (more mirin) or citrus juice to your taste.   Some citrus, like oranges, will be sweeter than yuzu- so adjust accordingly.

Ponzu Sauce Serving Suggestions

• Use it as a dressing for cold noodles or salads like this Avocado Salad
• Drizzle it over grilled veggies, like this Grilled Bok Choy!
• Use it as a dipping sauce for Sushi  or Sushi Burritos
• Spoon it over Poke Bowls
• Use it as a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp- similar to this

Storing Homemade Ponzu Sauce

Store in a sealed jar for up to 4 days in the fridge (if using fresh juice), or up to 2 weeks if using bottled citrus juice.

More dressings you'll love!

Sesame Ginger Dressing

Basil Vinaigrette

Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe

Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Tomato Vinaigrette

The Best Miso Dressing

Enjoy the simple Ponzu Recipe and let us know how you like it in the comments below!

xoxo

Sylvia

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