Citrusy Bonito Ponzu Sauce
Citrusy Bonito Ponzu Sauce is a vibrant, umami-rich condiment that highlights the delicate flavors of Japanese cuisine. This versatile sauce is crafted using soy sauce, invigorating yuzu or zesty lime juice, and the tanginess of rice wine vinegar, giving it a bright, refreshing taste. The infusion of dried bonito flakes, which are made from smoked and dried bonito fish, imparts a smoky depth to the sauce, enhancing its complexity. Perfect for dipping with shabu-shabu or as a marinade for fish, shellfish, and even beef, this ponzu sauce is a culinary treasure that elevates any dish it graces. While yuzu juice offers a distinctive flavor profile, lime juice can serve as an alternative in a pinch. A staple in your kitchen, this sauce is sure to impress at any gathering or weeknight dinner.
N/A
Servings
62.5
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Soy Sauce
1 cup (Use a high-quality soy sauce for the best flavor.)
Yuzu Juice or Lime Juice
3/4 cup (Freshly squeezed is best; if unavailable, bottled can be used.)
Rice Wine Vinegar
1/4 cup (Ensure it's unseasoned for the best result.)
Dried Bonito Flakes
1/2 cup (Available at Asian markets or online.)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, bring the soy sauce to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2
Once boiling, add the dried bonito flakes and stir well to combine.
3
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
After cooling, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl to remove the bonito flakes.
5
Combine the strained soy sauce with the rice wine vinegar and yuzu or lime juice, stirring until well blended.
6
Transfer the ponzu sauce to a clean jar or bottle for storage. It can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Information
0
Fat
8.25
Carbs
4
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrusy Bonito Ponzu Sauce?
Citrusy Bonito Ponzu Sauce is a vibrant, umami-rich Japanese condiment made with soy sauce, citrus juice, rice wine vinegar, and dried bonito flakes.
What does this ponzu sauce taste like?
It has a bright, refreshing, and tangy flavor profile with a smoky depth provided by the infusion of dried bonito flakes.
How is the smoky depth achieved in this sauce?
The smoky depth comes from adding dried bonito flakes, which are made from smoked and dried bonito fish, to the soy sauce.
Can I use a substitute if I cannot find yuzu juice?
Yes, freshly squeezed lime juice serves as an excellent alternative to yuzu juice in this recipe.
What are the common uses for Citrusy Bonito Ponzu Sauce?
It is perfect as a dipping sauce for shabu-shabu or as a marinade for fish, shellfish, and beef.
How long can I store the homemade ponzu sauce?
The sauce can be stored in a clean jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
What kind of soy sauce should I use for this recipe?
It is recommended to use a high-quality soy sauce to ensure the best possible flavor for the final condiment.
Should I use seasoned or unseasoned rice wine vinegar?
For the best result, ensure you use unseasoned rice wine vinegar.
How do I remove the bonito flakes from the sauce?
After the mixture has cooled, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the flakes.
Is it necessary to boil the soy sauce?
Yes, bringing the soy sauce to a gentle boil helps to properly infuse the flavor of the bonito flakes when they are added.
Where can I purchase dried bonito flakes?
Dried bonito flakes are typically available at Asian grocery markets or through various online retailers.
How many calories are in a serving of this sauce?
This recipe contains approximately 62.5 calories.
What is the protein content of the Citrusy Bonito Ponzu Sauce?
The sauce contains 4 grams of protein.
Does this ponzu sauce contain any fat?
No, this recipe has a fat content of 0 grams.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
The sauce contains 8.25 grams of carbohydrates.
Is fresh yuzu juice better than bottled?
Freshly squeezed yuzu juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice can be used if fresh is unavailable.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: soy sauce, yuzu or lime juice, rice wine vinegar, and dried bonito flakes.
Can I use this sauce for seafood?
Yes, it is highly recommended as a marinade or dipping sauce for both fish and shellfish.
When should I add the citrus juice and vinegar?
Add the rice wine vinegar and citrus juice after the boiled soy sauce and bonito mixture has cooled and been strained.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?
No, this specific recipe is not vegetarian because it uses dried bonito flakes, which are made from fish.
What is the first step in making this sauce?
The first step is to bring one cup of soy sauce to a gentle boil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
What is the final storage recommendation?
Transfer the finished sauce to a clean jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator.
Can I use this sauce for beef dishes?
Yes, the umami and citrus notes make it an excellent marinade for beef.
How much rice wine vinegar is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of unseasoned rice wine vinegar.
How much yuzu or lime juice is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of yuzu or lime juice.
How much soy sauce does the recipe require?
The recipe requires 1 cup of high-quality soy sauce.
How much dried bonito flakes should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dried bonito flakes.
Why do the flavors need to meld at room temperature?
Allowing the mixture to cool to room temperature ensures that the smoky essence of the bonito flakes is fully extracted into the soy sauce.
Is Citrusy Bonito Ponzu Sauce a staple in Japanese cuisine?
Yes, it is a versatile staple often used in various traditional Japanese dishes like shabu-shabu.
How do I ensure the best results for this sauce?
Use high-quality soy sauce, fresh citrus juice, and unseasoned vinegar, and follow the cooling and straining instructions carefully.