Description

Ponzu: Japanese Soy Sauce with Citrus Notes

Ponzu is a unique Japanese soy sauce with pronounced citrus notes, adding piquancy and a refreshing taste to dishes. Thanks to its liquid consistency and tangy flavor, ponzu is used to enhance the taste of grilled meats, poultry, seafood, and vegetables, as well as in sushi, sashimi, marinating tofu, and serving raw oysters.

Ingredients and Preparation

The following ingredients are used to create ponzu:

• Mirin
• Rice vinegar
• Katsuobushi flakes (from tuna)
• Seaweed (kombu)

The preparation process involves boiling the ingredients over medium heat, followed by cooling, straining, and adding the juice of citrus fruits such as yuzu, sudachi, daidai, kabosu, or lemon. Sometimes other citrus fruits are included in the recipe, including grapefruit, lime, or bergamot.

Culinary Applications

Ponzu is an indispensable ingredient in Japanese cuisine. It is used for:

• Tataki (lightly seared and sliced ​​meat or fish)
• Nabemono (dishes cooked in one pot, such as shabu-shabu)
• Sashimi
• Takoyaki and other dishes

Thanks to its versatile flavor, ponzu can also serve as a sauce for hot dishes, a base for salad dressings or marinades, adding piquancy and a refreshing tang to dishes.

Storage and Purchase

Ponzu is usually sold in glass bottles and may contain a small amount of sediment, which is normal for a natural product. It is important to store the sauce in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor.