Ponzu Sauce: What is Ponzu Sauce

What is Ponzu Sauce 

  
Ponzu sauce is a popular sauce in Japanese cuisine that has a thin 
watery consistency in dark brown color. And its name comes from the 
mix of the word “​pon​” which is a fruity beverage in dutch to the word 
“​su​” which in Japanese means vinegar.  

First of all ponzu sauce is from the mixture of rice wine, rice vinegar, 
seaweed, and bonito flakes. Later after being fully cooled, it goes into 
another process to fully remove the bonito flakes. Before finally being 
added a citrus flavor like lemon, orange, or grapefruit to its taste. 
And this classic Japanese citrus sauce is very popular for its 
refreshing taste. Moreover is often mixed with other ingredients like 
soy sauce, sugar, or mirin. 

While a simple version of this citrus sauce can also be quickly made 
at home by combining soy sauce with other citrus flavors, along with 
the addition of mirin. Then a strip of Kombu and katsuobushi flakes. 

However if you don’t like to make your own sauce you can also easily 
find them in asian supermarkets. This sauce contains an umami flavor 
that’s a mixture of elements of sweet, salty, and sour. 

Ponzu Sauce Uses 

While it is often used as a marinade in Japanese meals, it can also be 

for many different ways. Including as a marinade for chicken, or as a 
dipping sauce you want to sprinkle a bit over your favorite entree or 
dumplings.  

Meanwhile it can also be for adding to your vegetable salad. Or even 

for adding to Japanese noodles and sashimi. Since it can really 
enhance the food with a dash of savory flavor that mix with a bit of 
saltiness. 

Ponzu Sauce Expiration Date 

The expiration for ponzu sauce is actually a long time, since its shelf 
life is similar to soy sauce which can last up to 3 years. But you should 
definitely not be using it for that long, because the taste will really 
diminish by then.  

However, for homemade sauce this can be a little different, since 

there are no other ingredients added to it to better preserve the sauce. 
Hence for homemade sauce it’s best that it is used within a month or 
two. 

Does it contain MSG? 

Generally most commercial soy products have MSG already added to 
them. But the MSG is not only in these sauces, it can also be found in 
Dorito Chips or hidden in your ranch dressing. 

However, MSG is only an umami flavor that can be naturally created 

during the fermenting process of soy. And glutamates are a type of 
amino acid that enhances the flavor and makes the dish taste 
amazing. 

So ponzu sauce is also a Japanese flavoring condiment that is rich in 

umami. Since after you reduce the ingredients to its most basic 
elements you will find glutamates. But there are many different brands 
out there that are very organic and don't include added MSG and other 
additives. 

Is it Gluten Free? 

Firstly traditional ponzu sauce contains ingredients like wheat and milt 
in its fermenting process, hence elements of soy sauce. Therefore 
most of the commercial products that are out there are not gluten 
free. 

Although there are gluten-free ponzu dipping sauce out there, it’s very 
highly priced so it might not be worth the money. But you can just as 
easily make your own sauce.  

Ponzu Sauce VS Tonkatsu Sauce 

  
Firstly the main ingredients Tonkatsu Sauce are vegetables and fruits 
like carrots, onions, celery, tomatoes, apples, and lemon juice. And is 
often used in fried cutlets like chicken or beef. 
Hence it can be a dipping sauce you can replace for using ketchup or 
BBQ sauce. And it has a very thick texture, and tastes sweet with 
added saltiness.  

Ponzu Sauce VS Eel Sauce 

 
Although it’s name is called eel sauce, it is not made from eel but from 
soy sauce, syrup, and mirin. Similarly to ponzu sauce, it has a very nice 
umami that mixes with sweet and salty flavors. But it also tastes very 
smokey like barbecue sauce. 

Different than ponzu sauce which is not frequently used in cooking, 

the eel sauce is more traditionally found in eel sushi rolls and 
Japanese grilled eel. However, it can also be like ponzu dipping sauce 
to be drizzled over sushi, or over grilled fish and chicken.