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Ponzu

Published on July 30, 2026
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Ponzu
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4 Servings

Ponzu is a soy sauce based condiment spiked with citrus juice and mirin and steeped with katsuobushi and kombu.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium lemon
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup mirin
  • 1 to 2 medium limes
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 1 (about 3-inch square) piece dried kombu (dried kelp)
  • 1/4 lightly packed cup katsuobushi (bonito fish flakes)

Instructions

  1. Squeeze the juice from 1 lemon until you have 2 tablespoons. Squeeze the juice from 1 to 2 limes until you have 2 tablespoons. Place the lemon juice, lime juice, 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, and 2 teaspoons rice vinegar in a resealable container or small jar. Add 1 (3-inch square) piece kombu and 1/4 lightly packed cup katsuobushi. Stir to combine.
  2. Seal the container and let steep for 4 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into another jar or bowl. Discard the kombu and katsuobushi, or reserve for another use.
  3. Place 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, and 1 (3-inch) piece kombu in a small saucepan over medium heat until bubbles start to form at the edges, about 2 minutes. Do not boil, or the kombu will create a slimy texture. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  4. Add 1/4 lightly packed cup katsuobushi, stir to combine, and let steep for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, squeeze the juice from 1 lemon until you have 2 tablespoons. Squeeze the juice from 1 to 2 limes until you have 2 tablespoons.
  5. Strain the soy sauce mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a resealable container or small jar. Add the lemon juice, lime juice, and 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, and stir to combine.

Recipe Stats

  • Jul 30, 2026
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Servings: 4 Servings
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