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Ponzu | Local Condiment From Japan | TasteAtlas

Ponzu

Often dubbed as Japanese vinaigrette, ponzu is a Japanese condiment that uses rice vinegar and citrus juice, usually lemon, sudachi, lime, or yuzu (the most traditional option), as its base. Additional ingredients may include sugar or mirin (rice wine), dry seaweed, and dashi stock.


Soy sauce is occasionally also used as an ingredient, and the condiment is then usually called ponzu shoyu. This tangy combination is usually served as a dipping sauce, but it can also work well in marinades, or as a salad dressing. The condiment is often made at home, but bottled versions are also readily available.


It is believed that the name ponzu originates from a Dutch word pons, which roughly translates to citrus juice.