What is Ponzu Sauce?

The word “ponzu” is a combination of “pons”, a word borrowed by the Japanese from the Dutch word for “punch”, and “su”, the Japanese word for vinegar. This sauce is therefore literally “vinegar punch”. It is a popular Japanese condiment that is akin to soy sauce in the sense that it is made with a fermented soy base, frequently mixed with bonito flakes.

It also shares the watery consistency and the dark brown coloration of the more familiar soy sauce. However, it is greatly different in taste; ponzu is characteristic of a tart, acidic flavor derived from the citrus juice used in its creation.

In Japan, ponzu is used as a marinade, a glaze for meats, a salad dressing, and even a dipping sauce for appetizers. At our Japanese restaurant in Seattle, you can experience the great taste of this classic sauce with our grilled asparagus and shiitake mushroom plate, our sashimi roll, our hamachi kama, our ankimo, and more. Come and try it out at I Love Sushi on Lake Union today!