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nobu ponzu sauce copycat recipe

Nobu Ponzu Sauce Recipe

Carolyn Richardson
Ah, the possibilities with Nobu ponzu sauce! Imagine drizzling this delightful concoction over grilled fish, where the zesty citrus notes bring out the natural flavors of the fish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 12
Calories 38 kcal

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • Airtight jar

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup fresh yuzu juice
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup sweet rice wine
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 3-inch by 3-inch sheet of kombu seaweed
  • 1/2 ounce 15g finely shaved bonito flakes

Instructions
 

  • Gather everything you need. Fresh yuzu juice is key for that unique flavor. If you're on the hunt for yuzu, don’t fret! You can easily swap it out for lemon or lime juice, keeping the zesty kick intact.
  • In a bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce and freshly squeezed yuzu juice. Give it a gentle stir to blend the two. Feel free to taste at this stage; you can adjust the ratios if necessary.
  • Add the sweet rice wine and rice vinegar to the soy-yuzu blend. This addition introduces depth and balances the salty with a hint of sweetness. Mix well, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.
  • Stir in the toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, and the kombu sheet. The ginger adds a warm spiciness, while the kombu brings out the umami factor. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Finally, sprinkle in the finely shaved bonito flakes. Tap into your inner chef and stir it once. The bonito adds a delicious depth to the ponzu. For an even richer flavor, consider letting it sit longer.
  • Once the flavors are well combined, strain your ponzu sauce to remove the kombu and bonito flakes. You want that smooth, inviting liquid. Then, get ready to bottle it.
  • Transfer your ponzu sauce into an airtight jar. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating something amazing!

Notes

  • Experiment with Citrus: While yuzu is great, feel free to mix in grapefruit or orange for a different kind of zing.
  • Make it Vegan: Skip the bonito flakes and replace them with dried shiitake mushrooms for a vegan version.
  • Tailor to Taste: Adjust the soy sauce to taste. If you like it saltier, go for low-sodium options; for a milder flavor, dilute with more citrus juice.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger makes a noticeable difference. Dried ginger won’t deliver the same kick.
  • Batch It Up: Make a larger batch to keep on hand. It's perfect for quick meals and last-minute dinners.

Nutrition

Calories: 38kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 2gFat: 1.6gSaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 415mgSugar: 2g
Keyword nobu ponzu sauce recipe
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