Whip up a tart, tangy, savory, salty, sweet, homemade ponzu sauce for your summer dishes!
Ponzu sauce pairs so well with the flavor of smoked salmon. It’s a combination I’ve been using often during these steamy July days when I still want to make a satisfying, healthy meal at home without having to stand over the heat of the stove.
A favorite is this Smoked Salmon & Avocado Salad with Japanese Ponzu Dressing.
Ponzu is a Japanese citrus-based sauce that adds a dynamic punch of flavor to salads, marinades, and dipping sauces. You can buy a pre-made ponzu sauce, but for a healthier, tastier version, try making it at home.
The ingredients in ponzu can vary, but start with a good base and then make it your own. Here are a few tips:
- If available, add in the juice from yuzu or sudachi (popular Japanese citrus fruits). I usually keep it simple and just use lemon & lime as a quick alternative.
- Add in rice vinegar, an essential ingredient.
- For sweetness, add in mirin (Japanese sweetened rice wine). As an alternative, you can use sake – or white wine or dry sherry – along with a bit of sugar.
- Traditional ponzu will usually include a fish and/or seaweed flavoring. You can omit the flavor for a lighter, more versatile sauce. If you want that stronger umami taste, add in some dashi stock, or a little fish sauce.
- Ponzu can be made with or without soy sauce. I make both versions based on the dish I will be using it for. Try leaving it out for a simple salad dressing, and adding it in for a marinade or dipping sauce.
When you have your base ponzu sauce, add in a few more favorites – try olive oil, toasted sesame oil, honey, and Japanese chili flakes (Ichimi Togarashi).
Make the homemade ponzu dressing in a big batch and store it in the fridge for flavoring all sorts of summer dishes, like this Smoked Salmon & Avocado Salad.
The salad is a quick mix of arugula, avocado, cucumber, and smoked salmon. Then tossed well with the ponzu dressing, and topped with our Japanese Sesame Seasoning (Gomashio).
It’s a delicious salad that fits well in all settings, whether you’re enjoying it at a relaxing picnic, or at an elaborate summer dinner.
Smoked Salmon & Avocado Salad with Japanese Ponzu Dressing
Ingredients
- 8 oz smoked salmon – thinly sliced
- Large handful of wild arugula
- 2 avocados – diced
- 1 English cucumber – cut in rounds and halved
- 2 tbsp of Season with Spice’s Japanese Sesame Seasoning Gomashio
For the homemade Ponzu dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice or lime juice or a combination
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp honey
- 1- 2 tsp low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1/2 tsp of Season with Spice’s Japanese Chili Flakes Ichimi Togarashi
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the ingredients for the ponzu dressing, and whisk well.
- Add in the arugula, avocado, and cucumbers. Give it a good toss.
- Add in the smoked salmon and lightly toss again.
- Taste and adjust any seasonings if needed. Sprinkle in our Japanese Sesame Seasoning. Enjoy immediately!