Saint InnocentIn recent times, quite a lot of people have been mistakening the Ponzu sauce as one of those dipping sauces that comes with your sushi, sashimi, and dumplings, but that is not always the case.
Perhaps you happen to be one of such people, well it is about time you know that unlike what it is being mistaken for, the Ponzu sauce is a favorite ingredient in Japanese cuisine, of which a large percentage of chefs across the globe do fancy a whole lot due to the versatility that comes with its complex flavor and runny texture.
But there remain some days when one might be unlucky to have run out of stock of the Ponzu sauce, and you might be left with no other option other than to consider some available substitute with a similar sauce’s flavor and texture.
Though going in search for an ideal substitute might prove to be quite a difficult task for you, well the list of substitute for Ponzu sauce listed below should make that easier now.
Substitute For Ponzu Sauce
1. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a go-to option for everyone, particularly those craving to add a blend of salty and umami flavor to their dishes, especially marinade and ramen broth. Though it might not be rich in its sweetness as the case is with the Ponzu sauce, but trusts the flavors arising from the soy sauce to add a little bit of flair just as the Ponzu sauce would ordinarily have done.
On the other hand, it is also recommended to be consumed in moderation according to medical practitioners, due to its salty nature which has been known to be yet another cause of high blood pressure.
2. Soy Sauce + Lemon
What most people still haven’t realized yet is the fact that by blending a naturally fermented soy sauce and organic lemon juice, that very salt-sour taste that the Ponzu sauce is famous for can be arrived at as well in a combination of Soy sauce and lemon
To get the very best results from this experiment, it is advisable to blend the two in equal parts to arrive at a quick and effective marinade for tofu, and sometimes homemade chickpea tofu.
Read also 10 Top Best Substitute For Maple Extract
3. Soy Sauce + Grapefruit + Orange
Similar to the same scenario with the aforementioned combination of Soy sauce and lemon, experimenting with the combination of Soy sauce, grapefruit, and orange can result in you having that sour, tangy, and a little sweet taste that the Ponzu sauce has gotten to offer ordinarily.
This experiment at the end of the day can easily turn out to be an excellent substitute for the Ponzu sauce, especially when put into use as a dipping sauce for some veggie sushi.
4. Worcestershire Sauce
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Worcestershire sauce is yet another option of a substitute to the Ponzu sauce to run to in times of need, whether you’re putting it as a recipe in your dishes solely or mixing it with other ingredients, that very sweet, salty, tangy, and umami flavors traits you would have ordinarily gotten with the Ponzu sauce can also be gotten with the Worcestershire sauce.
5. Nam Prik Pla
Nam prik pla is a Thai condiment that undeniably can play the role of being a dipping and marinading option as well, and still go the extra mile of adding flavor to certain dishes as the case is with the Ponzu sauce.
Produced from the sweet combo of fish sauce, lime juice, bird’s eye chilis, brown sugar, and garlic; the nam prik pla has got to offer as well that very salty, sweet, spicy, umami flavor bomb that the Ponzu sauce has got to offer as well.
6. Hoisin sauce
Hoisin sauce is known for its common appearance in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean cuisine alongside some other popular recipes across the globe. Sourced from fermented soybeans and spices, the Hoisin sauce just like the Ponzu sauce also boasts a rich, savory-sweet flavor with a hint of acidity.
The versatility in its applications works perfectly well for Tofu and meat marinades, stir-fries, glazing, dipping sauces and sauce bases.
7. Seaweed
To satisfy your desire to have in your dishes that very savory and salty flavor as the case is with ponzu sauce as well, then it is about time you start looking towards the direction of the seaweed to add to your recipe.
This choice of substitute for Ponzu sauce is best enjoyed with the addition of kelp and stock to infuse your dish with that very unique seaside flavor.
8. Teriyaki sauce and lemon juice
Teriyaki sauce and lemon juice just as its name points out is a Japanese sauce made from the blends and combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, mirin, and ginger; which ultimately brings about its savory, sweet taste with a hint of tangy flavor and acidity qualifying it as an excellent substitute to the Ponzu sauce.
This option of Teriyaki sauce and lemon juice just like the rest of the substitutes as well blends perfectly well with stir-fries, salad dressings, marinades, and glazing.
9. Tonkatsu sauce
Tonkatsu sauce is yet another option of a substitute for Ponzu sauce in Japanese cooking, especially for those craving to add some spiciness to their recipe. Made from the sweet blends and combo of soy sauce, vinegar, lemon or lime juice, sugar, spices, and fruits; you’re certain of having the same traces of sweet, sour, and tangy flavor with a slightly spicy taste as the case is with the Ponzu sauce.
Similar to the profile of the Worcestershire sauce, the tonkatsu sauce has a thick consistency best for marinades, salad dressings, and stir-fries.
10. Japanese yuzu Kosho paste
There is no denying the fact that some of the Ponzu sauce varieties out there are made from the juice of the Japanese citrus fruit, yuzu which is also known for giving a citrusy flavor, tangy taste, and slightly sweet taste that the Ponzu sauce would ordinarily give as well.
The traces of the Japanese citrus fruit yuzu can also be found in the Japanese yuzu kosho paste making it an excellent substitute for the Ponzu sauce, one which is known for its spicy and salty flavor and is okay for stir-fries, hot pot dishes, miso soups, dips, and sauces.
Conclusion
Anything can go and be accepted as an excellent substitute to the Ponzu sauce so as long as they have the right amount of umami flavor and citrus taste that the Ponzu sauce is popularly known for.
However there are also some instance that calls for you to combine certain seasonings and condiments to create a versatile option.
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