Fitness / September 15, 2024

Yuzu Sauce

Bursting with aromatic citrus and earthy umami, Yuzu Sauce drizzles well on salads, rice bowls, and steaks.

Table of Contents

With its bright, citrusy tang, yuzu sauce elevates any dish. While it’s only a few simple ingredients, this sauce is an explosion of flavor. Drizzle it over a cabbage salad, dip your wonton chips or egg rolls in it, or even slather your sandwich and make an Asian-inspired panini. I also enjoy it as a sauce for rice noodles; it gives classic Pad Thai a zesty twist.

Traditionally, yuzu sauce is used in Japanese cuisine, but since the 20th century, it’s become popular all around the world. Whether you make it with family or friends, in big batches or small, this sauce is definitely something you’ll want to store up and use throughout the month. Yuzu sauce is also perfect for recreating hibachi-style recipes in your own kitchen!

Is Yuzu Sauce Healthy?

Yuzu may have a rich flavor, but it’s pretty guilt free. With no added sugar or preservatives, this homemade yuzu sauce is a great alternative to store bought or takeout. Even better, yuzu juice is full of vitamin C, antioxidants, and hydrating properties. If you’re seeking a low-sodium alternative to soy sauce, try coconut aminos. It’ll add a slight sweetness while also reducing the sodium content.

What is “Yuzu”?

Yuzu is a popular citrus fruit in Japanese and East Asian cuisine. It has a tart flavor with a hint of sweetness, offering a complex dynamic of citrusy and earthy notes. While it can be easily incorporated into a dressing, sauce, or marinade, it has also been used in many Japanese desserts.

It’s even been said to protect the body from illness, which is why it’s used in a ceremonial bath called “yuzu-yu” for the winter solstice. Outside of Asia, yuzu can be hard to find. However, you can easily find its juice, extracts, and various yuzu-infused products online or in grocery stores.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup yuzu juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons mirin
1 tablespoon rice vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix

Combine all ingredients and whisk.

Store

Transfer to a bottle and refrigerate.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

In a well-sealed refrigerated jar, yuzu sauce can be stored for 6-12 months. Make sure to sterilize your mason jars in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes. Then, let them cool before putting the sauce in and sealing them. I recommend letting the jars sit like this for a couple of days before using the sauce so that the flavors mingle harmoniously.

What is the difference between Yuzu sauce and Ponzu sauce?

While yuzu sauce is predominantly made with yuzu fruit juice, ponzu sauce can be made with any kind of citrus juice. Ponzu sauce also incorporates mirin, katsuobushi (a type of tuna) flakes, rice vinegar, and seaweed.

What is mirin?

Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine that is low in alcohol. Its flavor is milder and more agreeable than that of other kinds of rice wine. While mirin is mainly sweet, it has an aftertaste of umami that deepens the flavor profile of anything you put it in.