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.
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
by Season with Spice
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
8oz 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)
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)
Method:
1. In a large salad bowl, combine the ingredients for the ponzu dressing, and whisk well.
2. 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!
by Season with Spice
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
8oz 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)
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)
Method:
1. In a large salad bowl, combine the ingredients for the ponzu dressing, and whisk well.
2. 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!
