Noodlepedia
A glossary of both familiar and lesser-known Asian ingredients and terms.
Ponzu Sauce
A citrusy soy-based sauce made with yuzu, vinegar, and kombu. Light, tangy, and deeply umami — a Japanese pantry staple!
Fun fact: Mix ponzu with a little sesame oil and chili flakes for an easy, flavor-packed sauce you’ll want to pour on everything.
How to Use It:
- Dip your dumplings, sashimi, or tempura.
- Use as a zesty dressing for salads or cold noodles.
- Splash onto grilled meats or tofu for extra flavor.
1. Ponzu Tofu Rice Bowl with Avocado & Pickles
Vibe: Light, tangy, refreshing, and super satisfying. It’s a weekday go-to that feels like a $16 cafe lunch.
🛒 Ingredients:
1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
1 tbsp neutral oil (for frying)
2 tbsp ponzu sauce
1/2 avocado, sliced
Cooked rice (sushi, jasmine, or brown)
Optional toppings: pickled veggies, furikake, scallions, sesame seeds, chili crisp
👩🍳 Instructions:
Pan-fry tofu cubes in oil until golden and crispy on all sides.
Once browned, splash in ponzu sauce and let it bubble for 30 seconds to glaze.
Layer rice in a bowl, top with tofu, avocado, and any toppings you love.
Drizzle with more ponzu or chili oil if you’re feelin’ fancy.
🍚 Why it hits: The ponzu balances out the richness of the tofu and avocado with zingy brightness—total flavor bomb in a bowl.
2. Seared Steak or Mushroom Ponzu Salad
Vibe: Savory, juicy, citrusy. You can go meaty or plant-based, but either way this is a low-effort high-impact lunch or dinner.
🛒 Ingredients:
Thinly sliced steak or king oyster mushrooms
3 tbsp ponzu sauce
Mixed greens or baby spinach
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
1/4 red onion, very thinly sliced (optional)
1 tbsp sesame oil
Optional: crispy shallots or fried garlic chips
👩🍳 Instructions:
Sear steak or mushrooms in a hot pan with a little sesame oil until browned.
Remove from heat and immediately drizzle with ponzu so it soaks in while warm.
In a bowl, toss greens, cucumber, and onion. Add warm steak or mushrooms on top.
Drizzle with more ponzu and top with crispy shallots if you’re feeling that crunch.
🥗 Why it slaps: Ponzu acts as both a sauce and dressing—zippy, savory, and cuts right through anything rich.