Ponzu is a tart, savoury Japanese sauce built on the juice of fragrant citrus such as yuzu, sudachi or kabosu, balanced with soy sauce, mirin and rice vinegar and underpinned by dashi stock. Thin and dark amber to brown, it is bright and mouth-watering rather than heavy, layering sharp citrus acidity over a deep umami base. It is the classic dip for sashimi, hotpot, grilled fish and cold dishes across Japanese cooking.