Ponzu vs Soy Sauce: 9 Differences You Need To Know Now

If you are a big fan of Japanese food, you must be familiar with soy sauce.

This famous sauce has gained wide popularity not only in Asia but also in international cuisines.

However, there are other types of sauce available in Japanese cuisine.

There is also ponzu sauce, which is less popular than soy sauce.

Still, it is not any less tasty.

If you want to know more about these sauces, keep reading this blog.

In this Ponzu vs. Soy sauce comparison, we will let you understand their characteristics.

Moreover, we’ll break down their differences.

So stay tuned!

What is Ponzu?

Ponzu is an authentic sauce that came from Japan many centuries ago.

It is famous for being noticeably citrusy due to containing citrus juice.

This sauce does not have a thick texture.

It is almost as thin as water.

Also, it is translucent.

So, it looks like water in terms of color and consistency. 

If the word “ponzu” seems unfamiliar, you should know its origins are not Japanese.

The word “ponzu” or “ponsu” is borrowed from Dutch.

In its original language, the word means a fruity drink or juice.

This borrowed word accurately describes the nature of Japanese sauce.

It typically consists of citrus juice, giving it a tart flavor.

In addition to the citric base, ponzu consists of umami, vinegar, rice wine, seaweed, and bonito flakes.

All these components are simmered on low heat till they are mixed.

Despite being a primary ingredient, the juice is added after the sauce cools.

What is Soy sauce? 

When you hear “soy sauce,” you might think it is not a Japanese product.

Chinese soy sauce is more famous, but the Japanese variety also has a wide fan base.

Japanese soy sauce is commonly known as Shoyu.

The Japanese variety is often considered a light soy sauce.

Still, there is a dark Shoyu too.

Generally, the main difference between Chinese and Japanese sauces is the soy content.

Unlike the Chinese, Japanese sauce does not consist of 100% soy.

On the contrary, it is a combination of soybean and wheat.

But typically, soybeans must be fermented to create this delectable sauce.

In addition to this combo, it consists of salt and water.

This traditional sauce is always served with sushi and other Japanese food items.

Aside from being a great topping, it can also be used as a dipping sauce.

What are the Differences between Ponzu and Soy sauce? 

Ponzu and Soy sauce have a little in common.

For instance, both are used in Japanese restaurants.

Also, they come from the same cuisine and are often served the same foods.

But their components are different.

Also, their tastes and colors are noticeably different.

Here is an in-depth look at their significant differences.

1. Ingredients

One of the most significant differences between ponzu and Japanese soy sauce is their ingredients.

Soy sauce mainly consists of soybeans and salt.

Ponzu, on the other hand, has more ingredients.

It is primarily made of rice vinegar, wine, and bonito fish flakes from shredded tuna and citrus juice.

It is also common for ponzu to contain soy sauce.

2. Fermentation

Unlike Ponzu, Shoyu must contain fermented soybeans.

To make authentic soy sauce, you must let the beans ferment with a specific type of mold formed by Aspergillus bacteria.

Since ponzu does not contain any beans, fermentation is not necessary.

3. Production method

Just like the ingredients are different, making both sauces is not the same.

As you already know, fermenting wheat and soybeans is mandatory for making soy sauce.

The final sauce is made by combining the paste of these fermented ingredients with salt water.

As for ponzu, simmering the ingredients without the juice is necessary for forming the sauce.

Then, the juice is added once the simmered liquid is cool enough.

4. Flavors

Another way to distinguish between soy sauce and ponzu is their taste.

Ponzu is recognizable by its citrusy tang due to the presence of the citrus element.

Moreover, there is a slight umami undertone.

Soy sauce tastes saltier and has more obvious umami flavors.

However, the level of saltiness can vary according to the Shoyu variety.

Some types of dark soy sauces have a sweeter flavor profile.

5. Colors

In general, both have similar colors.

However, ponzu has a watery color if it is not mixed with soy sauce.

The vast majority of mixed Shoyu has a distinctively pale green color.

Soy sauce has a darker color that resembles molasses.

6. Uses 

Despite the presence of a Ponzu or Shoyu mix, you should not use both items interchangeably.

They have different tastes that will impact your dishes.

You can use ponzu as a marinade or a dipping sauce.

It also works well as a salad dressing. 

Shoyu, on the other hand, works well as an ingredient in other tasty sauces and as a dipping sauce for sushi and sashimi.

7. Resistance to stove heat

Ponzu is not resistant to stove heat, unlike soy sauce.

The former contains citrus, which will turn extremely bitter when exposed to heat.

The latter contains no signs of lime, orange or similar fruits.

So it can tolerate heat and be added to the dish at any cooking stage. 

8. Varieties

Soy sauce is like a big umbrella that contains different kinds of sauces.

For instance, there are Chinese and Japanese soy sauces.

Also, the Japanese variety has 2 different types.

In general, there are about 5 different types of soy sauce.

There is a light soy sauce and a dark one.

On the contrary, ponzu is only one type.

9. Origins

Ponzu and Soy sauce are both Japanese condiments.

But the name “ponzu” is not completely Japanese.

It is borrowed from the Dutch language, as this word describes a “punch” drink.

This latter is also known for its citrusy tartness.

Ponzu vs. Soy sauce: are they the same?

Both are popular condiments in Japanese cuisine but do not appear or taste the same.

Ponzu has different uses and a lighter color.

Moreover, the name “ponzu” is not 100% Japanese.

It has Dutch roots.

You can use both of them as marinades or dipping sauces.

However, soy sauce will add saltiness to the dish, so use additional salt with caution.

Finally, because it contains citrus juice, ponzu is not heat resistant.

So, you should add ponzu as a last step before serving the dish.

On the other hand, soy sauce won’t be affected by heat.