Basic Hawaiian Poke Recipe

For those who may not be familiar Poke it is a dish that is mainly known to come to us from Hawaii, but there are actually many versions of it found throughout Polynesia and Asia. It is basically a type of pickled fish salad that is simply out of this world and for those that prefer their fish cooked, the

By CityMama from "Silicon Valley", USA (Ahi poke hawaiian-style)

recipe works as a marinade for grilled or seared fish that will leave your mouth watering and family begging for more.

The more traditional Poke is made from raw fish, sea-salt, inamona, and seaweed. This is a more modern take on this delicacy, normally made with Ahi Tuna but I have used this same recipe successfully with Dory and other milder fish for those who prefer a more subtle flavor.

What you will need:

• Large glass, Pyrex, porcelain or wooden bowl
• 4          Salad Bowls
• 2 lbs     Fresh Tuna Steaks, cubed
• 1 cup   Soy Sauce
• ¾ cup Spring Onions, finely chopped
• 2 Tbs   Sesame Oil
• 1 Tbs   Sesame Seeds, toasted
• 1 Tbs   Crushed Red Pepper

Lettuce, Kale or Salad Greens of your choice (optional)

Tofu    Cubed and fried (optional)

Preparation:

Prep Time: 15 minutes            Serving Time: 2 hrs. 15 min.               Serves: 4

In a large, no reactive bowl, mix all your ingredients except for the greens and Tofu. Place in refrigerator and chill for 2 or more hours. Serve.

Serving Suggestions:

You can simply place Poke in salad bowls and serve, but my favorite way to serve it is to line bowls or halved coconut shells with salad greens, spoon in the Poke and then top with fried Tofu cups.

The greens and tofu provide a color and textural contrast that I like without altering the flavor profile. Some people like to add crushed nuts for the same effect, but, in my opinion this alters the flavor, of the dish, to the point of it becoming a new dish and not a true Poke, even by modern standards.