Hawaiian Ahi Poke
In short: Cubes of sushi-grade ahi tuna dressed with soy sauce, sesame oil, sweet onion and scallions, served chilled over rice or on its own. It takes about 20 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 230 kcal
Poke (pronounced poh-keh) is a Hawaiian word meaning to slice or cut, and it is the name of the islands' seasoned raw fish. The classic version is simple: cubes of fresh ahi, or yellowfin tuna, tossed with soy sauce, sesame oil, sweet onion and scallions, sometimes with seaweed or crushed macadamia nuts. It takes about 20 minutes of work plus a short rest in the refrigerator, but the fish must be very fresh. Serve it cold as a starter or spooned over warm rice.
Instructions
- Chill a mixing bowl in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
- Pat the tuna dry and cut it into 1.5 cm (1/2 in) cubes with a very sharp knife. Return it to the refrigerator.
- Whisk the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger and red pepper flakes in the chilled bowl.
- Add the tuna, sweet onion and half of the spring onions and fold gently until coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes, no longer than 30, since the soy sauce firms and darkens the fish.
- Fold in the macadamia nuts and sesame seeds just before serving.
- Spoon the poke into chilled bowls, over rice if you like, and top with the remaining spring onions, avocado and nori.
Tips
- Buy fish labeled sushi-grade or sashimi-grade from a trusted fishmonger, keep it on ice until you cut it and eat the poke the day you make it. Pregnant women, young children and anyone with a weak immune system should avoid raw fish.
- Salmon or cooked octopus can replace the tuna. For a version without raw fish, use cooked shrimp or cubes of firm tofu.
Questions and answers
What kind of fish is used for poke?
Ahi, which is yellowfin or bigeye tuna, is the classic choice. Salmon, octopus and even tofu are also popular.
How long can poke sit before eating?
Marinate it for 15 to 30 minutes and eat it within a few hours. Left longer, the soy sauce firms the fish and dulls the flavor.
Can I use frozen tuna for poke?
Yes. Fish that was frozen quickly right after the catch is often the safest choice. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and pat it very dry before cutting.
How long does it take to make Hawaiian Ahi Poke?
About 20 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Hawaiian Ahi Poke?
About 230 kcal per serving, with 28 g of protein, 4 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 230 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
