Oka (Samoan Raw Tuna in Lemon Juice and Coconut Cream)
In short: Cubes of fresh tuna cured briefly in lemon juice, then tossed with cucumber, tomato, onion and chilled coconut cream, a Samoan raw fish dish. 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
- 190 kcal
Oka is a raw fish dish eaten throughout Samoa. Cubes of fresh tuna are cured briefly in lemon juice, then mixed with crisp vegetables and finished with chilled coconut cream, which softens the acidity and makes a silky sauce. It is served cold and fresh, often alongside taro, breadfruit or green bananas from the umu. Buy fish sold for raw eating, and keep everything very cold.
Instructions
- Keep the fish in the refrigerator until you are ready to cut it. Pat it dry and cut it into 1.5 cm (1/2 in) cubes.
- Toss the fish with the lemon juice and salt in a glass or ceramic bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes, until the outside of the cubes turns opaque and the center is still translucent.
- Drain off all but 2 tablespoons of the juice. Fold in the onion, tomato, cucumber, spring onions and chili.
- Pour in the chilled coconut cream and fold gently. Taste and add more salt or lemon juice if needed.
- Serve at once in chilled bowls or coconut shells, with boiled taro or green bananas on the side.
Tips
- Do not marinate for longer than 15 minutes. A long soak turns the flesh firm and chalky and hides the flavor of the fish.
- Chop the vegetables ahead and chill them, but add the fish, juice and coconut cream within 30 minutes of serving so everything stays cold and crisp.
Questions and answers
Is oka safe to eat?
Only if the fish is very fresh, sold for raw eating, kept cold and eaten within a couple of hours. Lemon juice does not make raw fish safe. Pregnant women, young children, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system should avoid raw fish.
What fish is best for oka?
Fresh tuna is the most common choice. Any firm, mild, fresh ocean fish also works. Ask your fishmonger for fish suitable for eating raw.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon?
Yes. Lime juice is a little sharper, so start with 60 ml (1/4 cup) and add more to taste.
How long does it take to make Oka (Samoan Raw Tuna in Lemon Juice and Coconut Cream)?
About 20 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Oka (Samoan Raw Tuna in Lemon Juice and Coconut Cream)?
About 190 kcal per serving, with 25 g of protein, 6 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 190 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 340 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
