Aloha! Dive into the flavors of the islands with this traditional Hawaiian Ahi Poke recipe. This dish marries the ancient Hawaiian custom of raw fish with modern Asian influences, embodying the diverse cultural melting pot of Hawaii. With the balance of savory, fresh, and subtly spicy components, it's no wonder poke has become a beloved classic worldwide. Presented by Foodland Hawaii, let’s embark on a culinary journey that will bring the taste of Aloha right to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1-pound fresh Ahi (Yellowfin Tuna), preferably sushi grade, diced into 3/4-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup sweet Maui onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup green onions (both white and green parts), thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup Limu (Ogo), chopped (Hawaiian seaweed)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Hawaiian salt with 'Alaea (Hawaiian Red Clay) for added minerals
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon shoyu (soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for texture and sheen
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: Not applicable (This is a raw dish)
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Equipment: Sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowl, serving dish
Cooking Tips: When selecting Ahi for poke, look for flesh that's bright and smells fresh. Ensure it's sushi-grade to consume raw. When dicing, remove the bloodline and any sinewy parts to avoid a fishy taste.
Instructions:
1. Begin by properly prepping your Ahi tuna. Remove the belly, bloodline, and any sinewy parts (senu) from the fish. Dice the Ahi into uniform 3/4-inch cubes for an ideal bite and mouthfeel.
2. Thinly slice the sweet Maui onion and green onions. Incorporate the traditional Hawaiian and Japanese elements by chopping the Limu (Ogo) seaweed next.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced Ahi with the sliced onions and minced ginger. These ingredients lay the foundation for a burst of flavors in every spoonful.
4. For an added kick, include the chili flakes according to your heat preference. Follow by adding the fresh chopped garlic, contributing to the unique taste profile of the poke.
5. Sprinkle the Hawaiian salt with 'Alaea (red clay) over the mixture. This special salt not only seasons the dish but also introduces notes from the land.
6. Gently mix in the toasted sesame oil, shoyu (soy sauce), and vegetable oil, ensuring each piece of fish is well-coated. The oils grant the Ahi a luxurious texture and a lustrous appearance.
7. Once all ingredients are well combined, let the mixture rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Serve the prepared Ahi poke in a serving dish, garnished with additional green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
9. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful poke as an appetizer or as a main dish accompanied by warm steamed rice, if you like.
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