Spicy Ahi Poke
Spicy Ahi Poke Recipe - Hawaiian Tuna Bowl with Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil
Introduction
Spicy Ahi Poke is a popular Hawaiian dish made with fresh raw tuna marinated in a flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.
History
Poke, which means "to slice or cut" in Hawaiian, has been a staple in Hawaiian cuisine for centuries. Originally, poke was made with reef fish, seaweed, and salt. Over time, the dish evolved to include a variety of ingredients, including soy sauce, sesame oil, and spicy seasonings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) of fresh raw tuna, cut into 0.5 inch cubes
- 2 tbsp of soy sauce
- sesame oil (to taste)
- mongolian fire oil (to taste)
- 0.25 cup of minced green onion
- 2 tbsp of mayonnaise
How to prepare
- In a mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients and refrigerate.
Variations
- Add diced avocado or cucumber for extra freshness.
- Substitute sriracha for mongolian fire oil for a different level of spiciness.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Use fresh, high-quality tuna for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of spicy seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Marinate the tuna for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spicy Ahi Poke over a bed of steamed rice or mixed greens for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to cut the tuna into uniform cubes for even marinating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use cooked shrimp or tofu as a substitute for tuna for a different twist on this dish.
Make Ahead Tips
Spicy Ahi Poke can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced jalapenos, or crispy wonton strips for added texture and flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve Spicy Ahi Poke with a side of seaweed salad and a cold beer for a delicious meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
200 per serving
Carbohydrates
2g per serving
Fats
10g per serving
Proteins
25g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is a good source of vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Alergens
This recipe contains soy and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Spicy Ahi Poke is a high-protein dish that is low in carbohydrates and rich in healthy fats.
Summary
Spicy Ahi Poke is a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can enjoy this flavorful Hawaiian favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen.
How did I get this recipe?
I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Spicy Ahi Poke. It was during a family vacation to Hawaii many years ago, when my husband and I decided to venture out to a local food market in search of some authentic Hawaiian cuisine. As we browsed through the stalls filled with exotic fruits, fresh seafood, and colorful spices, we stumbled upon a small food stand where a kind elderly woman was preparing a dish that caught my eye.
The aroma of fresh fish mixed with spicy chili peppers and soy sauce wafted through the air, drawing me closer to the stand. I watched intently as the woman deftly sliced up chunks of fresh ahi tuna and mixed it with a variety of seasonings and sauces. The dish looked simple yet bursting with flavor, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.
I approached the woman and struck up a conversation, asking her about the ingredients and techniques she used to make the Spicy Ahi Poke. She smiled warmly and invited me to watch as she made another batch, explaining each step in detail as she worked. I took notes furiously, eager to replicate the recipe back home.
After tasting a sample of the Spicy Ahi Poke, I was hooked. The combination of tender tuna, tangy soy sauce, spicy chili peppers, and fragrant sesame oil was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. It was a perfect blend of flavors that danced on my taste buds, leaving me craving more.
Back at our vacation rental, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients needed to make the Spicy Ahi Poke. I carefully followed the notes I had taken at the food market, using the freshest tuna I could find and ensuring each ingredient was measured precisely. As I mixed the tuna with the seasonings and sauces, the familiar aroma filled the kitchen, transporting me back to that bustling food market in Hawaii.
When I presented the Spicy Ahi Poke to my family, they were skeptical at first. Raw fish was not a common dish in our household, and the idea of eating it with such bold flavors seemed foreign to them. But one bite was all it took to convert them into believers. The dish was a hit, with everyone clamoring for seconds and asking for the recipe.
From that moment on, Spicy Ahi Poke became a staple in our family's meal rotation. I made it for special occasions, potlucks, and even just for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Each time I prepared it, I remembered the kind woman at the food market who had introduced me to this delicious dish and how it had sparked a newfound passion for exploring different cuisines and flavors.
Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe for Spicy Ahi Poke to suit my family's tastes. I have added extra chili peppers for an extra kick, experimented with different types of soy sauce, and even tried using different types of fish. But no matter how I choose to prepare it, the dish always brings back memories of that fateful day in Hawaii when I discovered the magic of Spicy Ahi Poke.
As I pass down the recipe to my children and grandchildren, I hope they will continue to enjoy the dish as much as I have. And who knows, maybe one day they will stumble upon their own culinary adventure that will inspire them to create their own signature dish, just like I did with Spicy Ahi Poke.
Categories
| Cathy's Recipes | Green Onion Recipes | Hawaiian Meat Dishes | Hawaiian Recipes | Hawaiian Salads | Mayonnaise Recipes | Seafood Salad Recipes | Tuna Recipes |