Tropical Island Poke

Tropical Island Poke Recipe from Hawaii with Ahi, Mango, Papaya and Coconut Milk

Region / culture: Hawaii | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tropical Island Poke is a refreshing and flavorful dish that originates from the beautiful islands of Hawaii. This dish is a perfect blend of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and creamy coconut milk, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile.

History

Poke, which means "to slice or cut" in Hawaiian, is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed by the native Hawaiians for centuries. Originally, poke was made with freshly caught fish, sea salt, seaweed, and crushed kukui nuts. Over time, the dish has evolved to incorporate a variety of ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, and sauces.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) fresh ahi (yellow fin tuna)
juice from 1 lime
juice from 1 lemon
rock salt to taste
3 Hawaiian chile peppers
1 cup diced yellow onions
0.25 cup chopped green onions
1 cup diced yellow mango
1 cup diced papaya
0.5 cup coconut milk

How to prepare

Cut the ahi into cubes.
Juice one lime and one lemon.
Pour the citrus juice over the cubed fish and let it marinate for a couple of minutes.
Add rock salt to taste.
Finely chop the Hawaiian chile peppers.
Add the peppers and onions to the fish and mix well.
Carefully stir in the mangoes, papaya, and coconut milk.
The dish is now ready to be served.

Variations

Substitute ahi tuna with salmon or tofu for a different twist.
Add diced avocado or cucumber for extra freshness.
Drizzle with a soy sauce-based dressing for a more traditional poke flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use fresh, high-quality ahi tuna for the best flavor and texture.

- Marinate the fish in citrus juice to help "cook" the fish and add flavor.

- Adjust the amount of Hawaiian chile peppers to suit your spice preference.

- Be gentle when mixing in the fruits and coconut milk to avoid breaking up the fish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Tropical Island Poke over a bed of steamed white rice or mixed greens for a complete meal. Garnish with additional chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Use a sharp knife to cut the fish into uniform cubes.

- Marinate the fish in the citrus juice for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

- Chill the dish in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for a refreshing touch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use pineapple or kiwi instead of mango for a different tropical flavor.

- Swap out the coconut milk for coconut cream for a richer texture.

- Substitute jalapeno peppers for Hawaiian chile peppers for a milder heat.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the Tropical Island Poke up to 4 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the fruits and coconut milk just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Tropical Island Poke in individual bowls or on a large platter for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Tropical Island Poke with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the fresh flavors of the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, try a tropical fruit-infused iced tea or coconut water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Tropical Island Poke in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 16g

Fats

Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 8g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 30g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% DV

- Vitamin C: 80% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains fish and coconut.

Summary

Tropical Island Poke is a nutrient-dense dish that is rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. It is a great option for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Summary

Tropical Island Poke is a delightful and vibrant dish that captures the essence of the Hawaiian islands. With its fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and creamy coconut milk, this dish is sure to transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite. Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious dish with family and friends for a taste of the islands at home.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was like a burst of tropical flavors dancing on my taste buds, transporting me to a sunny island paradise with every bite. I knew I had to learn how to make this dish, no matter what it took.

I first came across the recipe for Tropical Island Poke during a family vacation to Hawaii. We had been invited to a luau hosted by some local friends, and I was blown away by the amazing spread of food that was laid out before us. There were dishes I had never seen or heard of before, and I was eager to try everything.

One dish in particular caught my eye - a colorful bowl filled with chunks of fresh fish, tossed in a vibrant sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a variety of tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to find out how to make it myself.

I struck up a conversation with the host of the luau, a sweet elderly woman named Auntie Lei. She was kind enough to share her recipe for Tropical Island Poke with me, explaining each step in detail and giving me tips on how to make it just right. I was grateful for her generosity and knew that I had stumbled upon a true gem of a recipe.

Back home, I wasted no time in gathering all the ingredients I needed to make the Tropical Island Poke. I made sure to use the freshest fish I could find, as Auntie Lei had emphasized the importance of using high-quality ingredients to bring out the best flavors in the dish. I carefully diced the fish into bite-sized pieces and prepared the sauce according to Auntie Lei's instructions, adding in a generous amount of diced pineapple and mango for that extra tropical twist.

As I mixed everything together in a large bowl, I couldn't help but smile at the vibrant colors and enticing aromas that wafted up from the dish. It looked just like the one I had enjoyed at the luau in Hawaii, and I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

The first bite of the Tropical Island Poke was like a burst of sunshine in my mouth. The combination of fresh fish, sweet tropical fruits, and savory sauce was simply divine, and I savored each mouthful, feeling like I was back on that sunny island paradise once again.

I was so proud of myself for successfully recreating Auntie Lei's recipe for Tropical Island Poke, and I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own repertoire of recipes. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks with friends, and even just for myself on lazy weekends when I wanted to treat myself to something special.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe for Tropical Island Poke, adding my own twists and variations to make it uniquely mine. I experimented with different types of fish, fruits, and seasonings, always striving to create the perfect balance of flavors that would transport anyone who tasted it to a tropical paradise.

I shared the recipe with friends and family, who were equally enchanted by the dish and its exotic flavors. They would often ask me to make it for special occasions and get-togethers, knowing that my Tropical Island Poke was always a crowd-pleaser.

As I sit here now, reflecting on my journey to learn how to make the recipe for Tropical Island Poke, I am filled with gratitude for Auntie Lei and her generosity in sharing her culinary secrets with me. I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and connections that last a lifetime.

And so, I continue to make my Tropical Island Poke, with love and passion in every dish, knowing that each bite carries with it a piece of that sunny island paradise that first captured my heart so many years ago.