Native Foodways and Continuity - Native Hawaiian communities and Asian-Pacific American residents of Hawaii.

Poke

Name: Poke
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh ahi tuna, cubed; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 cup chopped seaweed (optional); 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Poke is a Hawaiian dish featuring fresh raw fish, typically tuna, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings. It reflects the blending of Native Hawaiian culinary traditions with Asian and Portuguese immigrant influences on the islands.

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Difficulty

Easy

Prep time

15 minutes

Cook time

0 minutes

Total time

15 minutes

Servings

Region

Hawaii

Era introduced

Native Foodways and Continuity

Introduced by

Native Hawaiian communities and Asian-Pacific American residents of Hawaii.

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The Story

Poke is an enduring Hawaiian dish with roots in Native Hawaiian fishing practices combined with seasoning techniques introduced by Asian and Portuguese immigrants. It involves fresh, cubed raw fish, typically ahi tuna, marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and seaweed. Over time, poke has evolved into a community and island staple, celebrated for its freshness and simplicity, and now enjoyed worldwide. It exemplifies Hawaii's cultural fusion and reliance on the bounty of surrounding ocean waters.

Ingredients

1 pound fresh ahi tuna, cubed
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 green onions, sliced
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup chopped seaweed (optional)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Equipment

Skillet
Cutting board
Chef's knife
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons

Directions

Rinse and pat dry the cubed ahi tuna.
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, sea salt, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Add the tuna cubes to the marinade and toss gently to coat.
Mix in sliced green onions and chopped seaweed if desired.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top.
Serve immediately or chill in refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before serving.

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