At last… Authentic,Hawaiian, and Inexpensive
September 18, 2009|Comments (10)
Finding authentic Hawaiian restaurants in Hawaii is frustrating work. All the usual methods of finding good eats simply don’t work around here. When asked where the best hole-in-the-wall mom-and-pop cafes and bistros are hiding, the locals will usually direct you to the nearest sub shop or Mexican food eatery. Oh, and I really wish this was a joke. I did not fly all the way to Hawaii for Mexican food, y’all. But then, heaven fell from the sky (or rather the sea) and found its way to my plate. In what form, you ask? Spicy ahi poke. Get you some. That’s all I’m saying.
Okay, not quite all that I’m saying. I’ve secured a recipe, too. But what is spicy ahi poke, you ask? What on earth could be better than Hawaiian Mexican food?? Poke (poe-kay…. say it a few times ’cause it’s fun) is a raw or smoked fish salad served in Hawaii as a side dish though I think it is lovely stuffed in a pita pocket or over lettuce. Think: Hawaiian version of sashimi except that poke is not going to find its way on the menu at the resorts or upscale hotels around here. Japanese food is everywhere and VERY costly while authentic Hawaiian dishes are inexpensive, though hard to find as an outsider. Other authentic Hawaiian dishes (picture the flame-roasted pig with fruit) are off limits to me. I cannot eat pork so I was really thrilled to discover this simple and tasty salad. To make a basic version of poke:
- 2 pounds fresh or sashimi-grade or smoked ahi tuna steaks, cubed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 Tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 chile peppers, cored, seeded, and minced
- 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tablespoon chopped macadamia nuts
- OPTIONAL: thinly sliced seaweed
- OPTIONAL: 1-2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
Combine all ingredients in a lidded container. Cover and shake. Let sit, covered, in the fridge for about 2 hours so the flavors can marry. Serve. Devour. Repeat. Tell me what you think. Have you tried spicy ahi poke? Have you ever eaten any raw fish?
Satisfy your cravings with the best tuna fish recipes.
The comment box is below the way-cool advertisement.
Please leave us a comment. We love reading them and feel that they are the best part of the site. Thank you!
It sounds interesting. I grew up not eating Tuna and still don’t like it. I would use smoked salmon, but I am more inclined to use the kind that is dryer rather than the raw feel kind. I don’t mind pickled herring, but regular rawish fish and the smoked raw fish, really don’t get my mojo going.
.
Sounds so yummy! I love tuna, I can’t wait to try this.
I adore fresh tuna & this recipe is so lovely,…Yum!
I had this in Maui…DELICIOUS!!!!
What I totally miss is lomi lomi salmon!
I loved the 3 years we li ved in Hawaii!
coming from an “authentic hawaiian” person – meaning the blood that runs in my veins is truly hawaiian – I’ve never had poke with macadamia nuts – kukui nuts yes but not macadamia. Also, hawaiian salt is also added into poke. I have to admit your poke pics look absolutely ONO!! (deliciously good). The next time you are in Hawaii just ask your hotels front desk where is the best place to get a plate lunch or if you want true hawaiian food – Peoples or Ono’s is a great choice.
oh i love to eat raw fish…born and raised in hawaii now in california… that bugga look ono…making me hungry!!!
You know how much I miss my hawaiian food! I had no idea this recipe was available on your web site for me to create here in thi s middle of nowhere county! Now…can you get a recipe for the BBQ sliders at the Mai tai bar at Ala Moana mall?
I lived in Hawaii for 3 years and i fell in love with hawaiian food, specialy poke. My husband and I were craving ahi poke for soo long! and this recipe its just perfect! it looks delicious.. now I just have to find fresh tuna over here in CO. haha Thanks tho!!
also coming from another “authentic hawaiian” on your next visit, if you ask a local about “mom and pop” stores we will definitely direct you to a sub store. If you ask the right questions then they’d be more than happy to direct you to the best hawaiian food restaurant. You should try Haili’s hawaiian food near the honolulu zoo. they make the best hawaiian food plates.