Poke (Poh-keh)

Poke (pronounced poh-keh) is a traditional Hawaiian dish that typically features fresh, raw fish marinated in a flavorful sauce and served with various toppings. Here's a recipe for a classic Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl that combines all the essential elements for a delicious and authentic experience.

Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl

Ingredients:

For the Poke:

• 1 lb fresh ahi tuna, sushi-grade, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Culture Hot Sauce Umami Bomb
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoon limu seaweed (optional)

For the Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked sushi rice or jasmine rice
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup edamame, shelled
• 1/4 cup pickled ginger
• 1/4 cup seaweed salad (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tobiko (fish roe), optional
• Soy sauce, for drizzling
• Additional sesame seeds, for garnish
• Sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Poke Marinade:

   • In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, Umami Bomb, grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

2. Marinate the Tuna:

   • Add the cubed ahi tuna to the marinade and gently toss to coat the fish evenly.
   • Fold in the sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
   • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Prepare the Rice and Toppings:

   • Cook the sushi rice or jasmine rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool slightly.
   • Slice the avocado, cucumber, and radishes. Prepare the edamame by boiling for a few minutes, then draining.

4. Assemble the Poke Bowls:

   • Divide the rice evenly between two bowls.
   • Arrange the marinated tuna on top of the rice.
   • Add slices of avocado, cucumber, radishes, edamame, pickled ginger, and seaweed salad around the tuna.
   • Sprinkle additional sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top.
   • If using, add a small amount of tobiko for extra texture and flavor.
   • Drizzle with a little extra soy sauce if desired.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the poke bowls immediately, allowing everyone to mix and enjoy the fresh flavors and textures.

Tips:

• Freshness: Ensure you use the freshest sushi-grade ahi tuna available for the best flavor and safety.
• Customization: Feel free to customize your poke bowl with your favorite toppings such as pineapple, mango, or spicy mayo.
• Marinade Variations: Experiment with different marinades by adding ingredients like miso paste, sriracha, or yuzu juice for unique flavor profiles.

Enjoy your homemade Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl, a delightful combination of fresh, vibrant ingredients and savory, umami-rich flavors!