Traditional Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Poke Recipe

Ingredients (serves 2):

• 300 g (about 10.5 oz) fresh Ahi tuna (yellowfin tuna), cut into cubes

• 2 tablespoons Hawaiian soy sauce (shoyu)

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• 1 green onion (scallion), thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

• Sea salt (a pinch)

Preparation:
Cut the Ahi tuna into evenly sized cubes, about 2 cm (¾ inch).

In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt.

Add the tuna to the marinade and gently mix to coat all the pieces.

Add the thinly sliced green onion and toasted sesame seeds. Mix gently.

Let sit in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Serve immediately with white rice on the side or underneath, depending on preference.

Notes:

• No other garnishes or spices are added in the traditional pure Hawaiian recipe.

• The simplicity highlights the freshness and quality of the Ahi tuna.

• Hawaiian soy sauce (shoyu) is slightly milder than classic Japanese soy sauce, which is typical in Hawaii.

How to Prepare Traditional White Rice for a Hawaiian Poke Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (about 180 g) of short- or medium-grain white rice (like sushi rice)

• 1.5 cups of water

• A pinch of salt (optional)

Preparation:
Rinse the rice several times in cold water until the water runs clear, to remove excess starch.

Drain the rice and place it in a saucepan with the water.

Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes.

Fluff the rice gently with a fork or spatula.

This rice is simple and unseasoned, perfect to pair with poke, which is already well-flavored.

What is Hawaiian Soy Sauce (Shoyu)?

Hawaiian soy sauce, also known as shoyu, is locally made in Hawaii, often by families of Japanese descent who have lived there for generations. It differs slightly from traditional Japanese soy sauce in that it has:

• A milder, less salty and less bitter flavor

• A sweeter profile, often due to added sugar or molasses

• A shorter fermentation time or unique artisan methods, resulting in a lighter sauce

• A subtler aroma that enhances the freshness of the fish without overpowering it

In short, Hawaiian soy sauce perfectly balances salty and sweet, which is essential in traditional poke.

Where to find it?
At Asian grocery stores, look for Hawaiian-style shoyu (brands like Kikkoman Hawaiian Style or Waiola Shoyu).

Alternatively, make your own blend: classic soy sauce + a small pinch of sugar or honey + a drop of sesame oil for a similar flavor.