Recipe for Our Hawaiian Poke Sauce

This Hawaiian poke sauce is perfect for a full experience, highlighting the subtle and complex flavors of traditional poke. It can be used for all fish-based poke bowls.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp of shoyu (soy sauce, preferably Hawaiian for a milder taste)

  • Preferably: Aloha Shoyu, Kikkoman (Hawaiian version), La Choy, Pearl River Bridge (Hawaiian version), Hana Shoyu.

• 1 tbsp of toasted sesame oil (for a nutty flavor and depth)

  • Preferably use organic oils: Rapunzel, Koro, Biorganik, Terra Sana, Clearspring.

• 1 tbsp of rice vinegar (for a tangy touch, essential to balance the sweet and salty)

  • Preferably use organic rice vinegar: Eden Foods, Clearspring, Rapunzel, Biona, La Tourangelle.

• 1 to 2 tbsp of Hawaiian aloe honey (for a sweet, floral flavor, lighter than regular honey)

  • Preferably: Big Island Bees, Hawaiian Organic Honey, Kauai Organic Honey, Oahu Organic Honey, Hana Honey.

• 1 tsp of freshly grated ginger (for a spicy, fresh kick)

• 1 tbsp of fish sauce (to boost the umami and richness of the sauce)

  • Preferably use organic fish sauce: Thai Kitchen – Organic Fish Sauce, Red Boat Fish Sauce (Organic version), La Cueca – Organic Fish Sauce (Chili), OCEAN'S HALO – Organic Fish Sauce, Fish4Ever – Organic Fish Sauce (Portugal).

• 1 to 2 tbsp of orange juice or pineapple juice (optional, but perfect for a fruity and tropical note)

• Lime zest (for a refreshing and tangy touch)

• 1 tbsp of toasted sesame seeds (optional, but adds crunch and an extra nutty flavor)

• Finely chopped green onions or chives (for freshness and crunch)

• A few sheets of nori (dried seaweed, for an added oceanic flavor)

• Freshly ground black pepper or Island pepper (for a bit of heat and spice)

• Fresh chili (optional, for an extra spicy kick if you like it hot)

Instructions:

1. Mix the liquid ingredients
   In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp of shoyu, 1 tbsp of toasted sesame oil, and 1 tbsp of rice vinegar. Add 1 to 2 tbsp of aloe honey and mix well until the honey dissolves.

2. Add the fish sauce and spices
   Stir in the fish sauce to intensify the umami flavor. Then add the grated ginger, lime zest, and, if desired, black pepper or fresh chili for an extra spicy kick.

3. Incorporate the fruity ingredients
   If you opt for a fruity note, add orange or pineapple juice for a touch of sweetness and tropical flavor. Mix everything together to balance the flavors.

4. Add the fresh garnishes
   Stir in the finely chopped green onions, chives, and, if you like, cut-up nori sheets for a more marine flavor.

5. Let it rest
   Allow the sauce to sit in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes for the flavors to fully develop.

6. Mix before serving
   Before serving it on your poke bowl, give the sauce a good stir. For extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds just before serving.

Why is this version more complete?

• The addition of fish sauce and grated ginger enhances the umami and gives a spicy, fresh touch.

• Fruit juices (orange or pineapple) add a fruity, tropical flavor that evokes Hawaiian tastes.

• Lime zest and fresh herbs like green onions or chives add a refreshing element, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.

• Nori and sesame add both texture and authentic ocean flavors.

Authentic Poke Variations from Hawaii:

• Ahi Poke (Tuna): A classic version, often seasoned with shoyu, salt, ginger, and sometimes sesame oil.

• Shoyu Poke: Mainly made with shoyu, ginger, and sesame oil.

• Poke with Seaweed: Adding seaweed (nori or limu) and Island pepper for a little kick.

• Fruity Variations: Some recipes also include fresh fruits like pineapple or mango for a unique sweet-salty mix.

Our sauce has a depth and complexity that truly captures the essence of Hawaiian flavors, while adding texture and freshness that elevate the fresh fish. The poke thus becomes a richer dish, while remaining faithful to its origins.