We eat a fair amount of seafood in my home: albacore tuna, black cod, salmon, spot shrimp and fresh oysters, particularly now that we live near the sea, but it's something I've always valued serving my family as seafood packs powerful nutrition as it's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals, and provides a nice balance to meat-heavy fare.
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What is Poke?
Poke is a traditional fish dish from Hawaii, where fresh tuna is chopped coarsely, mixed with other ingredients like macadamia nuts, green onions, and seaweed, and seasoned with soy sauce. It's light, fresh and delicious served over rice.
I often serve poke in the summer months when I don't feel like heating up the kitchen with the stove and oven and need something satisfying but light at the same time.
Albacore has a lean, clean flavor and faint butteriness that pairs. Its leanness means that it benefits from minimal cooking, which keeps it moist instead of dry, and it's that very leanness that makes it a solid choice for something like poke.
Why I Choose Sustainable, Wild-Caught Fish
Fish is extraordinarily rich in wholesome nutrition, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, minerals, and quality protein. It's a staple in our home, but I'm likewise concerned, like many of you are, about overfishing, and general sustainability.
Techniques like fishing from sustainably managed fisheries, like those in Alaska, as well as fishing for one fish at a time using old-fashioned hook-and-line techniques ensure that bycatch is minimized and fish populations can continue to proliferate. For my part, I want some sort of guarantee, and that's why I like to buy my fish straight from a cooperative of men and women who catch them.
Shannon says
What about mercury. Is it safe for kiddos especially? Thanks, Shannon
Jenny says
I feed this to my kids, and don't worry about it. You can look up mercury content and fish at the NRDC.
Solomon says
This is a great recipe. I use it for my albacore caught by fisherman from my CSF - SitkaSalmonShares.com. They have the highest quality frozen fish that is also caught sustainably in well managed alaskan fisheries and with extremely high processing standards. I have never had a better tasting raw albacore in my life.
Lilah says
We have so much fresh tuna this year. My husband is catching like crazy. Can you use it after it has been frozen? If so how long? Thanks and great recipe.
Jenny says
Oh you definitely can. This was flash frozen in the boat.
Sue says
Where is coupon code?????
Amy Newman says
My husband is a fisherman so I'm always looking for creative ways to enjoy the bounty. This looks interesting and will give it a try. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Rose says
my family is not into heat from peppers. what would you recommend in place of the jalepeno.?
Jenny says
I think you can skip them.
deana says
This sounds wonderful. Thanks for the tip on where to purchase the tuna. I'll try them out. I'd personally grill the medallions briefly before mixing with the rest of the ingredients as my family wouldnt eat it raw either. Can't wait to try this.
Jeannie Furlong says
I cannot eat raw (med reasons) how would u cook fish to go in this recipe
Jenny says
If I couldn't eat a food, or preparation of a food, for medical reasons, I just wouldn't eat it.
Leanne says
Interesting to hear you've moved, Jenny! As an Aussie, I really enjoyed your romantic descriptions of your snowy, mountain home, but now I'll enjoy hearing about your seaside home. Being near the sea is good for the soul, I think 🙂 I guess that means you're starting over with getting to know all your local producers.
I currently have a tray of pumpkin roasting, using a slightly varied version of the recipe from your lovely book. Didn't have sorghum syrup so I'm trying it with carob syrup. Perfect for a cold, wintery day here!
Susan says
This sounds delicious, but I don't find the number of servings listed anywhere. Is this supposed to serve 4? Thanks.
Jenny says
Sorry, yes, 4
Maria Atwood, CNHP says
Is the tuna cooked in any way or is it eaten raw? - If raw what precautions like lemon juice or something else do we use? Sounds scrumptious :>)
Jenny says
Hi Maria, It's eaten raw, and I eat it raw, like sushi.