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Tuna Poke

17/11/2023

Poke is a typically Hawaiian dish that has gained worldwide popularity. It’s a bowl that comes served with rice, raw fish, and various toppings. I propose a version with an Italian twist, perhaps incorporating some Mediterranean ingredients. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 200 g of high-quality fresh tuna (sashimi grade)
  • 200 g of sushi rice or medium-grain rice
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 beefsteak tomato (for an Italian touch)
  • 1 small red onion
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil (Italian substitute for sesame oil)
  • 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Toasted sesame seeds, to taste (optional)
  • Chives or fresh basil for garnishing (an Italian alternative to the classic green onion)

Preparation

  1. Start by cooking the rice following the instructions on the package. Once ready, let it cool down to room temperature.

  2. Cut the tuna into cubes of approximately 1.5-2 cm. Place the tuna cubes in a bowl.

  3. Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the tuna.

  4. Cut the avocado into cubes and the beefsteak tomato into slices or cubes, and add them to the bowl with the tuna and onion.

  5. In a separate small bowl, mix the soy sauce, extra-virgin olive oil, and lemon juice. Pour this dressing over the bowl with the tuna and vegetables and gently mix, trying not to break the tuna and avocado cubes. Adjust the salt if necessary.

  6. Meanwhile, if you want to add a crunchy touch, toast the sesame seeds in a pan over low heat until they turn golden.

  7. To assemble the poke, place a base of rice in each bowl. Over the rice, distribute the mixture of tuna and vegetables.

  8. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped chives, or fresh basil leaves to add a touch of green and Italian flavor.

Please remember to always use the freshest fish suitable for raw consumption and to follow hygienic rules when preparing dishes that include raw ingredients.

Curiosity

The poke bowl originated as a dish made by fishermen, who seasoned the scraps of their catch with whatever was available for a quick snack. Today it has become a true symbol of culinary cultural fusion, adapting to various interpretations and local ingredients.

Tuna Poke