By Capt. Andy Martin – Bursting with flavor, healthy, and easy to make, poke bowls are a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy albacore tuna. Poke has endless possibilities – there are countless ways to marinate the fish, and there are just as many options for toppings.
Poke originated in Hawaii, where it is often simply served as an appetizer. Served in a bowl of rice, poke becomes a full meal.
One of captains I used to work with in Alaska, Capt. Mark, spent years working at a lodge owned by a family from Hawaii. They made a simple marinade with Mama Kay’s Hawaiian Seasoning, a little sesame oil, and thinly sliced green onions.
On the Mainland, marinades often include a few more ingredients, with plenty of options for toppings. Served with sushi-style rice, poke bowls are a delicious, and filling meal. Red chili paste, or wasabi can be added to add heat and spice.
While poke can be made with freshly caught albacore tuna, or ahi tuna, frozen fish is easier to work with. Partially thawed tuna is firmer, and holds together while it is thinly sliced. While raw tuna, or salmon, is most popular, seared tuna also can be used in poke.
Toppings for poke include avocado, carrots, green or sweet white onions, mango, pineapple, cilantro, radishes, macadamia nuts, mandarin oranges, shallots, pickled ginger, cabbage, edamame, and fried wonton strips.
Quality rice is a vital part of poke bowls. Don’t just use steamed white rice. Sushi rice is more flavorful, and perfectly complements poke. A spicy mayonnaise and rice seasoning complete the meal. Nori Komi Furikake Rice Seasoning, which includes sesame seeds and dried seaweed, is the perfect poke bowl seasoning.
Sushi Rice
1 cup sushi rice or jasmine rice
1 1/4 cup water
1 tbs sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
Rinse the rice several times, until the water runs clear as it is drained.
Bring rice and water to a boil, cover, and simmer 20 minutes.
Remove from heat, and allow to sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
In a small pot, heat rice vinegar, sugar and salt. Bring to a boil, constantly stirring, to dissolve sugar.
Fluff the rice with a fork, and slowly stir in the vinegar, sugar and salt mixture. Allow the rice to cool for 20 minutes.
Poke marinade
1 lb. albacore tuna loin, or ahi tuna
2 tbs soy sauce
1 tbs rice vinegar
1 tbs sesame oil
1 tsp honey
Cut the tuna into small pieces with sharp knife on a cutting board.
In a large bowl, combine tuna, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar and honey. Gently stir, and allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Dressing
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp sriracha
salt and pepper to taste
Mix the mayonnaise and sriracha in a bowl, and salt and pepper to taste. Place the dressing in a zipper bag, and cut the corner to drizzle over the poke bowl before serving.
Toppings
1 cup sliced cucmber
1/4 cup sliced mango
1/2 cup sliced radish
1/4 cup finley chopped green onion, or sweet white onion
2 large avocado, peeled and sliced
Making the Poke Bowls
Divide the rice into three or four bowls
Add a scoop of marinated tuna to each bowl, and add toppings.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and dried seaweed, or Nori Komi Furikake Rice Seasoning. (There are many alternatives available at larger grocery stores).
Drizzle with the spicy mayonnaise
To learn more about albacore tuna charters, visit www.brookingsfishing.com.
