Make poke like a pro
As the popularity of poke grows, learn how to make the Hawaiian speciality at home.
FOR something so cool, poke is really hot.
The combination of chopped raw fish, rice and vegetables — pronounced POH-keh — started in Hawaii, where you can pick it up like fast food. Now, poke is finding itself on restaurant appetiser menus and has speciality poke bars dedicated to it.
It’s even better to make poke bowls at home. Get the right ingredients, do a little chopping and you have a simple, satisfying meal. You can even throw a poke party and let guests fill their bowls with the base, fish, toppings and sauce they prefer.
Fish is a crucial part of a poke bowl. Tuna is traditional in Hawaii, but you can use other kinds of firm, thick fish. Thin flaky fish, such as flounder, will not hold together in cubes as well. Cooked shrimp or crawfish also are good. Some poke bars offer cooked chicken or tofu for those who don’t like fish. The Food Network’s Aarti Sequeira has used roasted beet cubes to make vegetarian poke.
No matter the fish, it’s important that it’s absolutely fresh, as with sushi, because you’re using it raw. Remember that the term “sushigrade” is not regulated, so it could mean anything. Use your eyes and nose. Ask where the fish came from, and when it arrived at the store. Fresh fish shouldn’t smell “fishy”, but should have a clean, ocean-like scent. Avoid fish that appears slimy, or has a sheen that may indicate age or the use of preservatives.
Be sure that cutting surfaces and utensils are clean. Use a different cutting board and knife for vegetables to avoid cross-contamination from raw fish.
The key to poke is cutting the fish into small bite-sized cubes, about 2.5cm. Everything about poke should be easy to eat with either chopsticks or a fork.
Because you’ll be combining it with other ingredients, 450g of fish should be plenty for a main dish for one person. Half of that would do for an appetiser or as part of a meal.
Next, the question is: to marinate or not to marinate. Marinating the fish overnight in the refrigerator in a combination of soy sauce and sesame oil is traditional. However, marinating gives the fish a chewy texture. If you prefer a more sushi-like experience, don’t marinate.
Typically, cooked and cooled sushi rice is the base for the fish and toppings. Other kinds of rice, or even shredded greens also are options.
Customise your poke bowl with a selection of toppings. Fresh ingredients and flavours usually work best. But whatever you use, cut it into small pieces, similar in size to the fish. The amount of toppings is up to you, but try not to overwhelm the fish, which is the star.
If you didn’t marinate the fish, add a sauce – and you can get creative here, too.
Just follow this chart and you’ll be making poke like a pro for yourself or a crowd. – The News & Observer/Tribune News Service
Assemble your bowl
1. Select one base.
2. Pick a fish and arrange on top of the base.
3. Add toppings – as many as you want.
4. If you didn’t marinate the fish, sprinkle on a sauce or two. If you marinated it, you probably won’t need more sauce.
5. Devour your beautiful poké bowl.