If you haven’t seen this before, I know what you’re thinking. “What the hell are those mysterious red edible squares?” It's fish, but let me explain. First off, my dad was a fisherman and fish was a hot commodity in the Grace household. I’m talking crackers with sardines from the can was a casual snack. Don’t judge. Occasionally my dad would make something called “poke”, but as a young naïve girl, I let the unusual texture intimidate me like a fool.
Have you ever bit into something and thought, “I’m dumb for not loving this years ago?” Well that was the feeling even I had just as an amateur third grader after experiencing my first poke bowl. Despite common mispronunciation, poke is pronounced like “po-keh” or “pokay” rather than “poki”. Simply put, poke is fresh raw ahi (tuna) sliced and cut. And with any fish, the fresher the better. Considering that may not sound appealing to everyone, let me re-assure you…IT IS DELICIOUS. Ahi poke is very popular in Hawaii, and people enjoy devouring it pupu style, in a bowl over rice, with poi, etc. However don’t be fooled. It’s not just raw fish…it’s seasoned raw fish, which is what I tell myself to justify the price. Ahi poke is commonly seasoned with sesame oil, shoyu (soy sauce), onions, seaweed, avocado, and other yummylicous toppings. The best thing about going to a poke shop, is that you’re allowed to sample as many different concoctions as you want…which I’m guilty of doing every time. Who doesn't love samples? When I was a little girl, my dad would just give me little pieces of ahi with shoyu. However, the day I ate a poke bowl in its entirety was seriously a pivotal moment.
Have you ever bit into something and thought, “I’m dumb for not loving this years ago?” Well that was the feeling even I had just as an amateur third grader after experiencing my first poke bowl. Despite common mispronunciation, poke is pronounced like “po-keh” or “pokay” rather than “poki”. Simply put, poke is fresh raw ahi (tuna) sliced and cut. And with any fish, the fresher the better. Considering that may not sound appealing to everyone, let me re-assure you…IT IS DELICIOUS. Ahi poke is very popular in Hawaii, and people enjoy devouring it pupu style, in a bowl over rice, with poi, etc. However don’t be fooled. It’s not just raw fish…it’s seasoned raw fish, which is what I tell myself to justify the price. Ahi poke is commonly seasoned with sesame oil, shoyu (soy sauce), onions, seaweed, avocado, and other yummylicous toppings. The best thing about going to a poke shop, is that you’re allowed to sample as many different concoctions as you want…which I’m guilty of doing every time. Who doesn't love samples? When I was a little girl, my dad would just give me little pieces of ahi with shoyu. However, the day I ate a poke bowl in its entirety was seriously a pivotal moment.
My favorite kind of ahi is just the regular shoyu ahi with onions over brown rice. I also love “Foodland’s” “secret spicy special”, which is really ahi, shoyu, and siracha. For mayonnaise lovers out there, another common favorite is spicy ahi, which is ahi, siracha, and mayo. Don't forget the limu poke, which is ahi with dry seaweed. Poke bowls are absolutely perfect to take to the beach and it has some serious health benefits! High in protein and omega 3, poke is a delicious super-food! The only thing more super than that is Pa‘ina Café’s "Hawaiian poke bowl", which consists of ahi, kalua pig, and lomi salmon. Doesn’t it look heavenly? As you can see, I have an obsession of taking pictures of my food, so enjoy:
So next time you’re in Hawaii, do yourself a favor and buy a poke bowl at the Foodland nearest you. Don’t let the rawness intimidate you. It is a life changer.