There are some vacation memories you just know you’ll be talking about for years, and fishing off the south shore of Kauai is definitely one of those for our family.
A couple of years ago, we squeezed in a trip to the islands to celebrate my son’s birthday, and the one thing at the top of his wish list was to go fishing. We booked a charter with Hunt Fish Kauai and set out from Port Allen just as the sun was rising. The water was calm, the views were incredible, and it was the perfect start to what would become one of our favorite vacation memories.
And apparently, we had some serious beginner’s luck! My husband, son, and I each reeled in a beautiful yellowfin tuna. It was exhausting, exhilarating, and easily one of the coolest things we’ve ever done together. When we returned to port the crew fileted our catch right on the dock, and with fish that fresh, there was really only one thing to do, make poke!
Poke is one of my favorites because it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. Serve it as an appetizer or turn it into a meal over sushi rice or greens with jalapeños, cucumber, edamame, avocado, and tropical fruit like pineapple or mango. Sweet, spicy, fresh, and so good!
While making poke at home may not usually start with catching your own tuna in the Pacific (if only!), a trip to your local fish market can still bring a little taste of the islands home. This batch, though? It’s going to be pretty hard to beat.
Note: Keep in mind that you don’t want to make poke out of any piece of fish. You want to make sure it is labeled as “sushi grade” or “high quality tuna.” Stop by your local fish market and see what they have.
INGREDIENTS
1 pound sushi-grade tuna, cut into cubes
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 c soy sauce
3 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
1/2 tsp garlic, minced
STEPS
- Place the tuna and green onions in a large bowl.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oil, vinegar, sesame seeds, and garlic.
- Pour the marinade over the tuna and toss to coat.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 20 minutes.
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