Bluefin Tuna Poke

Bluefin Tuna Poke – The rich, buttery texture of the tuna is perfectly complemented by the zesty tang of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness from honey. Served with crispy seaweed, creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds

What Is Bluefin Tuna Poke?

Bluefin tuna poke is a Hawaiian dish made from fresh, sushi-grade bluefin tuna, diced into cubes and seasoned with flavorful marinades. The wordpoke(pronounced poh-keh) meansto slicein Hawaiian, reflecting the preparation of the fish. This dish is traditionally served over a bed of rice, garnished with toppings like avocado, seaweed, green onions, and sesame seeds.

Bluefin Tuna Poke

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bluefin Tuna Poke

  • Choose Sushi-Grade Tuna: Bluefin tuna should be labeled assushi-gradeorsashimi-gradeto ensure its quality and safety for raw consumption. Purchase from a trusted fishmonger or specialty seafood store.
  • Cut Even Cubes: For a professional look and uniform marination, dice the tuna into even, bite-sized cubes (about 1/2 inch).
  • Chill Before Serving: Once marinated, let the poke chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
  • Keep It Simple: Bluefin tuna has a rich, buttery flavor. Avoid overpowering it with too many ingredients—let the fish shine.
  • Serve Fresh: Poke is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. Its delicate texture and flavor can deteriorate if left for too long.

Variations to Try

  • Spicy Bluefin Tuna Poke: Add a touch of heat with sriracha, gochujang (Korean chili paste), or chili oil. Garnish with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
  • Citrus-Infused Poke: Incorporate lime or yuzu juice for a bright, zesty twist that complements the richness of the tuna.
  • Tropical Poke Bowl: Add diced mango, pineapple, or papaya for a sweet and tangy contrast.
  • Vegetarian Poke: Swap bluefin tuna with marinated tofu or watermelon for a plant-based alternative.
  • Fusion Flavors: Experiment with soy-based marinades infused with wasabi, miso, or even truffle oil for a creative spin.
Easy Bluefin Tuna Poke

How to Serve Bluefin Tuna Poke

  • Classic Bowl: Serve over steamed rice or seasoned sushi rice, and top with sesame seeds, scallions, and nori strips.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a crisp salad base.
  • Appetizer Style: Spoon the poke onto cucumber slices or wonton chips for bite-sized appetizers.
  • DIY Poke Bar: Set up a build-your-own poke bar with a variety of toppings like edamame, pickled ginger, avocado, cucumber, tobiko (fish roe), and spicy mayo.

How to Store Bluefin Tuna Poke

While poke is best consumed fresh, it can be stored for a short time under the right conditions:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the fish may lose some of its texture and flavor.
  • Avoid Freezing: Freezing marinated poke is not recommended, as the fish’s texture will degrade upon thawing.
Best Bluefin Tuna Poke

Recipe FAQs

What makes bluefin tuna special for poke?

Bluefin tuna is prized for its rich, buttery flavor and firm texture, making it a luxurious choice for poke. Its high fat content gives it a melt-in-your-mouth quality that pairs beautifully with traditional poke seasonings.

Can I use frozen tuna for poke?

Yes, as long as the tuna is labeled assushi-gradeand has been properly thawed. Freezing kills parasites, making it safer for raw consumption.

What are the best toppings for bluefin tuna poke?

Classic toppings include avocado, green onions, seaweed salad, sesame seeds, cucumber, and tobiko. You can also add spicy mayo or furikake for extra flavor.

How can I tell if tuna is sushi-grade?

Look for clear labeling, and check that the fish has a vibrant color, clean smell, and firm texture. Always buy from reputable seafood suppliers.

Can I make poke ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare poke as close to serving as possible. However, you can dice and refrigerate the tuna a few hours ahead, then mix with the marinade shortly before serving.

Yield: 4

Bluefin Tuna Poke

Easy Bluefin Tuna Poke

Bluefin Tuna Poke - The rich, buttery texture of the tuna is perfectly complemented by the zesty tang of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness from honey.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup toasted sesame oil
  • ⅓ cup ponzu or soy sauce
  • ¼ cup sambal (chili garlic sauce)
  • ½ cup scallions, finely diced
  • 3 cups bluefin tuna, diced into small chunks
  • 2 medium avocados, cut into chunks
  • ½ medium sweet onion, thinly shaved
  • 4 cups sushi rice, cooked

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine sesame oil, ponzu (or soy sauce), sambal, and scallions. Whisk until smooth and emulsified.
  2. In a large bowl, add the diced tuna, avocado, and thinly shaved sweet onion. Pour the sauce over the ingredients and gently toss to coat.
  3. Allow the mixture to marinate for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  4. Spoon the poke mixture over bowls of fluffy sushi rice, garnish as desired, and dig in!

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 753Total Fat 40gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 31gCholesterol 50mgSodium 975mgCarbohydrates 62gFiber 8gSugar 6gProtein 38g

Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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Final Thoughts

Bluefin tuna poke is a delicious way to bring the flavors of Hawaii into your kitchen. With its simple preparation, fresh ingredients, and endless customization options, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a light and refreshing meal, bluefin tuna poke is sure to impress.

Try these other tuna recipes:

Soumyadip Chatterjee
Founder of easyshrimprecipes.com
Hi, this is Soumyadip, creator of easyshrimprecipes.com. I love cooking and sharing new tasty recipes to the entire world. So what are you waiting for, join me on a delicious journey.

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