Tuna Poke Tostadas, Avocado Crema

Tuna Poke Tostadas, Avocado Crema

Albacore Tuna Poke Tostadas
Chile Marinade with Peanuts
Avocado-Tomatillo Crema
Green Cabbage, Red Chile, Cilantro

Poke is a traditional Hawaiian delicacy, featuring marinated chunks of raw fish, often tuna, seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, seaweed, and onions. The term poke originates from Hawaiian, meaning “to slice” or “to cut crosswise into pieces.”

The surge in popularity of poke owes much to figures like Sam Choy, affectionately known as the “Godfather of Poke.” I had the privilege of interviewing him back in 2014. Charming and dynamic, Sam Choy is a celebrated chef and restaurateur who played a significant role in spreading the appeal of poke globally.

While poke has its roots firmly planted in Hawaiian culture, it has transcended boundaries and become a beloved dish worldwide.

Here, a delightful example of this cross-cultural fusion is Tuna Poke Tostadas with Avocado-Tomatillo Crema. This dish seamlessly blends the flavors of Hawaii and Mexico, offering a tantalizing culinary experience that showcases the best of both traditions.

Tuna Poke Tostadas, Avocado Crema

Tuna Poke Tostadas Recipe

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Albacore Poke, Jamaican Flavors

Albacore Poke, Jamaican Flavors

Albacore Tuna Poke with Jamaican Flair

This Albacore Tuna Poke is a colorful fusion dish, where sashimi-quality tuna and avocado cubes meet a marinade of coconut milk, tamarind paste, lime juice, and a touch of fish sauce.

With each bite, you’re gently transported to the sun-kissed shores of Jamaica. The tender tuna, the creaminess of coconut, the sweet-tart tamarind, and the citrusy notes of lime are a subtle nod to the island’s culinary charm. Roasted peanuts seal the deal as they incorporate the distinctive flavors of Jamaican jerk seasoning, a well-known and iconic element of Jamaican cuisine.

Albacore Poke, Jamaican Flavors

Jerk Peanuts

1 c. roasted/salted peanuts

3 T. jerk seasoning

2 T. olive oil

Toss peanuts with jerk seasoning and oil. Cook on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil in a 325°F pre-heated oven for 20 minutes. Let cool completely. There will be plenty peanuts leftover for snacking.

Jerk Seasoning

While readily available store-bought jerk seasoning can be a convenient option, there’s an undeniable charm in crafting your own jerk seasoning from scratch, utilizing an assortment of spices commonly found in your pantry. Whether your spice rack is fully stocked or you find yourself with a few ingredients missing, fear not; your homemade jerk seasoning will still infuse these peanuts with vibrant Jamaican flavors. Feel free to adjust ingredients to your liking.

1. 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
2. 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
3. 1/2 tablespoon dried onion salt
4. 2 teaspoons dried thyme
5. 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
6. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
7. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
8. 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
9. 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
10. 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
11. 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
12. 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
13. 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
14. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
15. 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
16. 1 tablespoon brown sugar

In a small bowl, mix everything except the brown sugar, then mix in the brown sugar (because it is moist). This will make more than needed for the peanut recipe. Store the remainder in an air-tight container for other uses.

Albacore Poke

1/2 c. coconut milk (unsweetened)

1 1/2 T. tamarind paste

1 T. lime juice

2 t. fish sauce

1 portion sashimi-quality albacore tuna (8 to 10 ounces), cubed

1 avocado (ripe but not soft), cubed

little multi-colored cherry tomatoes

cilantro, torn

mint, torn

scallion, sliced

flaky sea salt

In a medium bowl, whisk coconut milk with tamarind paste, lime juice, and fish sauce. Add cubed albacore, toss to coat and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Albacore Poke, Jamaican Flavors

To Plate

After 30 minutes, add avocado to the marinated albacore and gently toss to coat. Spoon albacore and avocado cubes into two or three shallow bowls. Arrange tomatoes, jerk peanuts, cilantro, mint, and scallions on top. Season with flaky sea salt. Serve extra sea salt and peanuts on the side. Vegetable-flavored corn chips add another pop of color contributing to the lively nature of Jamaican culinary style.

Inspiration

This dish was inspired by New Orleans Chef Nina Compton in Food & Wine magazine were she pairs her version with McBride Sisters Collection Reserve Chardonnay. “The crisp nature of the wine and the fact that it has just the right amount of acidity lend a great contrast to the richness of the tuna and coconut milk.”

More About Poke

My Interview with Chef Sam Choy on Sustainability and Poke here.

Known as the “Godfather of Poke,” Choy loves working with fresh fish and keeping it simple. The word poke (pronounced PO-kay) describes the method of preparation by cutting into cubes or slicing. Fish, vegetables, and even tofu – can all become poke. Choy is famous for making poke super-popular in the Islands when in 1991 he and a friend sponsored the first poke contest on the Big Island.

Salmon Cucumber Poke Bowl here

More Albacore

Albacore Tataki, Beluga Lentils, Lemon Soy Emulsion here

Elegant Seared Albacore, Roasted Mushrooms, Demi-Glace here

Flaming Seared Albacore, Peppercorn Brandy Cream Flambé here

Vibrant Collards & Spinach Salad, Black-Eyed Peas, Peanut Vinaigrette

collard greens salad

Chiffonade of Collard Greens & Baby Spinach
Black-Eyed Peas, Carrot, Serrano Chile, Hard Boiled Egg, Cilantro
Peanut Vinaigrette

The girl who hails from Chicago and has lived in LA for decades is obsessed with collard greens. Last week’s Southern Greens Pasta, this vibrant salad, and a collard greens panini sandwich yet to share… Here collards are served fresh and raw along with baby spinach, the two greens’ textures complement each other. This salad, featuring a classic pairing of the greens with black-eyed peas and peanuts, was inspired by one published in Sauver. Smoked paprika and spicy chiles add a kick, carrot ribbons and eggs add contrast, flavor, and color. Serve this vivacious composed salad with a side of cornbread.

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Mahi Mahi, Spicy Citrus Soy Sauce


Fresh Wild-Caught Mahi Mahi
Spicy Citrus Soy Sauce
Served over Crunchy Raw Mung Bean Sprouts with Chopped Peanuts

I am always pleasantly surprised by Mahi Mahi (also known as dorado or dolphinfish). It has a sweet mild flavor similar to swordfish, firm texture with large moist flakes. The name Mahi Mahi means strong-strong in Hawaiian, referring to its swimming ability, not  its flavor. This species of fish grows and matures quickly and has a lifespan of 5 years, so its population can probably withstand fishing pressures. Speaking of fish lifespans, I was recently reading about the slow-growing Orange Roughy, and its lifespan of well over 100 years. The article said something like “the Orange Roughy in your freezer is probably older than your grandmother.” (And not a good choice on the sustainability charts either).

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