Classic Ulua Poke
Raw · Easy · Serves 4
Traditional Hawaiian
Prep20 MIN
Cook—
Serves4
DifficultyEASY
The quintessential Hawaiian preparation. Fresh Ulua poke is a celebration of the ocean — clean, bold flavors that let the fish speak for itself. Best made within hours of the catch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh Ulua, cubed into 3/4-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp shoyu (soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp Hawaiian sea salt
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Maui onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp inamona (roasted kukui nut, crushed)
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup limu kohu (or ogo seaweed) — optional
Method
- Cube the fresh fish into 3/4-inch pieces and place in a chilled bowl.
- Add shoyu, sesame oil, and Hawaiian sea salt. Toss gently to coat.
- Fold in green onions, Maui onion, and inamona.
- Add limu and chili flakes if using.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Guide’s tip: The key to great poke is ultra-fresh fish. Do not over-marinate — 15–30 minutes maximum or the acid will begin to cook the fish. Inamona (roasted kukui nut) is the traditional Hawaiian ingredient that sets authentic poke apart.