Ahi poke is a seafood dish made with yellowfin tuna that has been diced and marinated and served in a bowl. A popular component of Hawaiian cuisine, ahi poke is found all over the islands. Get to know more about this beloved Hawaiian dish below.

The Name

In Hawaiian, poke translates to "cut into pieces," which describes the way the fish is cubed. It’s pronounced poh-kay, but it didn't receive this name until the middle part of the twentieth century when ahi, which is the Hawaiian name for tuna, became a popular seafood option.

History

Hawaiians are thought to have created poke hundreds of years before Westerners came to the region. Looking to utilize all parts of their daily catch, fishermen started seasoning the day's cutoffs with salt and seaweed and having it as a snack. In these earliest incarnations, poke was likely reef fish. Poke, both then and now, is a raw fish dish.

When ahi tuna became more accessible for the seafood-buying public in the 1960s and '70s, ahi poke was born. It soon became a hallmark of Hawaiian cooking and has gained legions of admirers all around the world. The most authentic ahi poke, however, is only available in Hawaii.

Variations

True ahi poke contains yellowfin tuna, a soy sauce or peanut oil marinade, and onions. It can be accompanied by any number of additional ingredients, such as Maui onions, avocado, wasabi, or kimchee. But the delicious, velvety yellowfin is the star of ahi poke.

Poke bowls contain additional ingredients that further diversify the flavors, such as rice, vegetables, and sauces. Other seafood options, like octopus, salmon, or shellfish, can be used to make variations of poke. The dish may be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course.

When you visit Honolulu, try some local ahi poke at Atlantis Seafood & Steak. They offer a variety of fresh seafood options, including ahi poke, lobster, mahi mahi, and salmon, in addition to steaks, pasta, and surf and turf selections. Call (808) 922-6868 to make a reservation, or visit their website to explore their menu in more detail.