What You Need to Know
The acidity in the marinade breaks down proteins in the fish, tenderizing it and adding flavor, while also preserving the fish and making it safe to eat raw. The traditional Hawaiian method involves using a sharp knife to cut the fish into small pieces, which helps to prevent bacterial growth.
Steps
- 1.
Traditional Ahi Poke (Hawaii): Primary preparation method for the dish
- 2.
Tako Poke (Okinawa-Hawaii fusion): Adaptation using octopus instead of fish
- 3.
Lomi Poke (Modern Hawaiian): Combines poke technique with tomato preparation
The Science
Primary Reaction
denaturation of proteins