Hawaiian Tako Poke
Simple Hawaiian Tako Poke, an amazing protein-packed dish straight from the islands!
Authentic poke is my favorite take-home recipe from the Hawaiian islands.
It’s a quick sushi-like seafood salad, usually made with fresh raw sashimi grade seafood, onions, and soy sauce.
Poke can be enjoyed on it’s own as a low carb meal, but is often served with a side of rice.
We’ve been making poke at home for years. We usually prepare ahi tuna poke, because it’s easiest to find sushimi grade ahi in the Carolinas, that I feel safe leaving in its raw state.
However, in Hawaii there are many varieties of poke, at deli counters and fish markets, that are fun to explore! The fish is caught the same day it is served, so it’s extra fresh.
One poke variation I always look for when we go to Hawaii is Tako Poke. Tako (octopus) poke is usually made with baby octopus, and tends to be a little spicy.
Because octopus has a uniquely firm texture, it is a great alternative for those who hate the texture (or idea) of raw fish.
Personally, I wouldn’t serve and eat raw octopus where I live, but it’s perfectly fine to make a cooked form of this poke recipe.
In fact, Hawaiian Tako Poke is often found cooked, even in the islands.
You can find baby octopus at most quality fish markets in the mainland.
However, if you can’t get your hands on baby octopus, do not use large octopus. Instead, buy “calamari” squid. It’s usually pre-cut and cleaned, so it’s ready to cook.
Squid also keeps its fine firm texture. Whereas, adult octopus tend to be a bit too dense and rubbery for this sort of recipe.
Today’s Hawaiian Tako Poke recipe is the type of octopus poke I love the best… Made with kimchi.
The supple texture of lightly-cooked octopus (or squid) is a fabulous contrast to silky kimchi.
Furthermore, the overall delicate texture of Hawaiian Tako Poke, offers an even greater contrast to the bold spicy acidic flavor of the kimchi.
How To Make Hawaiian Tako Poke
Quickly sear the octopus or calamari in a nonstick skillet.
Then toss it with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, honey, and kimchi.
If the kimchi is spicy, toss in chopped scallions and you are done. If it’s not spicy, add in a little sriracha sauce for heat.
Hawaiian Tako Poke is a great summer recipe you can make in minutes.
Serve it as a quick meal, or make it part of a bigger Hawaiian style feast!
We Love Hawaiian Recipes!
Hawaiian Potato Macaroni Salad
Hawaiian-Style Hot Dogs with Mango Salsa
Hawaiian Tako Poke
Ingredients
- 20 ounces baby octopus (or squid)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 cup refrigerated kimchi, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 2 nori sheets, finely cut into shreds
Instructions
- Prep the Seafood: If using octopus, debeak the octopus, remove the inners, and rinse with cold water. Depending on the size, you may want to cut off the tentacles and chop the body in bite-size pieces. If using “calamari” squid, simple rinse them in cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Place a large dry nonstick skillet over high heat. Once hot, sear the octopus or squid for 2-5 minutes. It should be firm, but still tender. (Not rubbery.) Squid usually cooks in about 2 minutes, while baby octopus will take 4-5 minutes.
- Once cooked, rinse in cold water to cool. Drain well. Then place in a medium bowl. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey and ginger. Toss well to combine.
- Chop the kimchi into small bite-size pieces, and add it to the bowl. Toss well. If the kimchi offers enough heat, skip the Sriracha sauce. If your kimchi is mild, add Sriracha to taste. Then toss in the chopped scallions. Chill until ready to serve.
- When ready to serve, scoop the poke into bowls and top with finely chopped nori sheets.
Nutrition
Making this recipe? Follow us on Instagram and tag @ASpicyPerspective so we can share what you’re cooking!
Pingback: Hawaiian Spam Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe – Cook Zero
It’s not tako poke if you’re using ika. And it’s not traditionally made with baby octopus. Hawaiians believe in allowing the babies to become adults. It’s made with tentacles of fully grown octopus and never substituted. If you do use a different protein then the name changes accordingly. Ika poke would be more accurate.
Pingback: Explore From Home: Hawaii - Affordable Family Travel
Pingback: Exploring From Home: Hawaii - Affordable Family Travel
Wow! This looks absolutely delicious! Off to the butcher to grab myself some baby octopus. Looks nice and spicy, just the way I like it.
Hi Mike,
This is truly one of our favorite summer recipe. I hope you like it! :)