The Best Wahoo Poke You’ve Ever Tasted: Recipe

Who doesn’t love a good wahoo poke, especially in the company of others?

The following version of the Hawaiian appetizer that renowned chef Sam Choy calls “Hawaii’s soul food” is actually featured at James Republic in Long Beach. The brainchild of Dean James Max, locals don’t like to start their party at this Los Angeles area haunt, also known as a destination restaurant, without at least one order — but probably two.

In a restaurant that calls its cuisine “modern California coastal,” this unique pole (pronounced po-keh and meaning to slice or cut) is sure to make the legendary bite-sized dish proud. The ingredients are enchanting and these bits definitely pack a punch for all who indulge.

So, without further ado, following is the recipe for chef Dean James Max’s California Wahoo Poke, made for you at James Republic or made by you in your kitchen. This recipe serves six.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 tablespoon chili sambal

2 tablespoons yuzu juice

1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 English cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced

1 cup seaweed salad (green chukka salad), diced

1/2 cup roasted red pepper, diced

1/2 cup toasted peanuts, chopped

1/2 cup cilantro leaves

2 pounds sushi-grade wahoo, diced into small cubes

Instructions:

Combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, chili sambal, yuzu juice and extra virgin olive oil. Whisk these ingredients together. Then, in a separate mixing bowl, combine the English cucumber, seaweed salad, red pepper, peanuts and cilantro. Add the wahoo into the marinade, then fold in the salad mixture. Serve the wahoo mixture ice cold in a small dish.

And so, as you enjoy this wahoo poke done Cali style, you’re bound to say this is the best poke you’ve ever tasted. Or at least it’s the best poke you’ve ever tasted that comes direct from America’s mainland in what can only be described as a fascinating restaurant that always provides a culinary adventure. Next stop? Hawaii, in search of yet another one of these tasty appetizers that is sure to capture your attention in the island culture from which the first version of poke originally hails. Aloha!

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