It’s become a staple in so many people’s lives. But with all the hype, you might be wondering if eating or skipping poke is worth it. So what exactly is poke, and is it healthy? The answer to both those questions is yes. Pronounced “PO-Keh,” this traditional Hawaiian dish has exploded in popularity recently, with restaurants serving it as an appetizer or main course popping up in cities across the country. But along with new options come new concerns about whether or not these trendy meals are healthy. So we’re breaking down everything you need to know about eating this delicious dish wherever and whenever you want.
Is Poke Healthy?
Yes and No. Yes, it’s healthy if you eat it with cooked veggies or potatoes. But don’t add any excess masalas to it. No, if you mix it with curd or parsley, then you are adding unhealthy fats and carbs to your protein-rich meal. So it’s best to improve the protein quality of your dish by pairing it with more protein-rich food like dal and roti.
Why Is Poke So Popular?
1. It’s A Great Appetizer
If you want to make your guests feel special, then poke is a perfect choice. It’s easy to prepare and can be prepared in seconds. And since it’s healthy, you don’t need to worry about adding too much salt or masalas to it.
2. It’s Healthy
Poke isn’t the healthiest meal on the planet, but it’s a great option for those who want to increase their protein intake without adding too many unhealthy fats and carbs.
3. It’s Easy To Make
You can make a large batch of poke and then keep it in the fridge for a few days, which is great for those days when you don’t feel like cooking. And if you’re on the go, then a pack of frozen poke will do the trick for you. Just defrost it in the microwave and serve it with vegetables or potatoes.
4. It’s Affordable
A poke is a healthy option that doesn’t cost much. You can make a large batch and keep it in the fridge for a few days, which is great for those days when you don’t feel like cooking. And if you’re on the go, then a pack of frozen poke will do the trick for you. Just defrost it in the microwave and serve with vegetables or potatoes.
5. It’s Delicious
The flavors of the poke are so delicious that you will definitely want to make it again and again. And if you’re not a fan of fish, then you can substitute it with tofu or tofu patties.
6. It’s A Portable
Poke makes a great lunch option for those busy days when you don’t have time to cook anything. Whether you’re on the go or just want something quick and easy, then poke is perfect for you.
7. It’s Tasty
The flavors of the poke are so delicious that you will definitely want to make it again and again. And if you’re not a fan of fish, then you can substitute it with tofu or tofu patties.
What’s The Difference Between Poke And Sashimi?
1. Sashimi Is Raw
Sashimi is the Japanese word for raw fish. Salmon, tuna, mackerel, and even shark are all sashimi ingredients.
2. Poke Is Cooked
Poke is a Hawaiian term that means “to slice”. It’s a type of marinated raw fish dish that is usually served on a bowl of rice. This dish can be served as an appetizer or with vegetables and/or potatoes.
3. Sashimi Is A Japanese Dish
Sashimi is a Japanese dish that uses raw fish. It’s usually served as an appetizer or with other ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, and/or seaweed.
4. Poke Is Hawaiian
Poke is a Hawaiian dish that uses raw fish and vegetables in the marinade. It can be served as an appetizer or with other ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, and/or seaweed. This dish can be served as an appetizer or with other ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, and/or seaweed.
5. Sashimi Is More Expensive
Sashimi is more expensive than poke because it’s more labor-intensive to make. Sashimi ingredients are usually bought and then processed at a fish market, while poke ingredients are usually bought from the supermarket.
How To Make The Best Poke
1. Choose The Best Fish
First, you need to choose the best fish for making a poke. You can use tuna, salmon, mackerel, or even some types of flounder. You can also use tofu or tofu patties if you don’t want to use fish at all.
2. Cut The Fish Into Pieces
Next, you need to cut your fish into small pieces so that it will be easier for the marinade to penetrate through it. The smaller the pieces are, the more flavor will be absorbed by them. Also, make sure that you don’t cut through any bones when cutting your fish so that it will be more flavorful and tender when eating it.
3. Marinate It For A Few Hours
When marinating your raw fish for about 3-4 hours in a mixture of soy sauce and rice vinegar is usually sufficient enough time to let all the flavors permeate throughout your raw fish pieces. You probably want to mix your ingredients in a bowl and let it sit for a few hours before you actually add the fish to your bowl.
4. Add Other Ingredients
After marinating your fish, you can add other ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, and/or seaweed. You can also add tofu or tofu patties if you don’t want to use fish at all. The more ingredients you add, the more flavor will be absorbed by them. Also, make sure that you don’t add any other types of raw fish to your bowl because they will spoil the flavor of the poke.
5. Serve It On A Bowl Of Rice
You should serve poke on a bowl of rice with some soy sauce and wasabi paste (if using) on top to give it that extra kick. However, if you don’t like spicy food, then just sprinkle some sesame seeds (for garnish) on top instead of using wasabi paste or soy sauce.
6. Add Crushed Sesame Seeds On Top
After pouring your poke into a bowl of rice, you can then sprinkle some crushed sesame seeds on top to add that extra flavor and crunchiness to it. You can also garnish your poke with some seaweed.
How To Stay Healthy When Eating Poke
1. Eat Healthy And Fresh
You should try to eat healthy when eating poke because it is mostly made of raw fish. You can also make your poke with tofu, tofu patties, or vegetables. You should also use only the freshest ingredients possible in your bowl of poke. You can check out some of my poke recipes in this book to see what kinds of ingredients go into each recipe.
2. Avoid Adding Other Types Of Raw Fish
You should avoid adding other types of raw fish like tuna, salmon, or other types of tuna because the flavor will be ruined by the other types of raw fish. Also, you shouldn’t add any other types of soy sauce because it will ruin the taste and texture on your poke. The only type that you can add is rice vinegar which is usually used in making sushi and sashimi pieces.
3. Use Only Fresh Ingredients
You should only use fresh ingredients in your poke bowl. You should use only the freshest ingredients possible because they will absorb all the flavors and make the poke taste better than ever.
4. Use Soy Sauce Or Wasabi Paste (If Using)
You should use soy sauce or wasabi paste (if using) to add that extra kick of flavor to your bowl of poke. However, if you don’t like spicy food, then just sprinkle some sesame seeds on top instead of using wasabi paste or soy sauce.
5. Add Crushed Sesame Seeds On Top
After pouring your poke into a bowl of rice, you can then sprinkle some crushed sesame seeds on top to add that extra flavor and crunchiness to it. You can also garnish your poke with some seaweed.
Final Words
Now that you know more about this traditional Hawaiian dish, you may be eager to try it. Keep in mind that not all shops or restaurants will offer the same things, so be prepared to try a variety of different poke bowls until you find one that you love. But before you do, it’s important to remember that eating healthy is about more than just eating Poke. It’s about making healthy choices every day, including what you eat and how you cook it. Eating something as delicious as poke can be a great way to stay healthy, as long as you make smart decisions while you’re at it.
