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What You Need to Know About Poke, the Hawaiian Raw Fish Dish That’s Giving Sushi a Run for Its Money

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at Manhattan chapter.

There is no denying that raw fish dishes are becoming not only palatable but greatly desired by food lovers everywhere. Traditionally well-known dishes like ceviche, sashimi and sushi are good and fine, but society demands culinary innovation. Born is the sushi burrito (sushirrito), basically a hand roll on steroids. However, it is about time that the greatest raw fish dish takes center stage. Its name is poke.

Poke (pronounced po-kay) is the Hawaiian word meaning to cut into pieces. The magic of poke originated in Hawaiʻi. Fresh fish, usually ahi tuna (or other fish and seafood like tako, or octopus) is cut up into chopstick-able sized cubes, then seasoned in a variety of ways.

The best thing about poke is that it is a feel good, celebratory food. Going to the beach? Chee hoo, letʻs get some poke. Headed to the University of Hawaiʻi football game? Gotta go Foodland and pick up some poke for the tailgate. Having dinner at grandmaʻs house? We cannot go if we no more poke. Pau (Hawaiian word for finished) work or school? Poke is your reward.

After being away for a semester, Hawaiʻi kids cannot wait to be home and have a poke bowl. Everything linked to poke is positive and full of aloha spirit, plus it is super ʻono (Hawaiian for delicious). With poke, you cannot go wrong.

Here are 10 pictures of poke that will leave you wondering why it took so long for poke to rock your world.

Oke Poke artichokey ? #hawaiianpoke #fishfordays #instafood

A photo posted by Regina Chen (@reginaachen) on

Poke can be simply seasoned with Hawaiian salt, sesame seeds and sesame oil, green onion and soy sauce. Here, we have both salmon and tuna.

The Wasabi Masago Ahi Poke. Come order some for the group and watch the football game. #aliciasmarket

A photo posted by Alicia’s Market (@aliciasmarket) on

This wasabi masago poke gets the perfect punch from the wasabi and salty crunch from the masago.

#Onoseafood#poki#waikiki had the best poki again earlier today

A photo posted by Jsnlee (@jsnlee808) on

Spicy ahi (or spicy tuna) on the left is made with a spicy mayo sauce. The cool, creamy plus the heat makes this a favorite. The shoyu ahi on the right uses a soy and ginger base to achieve a savory, addictive flavor.

Topped with sweet, spicy and salty taegu (seasoned codfish) and tempura crunch, this poke hits all the flavor and texture profiles.

Craving some delicious Poke right now ???

A photo posted by A L I C E (@alycebea) on

Cold poke paired with hot rice is a guarantee grand slam.

gonna turn into a fish pretty soon… #alohacones #pokebowl

A photo posted by Edward Sugimoto (@worldwideed) on

Limu (seaweed/algae) poke gives the fresh, sweet fish a complementary salty crunch. Paired with fresh veggies like tomato, cucumber and shredded daikon (radish), the dish takes on a new dimension.

Good Morning IG! #Taegu #pickledpeach #tofupoke #tamuras

A photo posted by Tamuras Market Oahu (@tamurasmarket) on

Vegans do not fret! There are many plant based versions of this delicious dish such as taro poke and tofu poke.

Because #chopstick #skills. #poke #pokeondarun #takopoke #perfectbite #oahu #hawaii #hawaiistagram

A photo posted by Kaycia Ogata (@kachichan) on

Poke at the beach is an island favorite. Salty toes and salty lips just seem to go hand in hand. Pictured is tako (Japanese word for octopus) poke. It is similarly seasoned, however, the tako is first cooked.

Fish and poi (pounded taro mixed with water) is a staple. Throw in a beer and you have a perfect, post beach/surf/work meal. Perfect comfort food.

Happy Aloha Friday IG #tamuras #inamonapoke

A photo posted by Tamuras Market Oahu (@tamurasmarket) on

ʻInamona is kukui nut (candlenut) relish that gives poke a unique crunch and richness.

Allie Yamashiro

Manhattan '17

Faith, family, friends and food are the most important things to this Hawai'i native. Born and raised in Hawai'i and going to school in NYC are some of the greatest blessings she could've ever imagined. You can catch her around campus in a purple coat.