Super delicious and easy spicy ahi Poke that takes less than 10 minutes! Diced-up chunks of Ahi mixed with spicy mayo that make your soul happy. Ditch the Sriracha and mayo because after this you won’t want to eat it any other way.
Hawaiian Style Spicy Ahi Poke
There are so many different types of flavors you can add to ahi but in this particular recipe, I went with my favorite. Spicy Ahi! Honestly, this Spicy mayo is my favorite! I can put it on EVERYTHING! I even make a side for when I order sushi for takeout.
What is the difference between “Ahi” and “Tuna”?
So here’s a quick Hawaiian lesson for you. Ahi means “tuna” in Hawaiian. I’ve noticed a lot in California that it is used as 2 separate words, when in fact they refer to the same fish. Poke, which has no accent above the ‘e’, is “Slice or cut into chunks” in Hawaiian. So, therefore, Ahi Poke means chunks of tuna or slices of tuna.
What is Spicy Mayo?
I have yet to see a spicy mayo recipe that doesn’t include Sriracha and if you are looking for one then you’re in luck! I don’t use any sriracha in my spicy ahi. Instead, I use Ichimi Togarashi, which is Japanese ground red chili pepper. It adds a bunch of heat (depending on how much you add) but still keeps the flavor of the ahi.
To make spicy mayo, I mix Ichimi Togarashi with sesame oil, kewpie mayo, and a pinch of salt. If you want to add a little more flavor and texture, also add in some tobiko. It adds a bit of a crunch and some umami flavor. This is the only way I like my spicy mayo and it’s so delicious! I also love eating this with my sushi!
I Always Use Hawaiian Salt
Hawaiian salt is a must for poke recipes as well. You can use regular Hawaiian salt or seasoned Hawaiian salt. This particular one that I used was the Hapa Hawaiian Salt turmeric flavor. It’s not too strong it doesn’t overpower the dish, instead it brings out all the flavors.
Selecting the Right Ahi for Spicy Ahi
When picking your Ahi, make sure you’re getting sushi grade because you’ll be eating it raw and it’ll just taste much better. I usually get mine from a fish market or seafood market. Ahi can also be pretty expensive as well but trust me, you’ll want to spend a little more for better quality!
Other Spicy Ahi Ingredients
- Kewpie Mayonnaise – This is a Japanese Mayonnaise that has an Umami rich taste compared to regular Mayo. It can be found in most grocery stores in the International aisle, most Costco’s carry a big pack of it, and Japanese or Asian Grocery stores will have it.
- Ichimi Togarashi – Basically, ground red chili pepper. It can have a little kick if you add too much! This can be found at most grocery stores in the International aisle or asian markets.
- Sesame Oil – Vegetable oil that comes from sesame seeds. It packs a lot of flavor so you don’t need to much! This is a staple for asian foods in my household.
- Green onion – Adds a little crunch, color, and great flavor to the poke!
- Wasabi (Optional) – Just to add a little more of a spicy kick! Spicy ahi doesn’t need it; it’s just my own twist.
Preparing Your Spicy Ahi Poke
Once you cut the Ahi into cubes you can either mix the sauce on the side and then add it to the ahi for your preference or you can just add all the sauce ingredients to the bowl with the ahi. For this recipe, we’ll be adding all the ingredients to the ahi and mixing them together.
How do I Store Spicy Ahi?
I recommend eating this right away or storing in the fridge for a maximum of 3 days. It’s better to eat it fresh and the quality will go down over time. You can freeze it in a ziplock bag if you really wanted to but after 2 months, the quality won’t be the same.
How do I eat it?
This tops perfectly on a big bed of rice sprinkled with furikake or even on chips. If I make it into a Poke bowl, I’ll also add some unagi sauce on top to add a different flavor to it. My favorite way to eat it is in nacho form. Get some Wonton chips (or you can make your own), spread it out on a plate, add the spicy ahi, put some green onions, and drizzle it with unagi sauce. It’s so so sooooooo delicious! I’m getting hungry thinking about it now!
Visiting Oahu Soon?
People in Hawaii love our poke! You’ll see it at potlucks, the beach, dinner, big parties, and pretty much anywhere people gather. There are so many places that have popped up that sell their own types of Poke and that means there’s so many more places I need to try!
From my own personal experience, there is a huge difference in taste from mainland Poke to Hawaii Poke. If you don’t like Poke in the mainland, I would 100% try it in Hawaii because chances are you may like it there! I also believe the best Poke spots are the ones that don’t carry all these toppings. It needs to be simple, like Spicy Ahi over rice with Furikake. Thats it.
My Favorite Poke Spots
- Foodland – A Locals favorite spot to get poke is at the grocery store. Great quality, flavor, and so many options, you may want to try them all! Perfect to grab on the way to the beach with a bag of chips and drinks! (Foodland Farms usually has a wider selection of Poke)
- Tamuras Market – My second favorite Poke Spot that I always have to check out when I visit home. The Ahi Poke they have here just melts in your mouth!!! It’s so delicious! Locations are more out of the way from popular tourist destinations but its definitely worth it to try at least once.
- Pa’ina Cafe – Probably not as popular of a spot but I always get this when I’m heading to the beach on the South side of Oahu. “Hawaiian Poke Bowl” will always be my favorite! It comes with your choice of poke, Kalua Pig, and Lomi Salmon. They also have salads and sandwiches!
- Fresh Catch – So many Poke options it’s hard to choose! I always end up getting the Spicy ahi or Ahi Limu because it’s so good. They also carry delicious plate lunches!
- K.Bay Bros – Located on the Windward (east) Side of Oahu. About a 15 minute drive from Kailua Beach. Once I tried the Pau Hana Ahi, I couldn’t get anything else. It was so good! If you wanted to try something different, they also have Mixed Opihi Poke here, which you don’t see often!
Spicy Ahi Poke
Ingredients
- 12 oz Ahi Cut in cubes or diced
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise Prefer Kewpie
- 2 tablespoon Sesame oil
- ¼ cup Green onions Sliced
- 1 tablespoon Ichimi Togarashi
- 1 teaspoon Wasabi Optional
- Hawaiian salt To taste
Instructions
- Dice or cube Ahi around ½ inch to ¾ inch thick and place in medium size bowl.
- Add all ingredients together besides salt and mix.
- Once everything is incorporated add Hawaiian salt pinch by pinch while mixing and taste until it is your preference. Usually a couple of pinches should be enough.
- Serve with rice, chips, or however you like! Enjoy!
Notes
- Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Best stored by itself (not on rice or chips, etc)
- Best eaten cold or fresh; don't recommend heating up (unless that is what you prefer).