Stephen's Hawaiian Tuna Poke

My son Stephen has been cooking with me for years and now he's working as a chef. He's really good and I am very proud of him!  He has a special way with raw fish - his Gravlax is amazing - even our Swedish friends rave about it. And, his Tuna Poke is one of my favorite dishes that he makes. He uses sushi grade tuna that he cuts into chunks and mixes it with Hawaiian sea salt, green onions, sweet Vidalia onion pieces, Ogonori (Limu) Seaweed and Sesame Oil.  It is incredibly fresh tasting and for me, it is quite addictive - it is simply hard to stop eating it! It makes a refreshing summer appetizer and is a big hit with diner guests.  When serving individually, place a small mound of Poke on top of a lettuce leaf.  It's yet another way to add seaweed into your diet, which I think is just fantastic for tired kidneys.  The Ogo looks a bit like hair and is often called Sea Moss and has a lovely briny flavor.  The Sesame Oil and salt are probably the ingredients that make me crave this dish so much and the bit of heat from the chili flakes is just right.  So if you love sushi, you may want to try making this.  It's easy and delicious and light!

Hawaiian Tuna Poke

1 pound of raw tuna (sushi grade) cut into small chunks

½ cup of Ogo seaweed, dried

2-3 teaspoons of Sesame Oil

1/8 Coarse Sea Salt (Red Hawaiian Salt if possible)

1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Pepper Flakes

2 Green onions, cut into small pieces

1/2 Sweet Onion (Maui, Vidalia or Walla Walla) minced

Cover seaweed with water and let soak for 2-3 minutes.  Take out of water and cut into ½ inch pieces. 

Mix together the remaining ingredients with your hands, rubbing the salt and sesame oil into the fish lightly.  Then, let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.  Serve on top of lettuce mounded on a large plate or on individual plates.

Five Element Analysis

Fish and seaweed naturally belong to the Water Element so you know that the Water Element is covered by this dish and the Sesame Oil and salt add even more. So, if your kidneys are deficient, this is a dish for you!  The onions, both green and sweet add the Metal Element.  The little bit of Red Chili flakes adds just a hint of the Fire Element.  But, more is needed and this dish is best served in a meal that also includes Wood and Earth foods to create balance.