Salmon Poke Nachos Recipe

A new twist on your favorite poke!

If you are a fan of poke bowls and you wish to give them a new spin, then this recipe is for you!

Due to its preparation, which in some ways resembles sushi, most people mistakenly believe that poke is a Japanese dish. The truth of the matter is, that poke is a Hawaiian dish influenced by Japanese cuisine.

In its early years, poke is typically made with ahi tuna or octopus, which has been roughly chopped into bite-sized pieces and marinated with any ingredients that are available and can be found all over the island. The name itself, poke,is translated as “diced fish salad” based on how it is normally served.

Over time, this dish has been introduced in neighboring countries and has become known globally while evolving into various versions.

What is Salmon Poke Nachos

The classic poke dish usually consists of a bowl of steaming hot white rice topped with cubes of raw fish, typically tuna or salmon, that has been marinated in a mixture of sesame oil, soy sauce, spices, and green onions. This is considered a healthy dish because of the high protein content and omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish, and also because of the mix of vegetables that usually come with the dish.

Additionally, it is quick and simple to prepare, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights.

For this variation, we'll give it a fresh spin by serving it with tortilla nachos rather than over a bowl of rice. This is a great option if you want to eat something healthy, light, and delicious while relaxing with friends on a Friday night.

So without further ado, let's go ahead with our recipe!

How to make Salmon Poke Nachos

1. Prepare the salmon by patting it dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, slice the salmon into small diced cubes. Transfer it to a mixing bowl.

2. In a different bowl, combine kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha hot sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and mix them all together into a sauce.

3. Gently toss the sliced salmon into your sauce mixture. Since the sauce is pre-mixed already, this will prevent the fish from breaking apart due to overmixing. Set it aside for about 5-10 minutes to allow the fish to absorb the flavor.

4. Meanwhile, you can prepare the nachos by cutting the fresh tortillas into a triangular shape, then deep fry them in a pan with neutral oil. Fry it until it is a little golden and crispy.

5. Drain the tortilla nacho chips by placing the fried chips on a plate with paper towels to remove excess oil.

6. After that, we can now proceed to arrange our nachos on a plate, top with the salmon mixture, drizzle with additional kewpie mayonnaise and sriracha, and finish with chopped scallions, furikake, and toasted sesame seeds.

7. Serve and enjoy it with friends!

Tools

●     When slicing your raw fish, make sure you are using a clean, sharp knife. This will make your job easier and you will be guaranteed to have a clean and firm cut, preventing your fish from breaking apart.

●     It is also crucial to use a clean, designated cutting board because you will be eating the fish raw. Additionally, fish and other seafood should really have their own separate cutting board in order to prevent food contamination.

●     To make cleaning up easier and to quickly get rid of the fishy smell, prepare this dish in glass or stainless steel mixing bowls.

Notes

●     To ensure that the poke dish is both healthy and delicious, it is a must to use really great, high-quality raw salmon and tuna. You should opt for the best quality, such as sushi-grade raw fish. Remember, you are eating your fish raw.

●     You can add additional toppings of your choice to give it a colorful, fresh, and healthy twist. You can play around with flavors and textures to see what poke toppings suit your taste. You can choose from pickled ginger, cucumber salad, avocado, mango, furikake, and seaweed salad.

●     Not a fan of mayo-based poke? Don’t worry! You can omit the mayo and stick to lighter dressings with a mixture of sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. You can experiment with different sauces depending on your preference. No specific guidelines must be followed in making poke. You are free to choose whatever you want to eat in addition to your dish.

●     For your tortilla, you can use the store-bought version for faster preparation. However, if you have plenty of time, you can also make your own.