Poke Sauce

This recipe is the result of a craving for poke, in the middle of the pandemic winter. It also works well as a marinade and/or a sauce for roasted fish, tofu and chicken. I've also used this as a dipping sauce, tossed roasted potatoes or fried yucca in it, and even as a sauce for cold noodles. You may want to just drink it.

It occurred to me that I had all the ingredients for a tasty sauce in my cupboard, so I started mixing and tasting, adjusting and tasting again.

I ended up making two different recipes; one for salmon and one for tuna. The only difference is the addition of Duke's Mayonnaise for the salmon version. And the only reason I make two sauces for two fishes is because I like variety! If you don't know about Duke's Mayo, it's from Virginia. I love it because it has no sugar and it makes everything taste amazing! I buy it directly from the Duke's website since it's not sold in stores in New England. I highly recommend it.

This emulsifies best if made in a blender. Store unused sauce in a jar in the refrigerator. Whisk again or shake vigorously before using.

Ingredients

1/2 cup low sodium Tamari or soy sauce

1/2 cup black sesame oil

3 TBSP Duke's Mayonnaise

2 TBSP Mirin

2 TBSP Rice Vinegar

1 TSP Sriracha (adjust to taste)

To make poke bowls, chop up sushi-grade salmon and tuna and mix in a separate dish: the salmon with the mayo sauce; the tuna in the sauce without mayo, and refrigerate while preparing the rest of the components for the bowls.

I like to set up all bowl components on small plates, buffet style so that each person can make up their own bowl according to personal preferences. I typically include some sort of pre-made rice or rice pilaf, whatever salad that is on hand, sliced avocado and a selection of chopped or julienned vegetables. I also like to add pre-made seaweed salad. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

If someone doesn't eat raw fish, the sauce can be served on the side as a dressing. Tofu and cold, diced chicken are also great substitutes instead of fish.

Transparency note August, 2021: There are no affiliate links in this post.