Crispy, golden-brown wonton shells serve as the perfect vessel for this Hawaiian-Mexican fusion dish, bringing together the bold flavors of spicy ‘ahi poke and the creamy richness of avocado crema. Each bite is a combination of crunchy, creamy, and fresh, making these tacos an irresistible treat.
This recipe is an easy yet impressive dish that works great for casual get-togethers, quick weeknight dinners, or even as a unique appetizer for special occasions. The balance of flavors—savory, spicy, and slightly tangy—makes it a crowd-pleaser, and the best part? You can customize it with your favorite toppings for an extra personal touch!
Full Recipe:
- 1/4 cup Kewpie mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon shoyu (Japanese-style soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 pound sashimi-grade ‘ahi, cubed
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon furikake (optional)
For the taco shells:
- 12 wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the avocado crema:
- 2 avocados, pitted and diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 fresh limes)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Directions:
- Prepare the spicy ‘ahi poke: In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, shoyu, and sesame oil. Add the cubed ‘ahi and green onions, then gently toss to coat. Refrigerate while preparing the rest.
- Make the taco shells: Heat a small pot of oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Using a round cookie cutter, cut the wonton wrappers into circles. Fry in the hot oil for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, using a spoon to gently shape them into taco shells. Remove and let drain on a paper towel.
- Prepare the avocado crema: Blend the avocado, cilantro, sour cream, lime juice, and garlic until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the tacos: Place a spoonful of spicy ‘ahi poke into each crispy wonton shell. Drizzle with avocado crema and sprinkle with furikake if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 175 kcal | Servings: 12 tacos
The Ultimate Guide to Spicy ‘Ahi Poke Tacos with Avocado Crema
Hawaiian cuisine is rich in flavor, culture, and tradition, blending influences from many different parts of the world. One of the most beloved dishes in Hawaii is poke, a fresh, marinated seafood dish typically made with sushi-grade tuna. While poke is often served in bowls, innovative chefs and home cooks alike have found new ways to enjoy this flavorful dish—one of which is by transforming it into tacos. These Spicy ‘Ahi Poke Tacos with Avocado Crema combine the best of both Hawaiian and Mexican cuisine, bringing together bold, vibrant flavors in a crunchy and satisfying bite.
What Makes Poke Tacos Special?
Poke tacos are a modern fusion dish that takes the essence of traditional Hawaiian poke and reinvents it with a taco-style presentation. Instead of a rice bowl, the marinated ‘ahi is placed inside a crispy wonton shell, making for an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. The avocado crema adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the spice, making every bite perfectly balanced.
This dish is perfect for those who love seafood and want something fresh and exciting. It’s an excellent appetizer, a unique party dish, or even a light dinner option. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal cooking, and can be customized to fit your personal tastes.
A Brief History of Poke and Its Evolution
Poke (pronounced poh-kay) is a staple in Hawaiian cuisine. Traditionally, it consists of cubed raw fish, often ‘ahi (yellowfin tuna), marinated with soy sauce, sesame oil, seaweed, and other seasonings. The dish has roots in Native Hawaiian culture, where fishermen would season freshly caught fish with whatever was available—often sea salt, limu (seaweed), and inamona (roasted kukui nuts).
Over time, as more immigrants brought their culinary influences to Hawaii, poke evolved to include a variety of flavors and ingredients. The addition of soy sauce and sesame oil reflects the influence of Japanese and Chinese cuisines, while the incorporation of spicy elements like Sriracha or chili paste showcases a more modern twist.
Today, poke is not only a Hawaiian favorite but also a global phenomenon. Restaurants specializing in poke bowls have popped up worldwide, and people are getting more creative with how they serve this classic dish. Poke tacos are a prime example of this innovation, blending traditional flavors with new presentation styles.
Why Use Wonton Wrappers for the Taco Shells?
A key feature of these poke tacos is the crispy wonton shell. Unlike traditional taco shells, which are made from corn or flour tortillas, these are made from fried wonton wrappers. The result is a delicate, crispy shell that enhances the overall texture of the dish.
Wonton wrappers are thin and light, allowing the flavors of the poke to remain the star of the dish. They also fry up quickly, making them an excellent choice for a fast, crunchy taco shell. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can bake them instead of frying. However, the fried version provides the best texture and holds up well to the moisture of the poke and avocado crema.
The Role of Avocado Crema in This Dish
While the spicy ‘ahi poke brings bold, umami-rich flavors, the avocado crema adds a creamy, cooling contrast that makes each bite even more enjoyable. Avocado crema is a simple yet luxurious sauce made with ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, sour cream, and garlic. It enhances the dish in several ways:
- Balances the Heat: The spiciness from the Sriracha and shoyu-based marinade is mellowed by the smooth, rich avocado crema.
- Adds a Fresh Element: The brightness of lime juice and fresh cilantro lifts the flavors, making each bite taste light and refreshing.
- Brings Creaminess to the Texture: The tacos already have a crispy shell and tender fish, so the avocado crema rounds out the mouthfeel with a velvety smooth finish.
Customizing Your Poke Tacos
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s highly customizable. Here are some ways you can tweak the dish to suit your preferences:
- Switch the Fish: While ‘ahi tuna is the most common choice for poke, you can also use salmon, hamachi (yellowtail), or even cooked shrimp for a different take. If using an alternative fish, make sure it’s sushi-grade for the best quality.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Love spicy food? Add more Sriracha or even a drizzle of spicy mayo on top. If you prefer a milder version, use less hot sauce or opt for a shoyu-based poke instead of a spicy one.
- Experiment with Toppings: Traditional poke is often topped with furikake (a Japanese seasoning blend) and green onions, but you can also add sliced radishes, microgreens, or pickled ginger for an extra pop of flavor.
- Try Different Taco Shells: If you don’t have wonton wrappers, you can use mini flour tortillas, crispy taco shells, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
Pairing Suggestions for Poke Tacos
These poke tacos can be enjoyed on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides and beverages:
- Side Dishes: Serve them alongside a light cucumber salad, seaweed salad, or a bowl of miso soup for a complete meal.
- Beverages: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing tropical cocktail such as a Mai Tai. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, coconut water or a passion fruit iced tea complements the flavors beautifully.
- Dessert: Finish off your meal with something light and tropical, like mango sorbet or haupia (Hawaiian coconut pudding).
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Poke tacos are not only delicious but also a fun way to bring a taste of Hawaii into your home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a quick and healthy meal, or just want to try something new, this dish is a great choice. The combination of spicy, savory, creamy, and crispy elements makes every bite exciting and satisfying.
Additionally, because the recipe is quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce friends and family to the wonderful flavors of Hawaiian cuisine in a familiar taco format.
Conclusion
Spicy ‘Ahi Poke Tacos with Avocado Crema are the perfect fusion of Hawaiian and Mexican flavors, combining fresh, sushi-grade tuna with crispy wonton shells and a creamy, zesty topping. This dish highlights the best aspects of poke while adding a fun and unique twist. With endless customization options, simple preparation, and bold flavors, these tacos are sure to become a favorite in your household.
If you love poke, tacos, or just great food in general, give this recipe a try! Not only is it visually stunning, but it also offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main course, poke tacos are a surefire way to impress your guests and enjoy a taste of the islands from the comfort of your own kitchen.