Mangu

oka-i-a

Next Dish: Biltong

Oka I'a is a traditional Polynesian dish, particularly popular in Samoa. It is a type of raw fish salad, similar to poke in Hawaiian cuisine, typically made from fresh tuna marinated in coconut milk, lime juice, and various seasonings. Additional ingredients often include diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. The dish is usually served chilled and is a staple in many Pacific Islander diets.

coconut cream

salt

chopped tomatoes

cucumber

dried fish

lemon

red onion

Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 500g of fresh raw fish (preferably tuna or mahi-mahi)

  • 1 cup of coconut cream

  • 1 cucumber

  • 2 tomatoes

  • 1 red onion

  • 1 lemon

  • Salt to taste


Instructions:

  1. First, clean and cut the fish into small cubes. Make sure to remove any skin or bones.

  2. Place the fish cubes in a bowl and squeeze the lemon over them. Mix well to ensure all the fish pieces are coated with lemon juice.

  3. Cover the bowl and let the fish marinate in the lemon juice in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. The acid in the lemon juice will "cook" the fish.

  4. After 2 hours, drain off any excess lemon juice from the fish.

  5. Dice the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion into small pieces.

  6. Add the diced vegetables to the bowl with the fish.

  7. Pour the coconut cream over the fish and vegetables. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

  8. Add salt to taste and mix again.

  9. Refrigerate the Oka I'a for another 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

  10. Serve chilled. Enjoy your Oka I'a as a refreshing appetizer or light meal.