Ahi Poke Nachos
Crispy, golden wonton chips piled high with fresh, marinated ahi tuna, creamy avocado, and a zesty sriracha mayo. This vibrant California-style appetizer is a perfect fusion of flavors and textures, ideal for sharing and ready in under 40 minutes.
For 6 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Wonton Chips
- b.Cut the wonton wrappers in half diagonally to create triangles.
- c.In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- d.Working in small batches of 6-8 triangles, carefully add the wontons to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot.
- e.Fry for 60-90 seconds, flipping once, until they are golden brown and bubbly. They cook very quickly.
- f.Using a spider strainer or slotted spoon, transfer the chips to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain. Immediately sprinkle with salt while they are still hot.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Ahi Poke Marinade
- b.While the chips cool, prepare the poke. Pat the cubed ahi tuna dry with a paper towel to help the marinade adhere.
- c.In a medium bowl, gently combine the ahi tuna, low sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, sliced green onions, diced sweet onion, toasted sesame seeds, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- d.Stir carefully until the tuna is evenly coated. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, but no longer than 1 hour.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Whip up the Spicy Mayo
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sriracha until smooth and uniform in color. For a thinner drizzle, you can add a teaspoon of water or lime juice.
- c.Transfer to a squeeze bottle for easy application, if desired.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Arrange the cooled wonton chips on a large platter or serving board.
- c.Just before serving, gently fold the diced avocado into the ahi poke mixture.
- d.Spoon the poke and avocado mixture evenly over the wonton chips.
- e.Drizzle generously with the spicy mayo.
- f.Garnish with sliced jalapeños (if using) and freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use only sushi-grade or sashimi-grade tuna from a trusted fishmonger, as it will be consumed raw.
- 2Pat the tuna cubes dry before marinating. This helps the sauce cling to the fish for better flavor.
- 3Fry wontons in small batches to maintain the oil temperature, ensuring they become crispy, not greasy.
- 4Assemble the nachos immediately before serving to prevent the wonton chips from becoming soggy.
- 5For a healthier alternative, you can bake or air-fry the wonton wrappers. Lightly spray with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden.
- 6Prepare the spicy mayo and wonton chips up to a day in advance. Store chips in an airtight container at room temperature.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the ahi tuna with sushi-grade salmon, cooked shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version.
Fruity TwistFruity Twist
Add 1/2 cup of diced mango or pineapple to the poke mixture for a sweet and tropical flavor contrast.
Extra CrunchExtra Crunch
Sprinkle some crushed macadamia nuts, crispy fried onions, or furikake seasoning over the top before serving.
Different BaseDifferent Base
Instead of wonton chips, serve the poke over tortilla chips, taro chips, or crispy rice cakes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Ahi tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain health, reducing inflammation, and supporting a healthy cardiovascular system.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
The tuna provides a significant amount of high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and maintaining a feeling of fullness.
Contains Healthy Fats
Avocado is packed with monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and are beneficial for heart health.
Frequently asked questions
It's a dish of contrasts. The ahi tuna and avocado provide excellent lean protein and healthy omega-3 and monounsaturated fats. However, the deep-fried wonton chips and mayonnaise-based sauce add significant calories and fat. It's best enjoyed as an occasional treat or in moderation.