Pokework is known for its fresh poke bowls and delicious sauces. And the most popular of all – Pokework’s Classic sauce.
Pokework’s Classic sauce is a traditional sesame and ginger poke sauce infused with fresh garlic, chili paste, lime juice, and soy sauce.
You’ll have a sauce that is rich in flavor while still being light and airy.
And now you don’t have to visit Pokework’s the next time you’re craving a delicious tuna poke bowl.
I’ve put together a delicious recipe with all the authentic Pokework flavor that’s super easy to make at home.
But don’t let the number of ingredients intimidate you. You can whip up this delicious poke sauce in a matter of minutes.
However, the key is to allow it to rest so the flavors can intensify.
Read on to learn how to make an authentic Pokework’s Classic sauce full of rich Hawaiian flavors.
What Do You Need To Make Pokework’s Classic Sauce
Ingredients
Fresh Chopped Garlic
Adds more flavor to the sauce.
Fresh Ginger
You can substitute ginger powder to save time.
However, your sauce won’t have quite the same Pokework flavor.
Rice Vinegar
Gives your poke sauce its tanginess.
Soy Sauce
Use your favorite brand.
I like Kikkoman soy sauce for this recipe. Feel free to use reduced-sodium soy sauce if you wish.
Honey
Provides the sweetness. You can substitute brown sugar if you don’t have honey available.
Sesame Oil
Used in traditional Asian cooking and provides a slightly nutty flavor.
Sesame Seeds
Be sure to use toasted or toast your own to give your sauce a more intense flavor.
Shoyu Sauce
Shoyu sauce is a type of soy sauce made by adding wheat, which reduces the saltiness while giving it a sweeter taste.
Many people can’t taste the difference between the two, so feel free to substitute your favorite soy sauce.
Sweet Ginger Soy Sauce
If you can’t find sweet ginger soy sauce, you can make your own.
Start by caramelizing fresh ginger slices in honey and then add soy sauce and simmer for a few minutes.
Sriracha Chili Paste
Adds heat but is entirely optional.
Fresh Cilantro
Deepens the flavors. But don’t use dried because it will give your sauce a bitter taste.
Lime Juice
If at all possible, use fresh lime. If you don’t have access to fresh limes, you can use two tablespoons of bottled lime juice instead.
Salt and Black Pepper
I recommend using coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
The salt unlocks the other flavors, but be sure you taste it, so you don’t over-season your poke sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes
Adds heat and color. Feel free to substitute cayenne for a hotter poke sauce.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Blender
- Spoon or spatula
How To Make Pokework’s Classic Sauce
Step One: First, make the sesame-ginger vinaigrette – the base for Pokework’s Classic sauce.
Step Two: Place all of the ingredients for the vinaigrette in a blender.
Then process until smooth and well-mixed, approximately one to two minutes.
Put the vinaigrette in an airtight container and let it sit for 1-2 hours, so the flavors have time to meld.
Step Three: Once the vinaigrette has rested, add the remaining ingredients to the blender and process until emulsified, around two to three minutes.
Don’t worry; you can’t over-process the sauce.
Step Four: Taste your sauce and adjust any of the ingredients until you have your desired flavor.
Step Five: Season with salt and pepper.
Step Six: Blend for another 30 seconds to ensure all the ingredients are well-mixed.
Step Seven: The key to an authentic tasting Pokework’s Classic sauce is letting it rest before serving.
Put your poke sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for between four and eight hours to intensify the flavors.
Let the sauce come to room temperature before serving.
Note: if you’re running short on time, you can prepare the sauce and serve it immediately. The flavors won’t be as intense as the original, but it will still taste delicious.
Other Things To Consider When Making Pokework’s Classic Sauce
You Can Adjust Or Substitute Ingredients
Feel free to adjust any of the ingredients to suit your taste.
Want more heat? Add more chili paste.
Use a little lime zest to give your sauce some citrus zing.
Play around with the recipe to discover your favorite version.
What Can I Eat with Pokework’s Classic Sauce?
Pokework’s Classic sauce is for more than poke bowls. This tangy-citrus sauce goes great with any fish or seafood dish.
- Serve it with grilled halibut for an Asian-inspired taste of the islands.
- Makes an excellent dipping sauce with tuna or salmon sashimi.
- Toss with fresh seaweed for a refreshing Asian salad.
- Pokework’s Classic sauce pairs well with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or an ice-cold Hefeweizen.
Pokeworks Classic Sauce Recipe
This copycat Pokeworks Classic Sauce recipe packs a lot of flavor while remaining relatively light. Plus, you can pull it together in under 10 minutes!
Ingredients
- 3 Garlic cloves (peeled and finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 3 teaspoons soy sauce
- 3 teaspoons honey
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- ½ cup sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Juice from one lime
- ⅓ cup of the sesame-ginger vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons shoyu or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sweet ginger soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons sriracha chili paste (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- First, make the sesame-ginger vinaigrette (see notes for exact ingredients). Peel and finely mince the fresh garlic and ginger. Then, place all the ingredients for the sesame-ginger vinaigrette in a blender and process until they are well combined, around 1-2 minutes.
- Place the vinaigrette in an airtight container and let it sit for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Next, make the sauce (see notes for exact ingredients). Chop the cilantro. Then place the lime juice, sesame-ginger vinaigrette, shoyu sauce, honey, sweet ginger soy sauce, sriracha chili paste, sesame oil, fresh cilantro, and red pepper flakes in the blender and blend them until completely emulsified approximately two to three minutes.
- Taste your sauce and adjust any of the ingredients as you wish.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Blend for another 30 seconds.
- Your sauce needs time to rest for that authentic Pokework's Classic sauce flavor. Put it in an airtight container in the fridge and let it sit for between four and eight hours to allow the flavors to blend.
- Let the sauce come to room temperature before serving.
- Enjoy.
Notes
- Leftover sauce will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week.
- Add lime zest to give your sauce that extra zing.
- Substitute tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Change up the heat by using wasabi or diced jalapenos instead of sriracha.
- If you don't have honey, you can use brown sugar.
- Add one tablespoon of fresh pineapple juice or chopped pineapple for traditional Hawaiian flavor.
To make the sesame-ginger vinaigrette:
- 3 Garlic cloves (peeled and finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 3 teaspoons soy sauce
- 3 teaspoons honey
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- ½ cup sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
For the sauce:
- Juice from one lime
- ⅓ cup of the sesame-ginger vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons shoyu or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sweet ginger soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons sriracha chili paste (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 215Total Fat: 18gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 620mgCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1g
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Hello, I’m Jeremy, a sauce enthusiast and taste trailblazer! My endless pursuit of new flavors has led me on a journey to master sauce making at home, along with try out a range of exciting brands and sauce offerings. Now I share my recipes, tips and recommendations on WeWantTheSauce to help fellow foodies find the perfect sauces.