Our New Diced Recipe-Ready Kalo: The Ultimate Ingredient for Authentic Vegetarian and Vegan Poke

September 2024 - We’re excited to introduce our latest product: fully cooked, recipe-ready kalo (taro root) dices. Ideal for creating authentic Hawaiian-style vegetarian and vegan poke, our kalo offers a unique, culturally rich alternative to commonly used vegetarian poke ingredients such as tofu.

A Brief History of Traditional Poke

Poke, pronounced “poh-keh,” is a traditional Hawaiian dish that means “to cut” or “to slice” in Hawaiian. Originally made with fresh raw fish, poke has evolved to include various proteins and seasonings. Today, it’s a popular choice for both seafood lovers and those seeking plant-based options.

Try Chef Kealoha Domingo's Kalo Poke Recipe

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Vegetarian and Vegan Poke

To create a flavorful vegetarian or vegan poke bowl, you'll need a few key ingredients:

The Essentials:

• Inamona (Roasted Kukui Nuts): A traditional Hawaiian seasoning made from roasted and crushed kukui nuts, adding a rich, nutty flavor and a touch of crunch to your poke. If kukui nuts are hard to find, roasted macadamia nuts make an excellent substitute.
• Ogo (Limu or Seaweed): This edible seaweed brings a fresh, briny taste that enhances the oceanic flavors of poke, adding both texture and a burst of umami. Don’t have access to fresh seaweed? Just use a furikake mix that has a lot of nori flakes (dried seaweed) in it.
• Pa‘akai (Hawaiian Sea Salt): Harvested from the pristine waters surrounding the islands, this coarse sea salt elevates the natural flavors of your ingredients with a distinctive minerality and delicate taste.

Important Sauce Ingredients:

• Sesame Oil or Macadamia Nut Oil: Infuses a toasted, nutty aroma, perfect for vegan poke recipes.
• Soy Sauce or Bragg's Aminos: For poke without sea salt, soy sauce provides savory umami notes. For gluten-free options, use Bragg’s Liquid Aminos.
• Spicy Poke Sauce (Vegan Mayonnaise + Sambal Oelek + Sesame Oil): Adds a creamy, spicy kick that’s perfect for vegan poke.

Other notable spices and ingredients: Korean chili flakes, Ground ginger, Sugar, Honey, Wasabi

Tip: For an instant poke sauce, use a Japanese "wafu-style" sesame dressing available at many grocery stores.

Essential Vegetables:

• Chopped or Sliced Onions: Contributes a sharp, sweet bite and a pleasing crunch.
• Chopped Green Onions: Offers a mild onion flavor and a visually appealing garnish.

Optional Vegetables

• Chopped Tomatoes: Brightens up the dish with a burst of color and a slightly tangy flavor.
• Chopped Bell Peppers: Adds sweet taste and vibrant color.

Optional Ingredients: Sesame Seeds, Sea Asparagus, Avocado, Edamame, Cucumber

Using Our Recipe-Ready Kalo Dices

Our diced kalo is cleaned, cut into 3/4" cubes, fully cooked and frozen, providing a time-saving solution for busy kitchens and restaurants. Here’s how to prepare them for your vegetarian and vegan poke:

1. Thaw: Place the frozen kalo dices in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Reheat: Gently steam the thawed kalo for 3 to 5 minutes. This process rehydrates the kalo, giving it a tender yet firm texture, similar to freshly steamed kalo.
3. Cool: Allow the kalo to cool before incorporating it into your poke.

Tip: Avoid over-steaming the kalo to maintain its ideal texture. A brief reheating is all that’s needed to achieve the perfect consistency. If using a microwave, cover the kalo with a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.

Why Choose Our Recipe-Ready Kalo?

Our diced kalo offers a convenient and high-quality ingredient for both vegetarian and vegan poke recipes. By using our pre-cooked kalo, you can deliver delicious and authentic Hawaiian-style poke without the lengthy prep work. Plus, you support 160+ local family farms that deliver their crops to the Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Co-op.

Switch it up with Kalo!

Kalo is a fantastic substitute for rice. Perfect for busy restaurants serving Hawaiian cuisine, offering kalo as an option adds a unique, local twist that your customers will love! 

Available in Bulk for Your Restaurant or Poke Shop

If you’re looking to enhance your menu with authentic Hawaiian-style vegetarian and vegan poke, consider ordering our recipe-ready kalo dices in bulk. Order online or contact us at sales@eatbreadfruit.com to place your wholesale order and offer an authentic version of vegetarian Hawaiian poke to your customers!

Specifications

• Packaging: Each case contains five 5-lb resealable zipper bags, totaling 25 lbs. Packaged in an eco-friendly insulated box.
• Servings: Each 5-lb bag yields approximately 27 servings, totaling about 135 servings per order. 
• Sizes Available: Chunks or 3-quarter-inch dices (NEW).
• Shelf Life: Store in the freezer for up to two years or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
• Delivery: This product is delivered frozen, and Discounted Shipping Rates are available for all bulk orders.
• Health Benefits: Kalo (Taro) is rich in fiber, vitamins A, B and C, and essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Learn more about Kalo's health benefits here.