Marinated Raw Fish in Coconut Cream Samoan Dish

Experience the vibrant flavors of Samoa with Oka I’a, a traditional marinated raw fish dish immersed in rich, creamy coconut goodness. This delicacy features fresh seafood like tuna, snapper, or mahi-mahi, which is "cooked" in zesty lemon juice and paired with crisp cucumber, juicy tomato, and zippy red onion for a refreshing burst of flavor. The magic is sealed with silky fresh coconut cream, elevating the dish to tropical perfection. Served chilled, this no-cook recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for warm weather meals or as a stunning centerpiece for your next island-inspired feast. Pair with taro, breadfruit, or steamed rice for an authentic Polynesian dining experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g Fresh raw fish (e.g., tuna, snapper, or mahi-mahi)
• 120 ml Lemon juice
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 medium-sized Cucumber
• 1 large Tomato
• 1 small Red onion
• 2 stalks Spring onions
• 250 ml Fresh coconut cream
• 1 small Chili (optional, for spice)
• 2 tbsp Fresh coriander (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

1. Start by preparing the fish: Remove any skin or bones, then cut the fish into bite-sized cubes (about 1–2 cm).

Step 2

2. Place the fish cubes in a mixing bowl and add the lemon juice. Sprinkle with salt, toss to combine, and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes. The acid in the lemon juice will 'cook' the fish slightly and enhance the flavor.

Step 3

3. While the fish is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Peel the cucumber, remove the seeds (if desired), and dice it into small pieces. Dice the tomato and finely chop the red onion and spring onions. If using chili, finely chop it as well.

Step 4

4. After marinating, drain any excess lemon juice from the fish, leaving it moist but not overly wet.

Step 5

5. Add the diced cucumber, tomato, red onion, spring onions, and chili (if using) to the marinated fish. Mix gently to combine.

Step 6

6. Pour the coconut cream over the fish and vegetable mixture. Stir gently to ensure everything is coated evenly.

Step 7

7. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if needed.

Step 8

8. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander, if desired, and serve immediately, chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your Oka I’a with a side of taro, breadfruit, or steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1409.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1638.4

Total Fat 102.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 250mg	0%
Sodium 4401.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 64.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.5g	0%
Total Sugars 36.7g
Protein 138.6g	0%

Vitamin D 1000IU	0%
Calcium 203.6mg	0%
Iron 10.7mg	0%
Potassium 3656.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.2%

Protein: 32.0%

Carbs: 14.8%