Crispy, golden, and full of local flavor, this Fried Akule by Kamalei Kawaʻa celebrates a true island favorite. Fresh akule (Hawaiian mackerel scad) is seasoned with lemon-lime ponzu, lightly salted, and fried until perfectly crisp in peanut oil. Simple yet flavorful, it’s best enjoyed hot with a side of rice and fresh veggies.
For more classic island-style seafood dishes, check out our Ahi Belly Bites — another local favorite from Cooking Hawaiian Style. Want to learn more about making butterfish? Read this detailed guide on “How to Make Hawaiʻi-style Misoyaki Butterfish“.
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Fried Akule by Kamalei Kawa’a
This weeks guest is Kamalei Kawa'a, a renowned Native Hawaiian musician and singer-singer hailing from Paukūkalo, Maui, has achieved numerous accolades including multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, a GRAMMY nomination, and participation in NBC’s "The Voice" Season 25 competition. During the day, he teaches Hawaiian Studies and Hula, and he pursues his passion as a musician at night. The dish he shares with us is Kalo Poke because it highlights beloved Hawaiian staples, kalo, ‘uala and ‘ulu. He learned this preparation from his younger brother Kamahiwa. He decided to do this dish because it supports local farms and encourages others to eat local while helping the lāhaui thrive.
Ingredients
- 2 Akule
- 1/4 cup Lemon Lime Ponzu
- Peanut oil (enough to cover work)
- To taste salt
Instructions
- Scale your fish with a dull knife or spoon.
- Cut the stomach open with a sharp knife and remove the fish guts and gills.
- Score both sides of the akule and salt to taste.
- Heat peanut oil in a wok or pan.
- Gently place the akule in the hot oil until crispy.
- Once golden in color, flip and let cook longer until the second side is crispy.
- Remove from oil and place on a plate lined with paper towel.
- Put ponzu sauce in a container for dipping.
Notes
Chef’s Notes About the Dish
“I chose this dish because I love fried fish, especially akule. It pairs perfectly with kalo poke, and you can enhance the flavor with your favorite sauce, like chili pepper water or ponzu. Enjoying this meal also supports our local fishermen! I love to holoholo, and when I’m lucky enough to catch my own fish, it tastes even more ʻono!”
“I chose this dish because I love fried fish, especially akule. It pairs perfectly with kalo poke, and you can enhance the flavor with your favorite sauce, like chili pepper water or ponzu. Enjoying this meal also supports our local fishermen! I love to holoholo, and when I’m lucky enough to catch my own fish, it tastes even more ʻono!”
Nutrition
Calories: 1442kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 181gFat: 71gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 17gMonounsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 423mgSodium: 2115mgPotassium: 3654mgVitamin A: 558IUVitamin B1: 1mgVitamin B5: 3mgVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 207mgIron: 10mg
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