July “Tips From Tats” – Chef Sheldon Simeon’s Poke Recipe

July means summer parties and BBQ’s are in full swing. For this month’s Tip From Tats we have a special treat to impress your guests at any summer gathering – a Cold Ginger Ahi Poke Recipe from local celebrity Chef Sheldon Simeon. Chef Sheldon was recently on Season 10 of Top Chef on Bravo, winning Fan Favorite, and last year opened his newest restaurant Lineage on Maui.

Image Courtesy www.lineagemaui.com

“I almost always add ginger to every poke recipe. It brings freshness to the dish and also a layer of spice different from chili peppers.” – Chef Sheldon Simeon

Cold Ginger Tuna Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Tuna, sashimi quality, 1/2 inch diced

  • 1/2 an Onion, julienned

  • Umami Sauce (recipe below)

  • Ginger Scallion Sauce (recipe below)

Directions

Place tuna and onion in mixing bowl. Season with Umami Sauce. Mix well. Transfer to serving bowl and top with Ginger Scallion Sauce.

Umami Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon Soy Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon Sambal

  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil

Directions

Place all ingredients in a bowl, mix well.

Ginger Scallion Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces scallion, thinly sliced

  • 2 ounces ginger, sliced

  • 2 teaspoon Hawaiian Salt

  • 1 cup canola oil

Directions

  • Place the ginger in the bowl of a food processor and process until the ginger is finely minced but not mushy. Scrape it into a large, tall, heatproof bowl

  • Add the scallions to the processor and mince until they are the same size as the ginger. Add to bowl. Season with Hawaiian Salt.

  • Heat the oil in a pan until it begins to smoke, then pour it into the large bowl with the ginger and scallions. Stir lightly. Let cool to room temperature.

About Chef Sheldon Simeon

Born in Hilo, on the Big Island, Sheldon acquired his love for cooking from his parents. His path led from Hilo High to the Culinary Institute of the Pacific, onto an internship at Walt Disney World. Upon returning to Hawaii, Sheldon attended Maui Culinary Academy. Sheldon competed in the 10th season of Bravo Network’s Top Chef: Seattle, making it to the finals, and winning Fan Favorite. He returned to the show again in 2017 for season 14: Charleston, once again winning Fan Favorite. In 2016, Sheldon opened up his very first solo restaurant, Tin Roof, in Kahului, Maui, where he serves up local dishes in take-out bowls. Sheldon’s food is a playful take on classic local dishes, including a variety of poke, kau kau tins, sandwiches, noodles and more. His mix of innovative modern cuisine and adherence to tradition, influence his dishes and help shape his menus. His growing legion of loyal fans will attest to his award winning creativity and palate.

In fall 2018, Sheldon opened his second solo project, Lineage, also on the island of Maui. Sheldon’s first full service concept, the restaurant delights guests with traditional local Hawaii fare. The menu represents the feeling of dining at home alongside extended family, feasting on family-style dishes typical of a Hawaiian luau. Sheldon welcomes customers to his restaurants as he would his home, with a relaxed community atmosphere. In 2019, Lineage was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for “Best New Restaurant.”

Sheldon resides in Maui with his wife Janice and their four children.

Chef Sheldon’s Awards and Accolades:

  • 2016-17 Season 14 “Top Chef” Charleston, Fan Favorite

  • 2015 Hawaii Magazine’s Top 5 Best Hawaiian Chefs

  • 2015 Hawaii Magazine’s Best Hawaiian Restaurant “MiGRANT”

  • 2014 Hawaii Magazine’s Top 5 Best Hawaiian Chefs

  • 2014 FOOD & WINE Magazine’s 2014 People’s Best New Chef for the Pacific & Northwest

  • 2014 Best Chef and Best New Restaurant, 2014 Maui Time Reader’s Poll

  • 2013 Maui No Ka Oi Magazine Aipono Awards Chef of the Year (vote by other chefs)

  • 2013 Maui News Best of Maui: Maui’s Best Chef

  • 2012-13 Season 10 “Top Chef” Seattle, Finalist, Fan Favorite

  • 2012 Food & Wine Magazine’s People’s Choice Best New Chef for the Pacific & Northwest

  • 2012 Two James Beard Award nominations for Rising Star Chef of the Year and Best New Restaurant

  • 2012 Starchefs.com Hawaii Rising Star Concept Chef

  • 2011 Maui No Ka Oi Magazine Aipono Awards Chef of the Year