ʻOta ʻika

Tonga · Oceania

Short description: ʻOta ʻika is a raw fish salad dressed with citrus and coconut milk, often served chilled with crisp vegetables.
Ingredients: Raw fish cured with citrus and mixed with coconut milk, tomato, onion, cucumber, chile, and salt.
Cultural note: Raw fish preparations across the Pacific rely on freshness, acid, and coconut; this version is usually eaten cool, bright, and simple.
Common misconception: It is not cooked by heat; the fish firms as citrus acid changes the texture before coconut milk is added.

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