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Fijian Kokoda

Fijian kokoda recipe: fresh reef fish cured in lime juice, folded through creamy coconut milk with tomato, onion and chilli. Fiji’s bright island ceviche.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 30 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 AppetizerCategory
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Fijian Kokoda

Kokoda is Fiji’s beloved raw-fish salad, born in island fishing villages where the day’s catch was dressed on the spot with lime, chilli and coconut from the nearest tree. It is served at village feasts, weekend gatherings and beachside picnics, always cold and always fresh.

The contrast is the magic: tangy, citrus-bright fish against rich, silky coconut cream, with a little heat from chilli and crunch from tomato and onion. Scoop it up with taro chips or a wedge of lime.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Cut the fish into 3/4-inch cubes and place in a glass bowl. Pour the lime juice over the fish, stirring gently to coat.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, stirring once or twice, until the fish is opaque and 'cooked' through.
  3. Drain off most of the lime juice, leaving the fish barely moist.
  4. Stir in the coconut cream, tomato, onion, cucumber, chilli and salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
  5. Chill for 30 minutes so the flavours meld, then serve cold with lime wedges and taro chips.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Use the freshest fish you can find — it is 'cooked' only by the acid, so quality matters. For a milder coconut taste, use half coconut cream and half coconut milk.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Servings4
CategoryAppetizer
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →