Salmon Poke is a variation of the traditional Hawaiian dish, “Poke.” This dish combines fresh salmon with creamy avocado and aromatic green onions, all tossed in a savory sauce, making it both delicious and versatile. While the classic Ahi Poke Bowl with tuna is a popular choice, this recipe highlights another beloved staple of Hawaiian cuisine.
What’s Poke?
Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish made by cutting raw fish into small pieces or cubes and marinating it in a soy sauce and oil-based seasoning. The word “poke” comes from the Hawaiian language, meaning “to cut into small pieces” or “to cube.”
The most common version is Ahi Poke — “Ahi” meaning tuna — which features sashimi-grade tuna marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce and sesame oil. This flavorful combination not only enhances the taste but also helps reduce any unwanted fishiness. Poke comes in many variations, with different types of fish, vegetables, and sauces, and different restaurants and shops offer their own creative takes on the dish.
Poke’s simple preparation and flavors that align well with Japanese tastes have made it a popular dish in Japan. A similar Japanese dish called Zuke features fresh tuna or other types of fish marinated in a soy sauce and mirin, often served over steamed rice. Because of its similarity to this existing Japanese dish, poke was easily embraced by Japanese people. Today, poke can be found not only in Japanese restaurants and cafés but also as a common homemade meal.
Salmon Poke is one of the most popular variations. It can be enjoyed as a side dish, served over steamed rice, or added to a salad. Salmon Poke often includes cubed avocado, adding a creamy texture and extra nutrition to the dish. The sauce for our Salmon Poke is simple yet delicious — a garlicky sesame soy sauce that’s so flavorful it’ll leave you craving more rice and drinks.
How is Salmon Poke Eaten?
Salmon Poke, like other types of poke, is commonly enjoyed in several ways:
- As a Rice Bowl
Salmon Poke is often served over simple steamed rice or even sushi rice for added flavor and texture. This classic combination makes for a satisfying and well-balanced meal. - On a Salad
Salmon Poke can be topped on various salads, such as a simple green leafy salad, seaweed salad, or something crunchy like cucumber or daikon salad. Since the poke sauce is flavorful, no additional dressing is needed — the sauce perfectly seasons the vegetables. - On Its Own
Salmon Poke can also be enjoyed as is, making it a fantastic appetizer. Pair it with your favorite drinks, like beer or sake, for a delicious and refreshing experience.
Ingredients and tips
- For the sauce, bring it to a brief boil to allow the alcohol to evaporate; otherwise, the sake may leave a bitter taste and an overpowering alcohol flavor in the sauce.
- If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, opt for thinly sliced brown onions instead of green onions.
- Looking to add some heat? Try mixing in wasabi or your favorite chili sauce for an extra kick.
- For a tangy and refreshing flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
More recipes like Salmon Poke
Salmon Poke
Ingredients
- 8 oz raw salmon (sashimi grade)
- 1 avocado
- 2 green onions
Sesame Sauce
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sake
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic (grated)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce and sake in a small pot and bring to a brief boil. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before mixing it with the other sauce ingredients.
- Cut the salmon and avocado into small cubes, and thinly slice the green onions diagonally. Combine everything in a large bowl, marinate the salmon mixture with the sauce, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
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