If you’ve never made poke at home, this Hawaiian Salmon Poke is the perfect place to start. It’s packed with fresh, buttery salmon and that signature savory seasoning blend that keeps you going back for another bite.

Hawaiian Salmon Poke
This recipe comes together fast, doesn’t need fancy tools, and chills while you do other things. If you’re throwing together a casual dinner, need an appetizer for a crowd, or just want something light but flavorful, this hits every note. It’s refreshing, full of umami, and customizable. Serve it over sushi rice or with crispy wontons and you’ve got a guaranteed hit.
What’s In The Poke Seasoning Kit?
This version is all about simplicity. The pre-packaged poke seasoning kit does a lot of the heavy lifting. It includes Hawaiian sea salt, roasted candlenuts, ogo seaweed, and chili flakes.
Using a poke kit takes the guesswork out of seasoning. Just open the packet, soak the ono, stir it all into your cut salmon with a little sesame oil and rice vinegar, and you’re done. It’s well balanced, deeply flavorful, and gives you a clean, authentic taste with minimal effort.
Choosing And Prepping Raw Salmon
Let’s talk about the fish. There is no legal definition of “sushi grade” in the U.S., so don’t rely on that label to determine if something is safe to eat raw. What matters is how the fish is handled after it’s caught. Look for wild-caught, flash-frozen salmon from a trusted source. It should have been frozen to -4°F (or colder) for at least 7 days, which is the FDA’s guideline for killing parasites in raw fish.
Thaw the fish slowly in the refrigerator. Use a clean cutting board and a very sharp knife to cut it into small, even cubes. Keep it cold at all times. If you’re unsure whether the fish is safe for raw consumption, it’s best to cook it instead.
Where To Source Tuna Or Salmon
Wild, non-farmed tuna or salmon is typically your best option for flavor and safety. Ask at a local seafood counter or specialty grocery store about flash-frozen options. Avoid farmed fish unless it’s clearly labeled as safe for raw use. If in doubt, stick with cooked versions or trusted suppliers with high turnover.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Quick To Make – No cooking and minimal prep, just mix and chill.
- Balanced Flavor – The seasoning packet covers salty, spicy, and nutty all at once.
- Crowd Favorite – Great for appetizers, poke bowls, or party trays.
- Fresh Ingredients – Highlights quality salmon with no fillers or over-seasoning.
- Custom Friendly – Add your own toppings like avocado, cucumbers, or spicy mayo.
Try my Japanese-Style Salmon Miso Poke

Hawaiian Salmon Poke Shopping List
- Fresh Salmon – Look for wild-caught, flash-frozen salmon. Avoid farmed fish unless labeled safe for raw consumption. Thaw completely in the fridge before using.
- Hawaiian Poke Seasoning Kit – Usually contains Hawaiian sea salt, roasted candlenut, ogo seaweed, and chili flakes. Adds authentic flavor with zero guesswork.
- Sesame Oil – Adds rich, nutty flavor and helps coat the salmon evenly.
- Rice Wine Vinegar – Cuts the richness and brightens the overall taste.
- Green Onions – Fresh crunch and a mild bite added just before serving.
- Ogo (if not in mix) – Optional if your mix doesn’t include it. Adds briny crunch and depth.
Love poke? This Albacore Poke Tower is perfect!


How To Make Hawaiian-Style Salmon Poke
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Cube The Salmon – Thaw in the fridge if frozen. Use a sharp knife to cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
- Soak The Ogo – If using dried ogo, soak in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain completely.
- Mix The Base – Combine salmon, poke seasoning mix, ogo, sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a bowl.
- Chill – Let it rest in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours to soak in flavor.
- Garnish And Serve – Add green onions right before serving. Serve over sushi rice or crispy wonton chips.

Hawaiian Salmon Poke FAQ
Eat it within 24 hours. After that, the texture changes and the quality drops quickly.
Yes. Mix the poke and chill for up to 12 hours. Add green onions right before serving for the best texture.
Yes, especially wild ahi tuna. Just be sure it’s flash-frozen and thawed correctly. Ask your fish counter if you’re unsure.
You can make your own with sea salt, chopped ogo or wakame, crushed roasted macadamia or candlenuts, and chili flakes. Season to taste.
Try it over warm sushi rice, in lettuce wraps, on top of crispy wontons, or as part of a build-your-own poke bowl with fun toppings.

Serve This With…
Poke doesn’t need to be complicated. When you’ve got good fish and solid seasoning, you’re already most of the way there. This Hawaiian Salmon Poke is fresh, savory, and fast. It’s a smart way to bring big flavor to the table without breaking a sweat. If you’re prepping for a party or even just making lunch, this one’s a keeper!


Hawaiian Salmon Poke
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds fresh salmon
- 1 packet poke seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons diced green onions
Instructions
- Cut the fresh salmon into bite-sized cubes. Soak the ogo in hot water for 5 minutes, before draining fully.
- Sprinkle the seasoning on the salmon, add the ogo, drizzle the sesame oil over, and add the rice wine vinegar.
- Stir and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
- Add green onions immediately before serving. Serve over sushi rice or wonton crisps.
Jessie
Thursday 21st of August 2025
The recipe calls to soak OGO, what is that & where does one find it?
Nicole Johnson
Thursday 21st of August 2025
It is a kind of seaweed. It comes in the Poke Seasoning packet that I linked. If you want to buy it separately, you can find it here.