How to make authentic Hawaiian style poke

How to make authentic Hawaiian style poke is a medium Hawaiian recipe that serves 4. 320 calories per serving. Recipe by POV Husband on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 1 hr 45 min

Cost: $98.72 total, $24.68 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Big Eye Tuna (sushi‑grade, cut into ½‑inch cubes)
  • 1 lb Salmon Fillet (skinless, cut into cubes after salting)
  • 3 tbsp Limu (Hawaiian Seaweed) (washed and roughly chopped)
  • 2 oz Opihi (Hawaiian Limpet) (cleaned and thinly sliced)
  • 2 tbsp Enamona (Roasted Candlenuts) (toasted and coarsely ground)
  • 2 tsp Dehydrated Shrimp (optional, rehydrate if desired)
  • 1 tsp Masago (Fish Roe) (optional garnish)
  • 3 tsp Hawaiian Sea Salt (coarse, unrefined)
  • 4 tbsp Neutral Oil (grapeseed or canola, for coating)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil (toasted)
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (low‑sodium)
  • 0.5 tsp Hundashi Powder (Japanese citrus salt (yuzu kosho style))
  • 0.25 cup Guava Juice (for guava‑soy sauce)
  • 0.5 tsp Sugar (balances guava sauce)
  • 1 cup Onion (sweet onion, finely diced)
  • 6 tbsp Green Onions (sliced, for garnish)
  • 1 cup Fern Shoots (Fiddlehead Fern) (blanched, for wabi salad)
  • 2 tbsp Dried "Au" (Hawaiian Skipjack Tuna Jerky) (shredded, garnish for salad)

Instructions

  1. Cube the Tuna

    Place the fresh big‑eye tuna on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut the fish into uniform ½‑inch cubes and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Salt the Salmon

    Sprinkle the salmon cubes evenly with 1 tsp Hawaiian sea salt. Toss gently, then let rest for 15 minutes to draw out moisture. After the time, rinse under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and return to the bowl.

    Time: PT15M

  3. Prepare Limu (Seaweed)

    Rinse the limu under cold water, shake off excess, and roughly chop with scissors or a knife.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Toast and Grind Enamona

    In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast candlenuts (enamona) until golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a mortar and grind coarsely.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Clean and Slice Opihi

    Rinse opihi under cold running water, scrub gently to remove grit, then pat dry and slice thinly on the bias.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Assemble Hawaiian Style Tuna Poke

    To the tuna bowl add limu, opihi, enamona, 1 tsp Hawaiian sea salt, 1 tbsp neutral oil, and half of the diced onion. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Make Guava‑Soy Marinade

    In a small bowl combine ¼ cup guava juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and ½ tsp sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Assemble Guava‑Soy Tuna Poke

    In a separate bowl combine ½ of the remaining tuna cubes, the remaining diced onion, 1 tsp masago (if using), 2 tbsp sliced green onions, 1 tsp Hawaiian sea salt, 1 tbsp neutral oil, and the guava‑soy sauce. Toss gently.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Prepare Lomi Ai (Bone‑Meat Poke)

    Take the leftover tuna meat from the bones, chop finely, then add 1 tbsp enamona, 1 tbsp limu, half of the diced onion, 2 tbsp sliced green onions, 1 tsp dehydrated shrimp, 1 tsp Hawaiian sea salt, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Mix until uniform.

    Time: PT10M

  10. Mix Salmon Poke

    Add the rinsed salmon cubes to a bowl, then stir in ½ tsp hundashi powder, the remaining diced onion, 2 tbsp sliced green onions, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp neutral oil. Toss gently to coat.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Prepare Wabi Salad (Optional Side)

    Blanch 1 cup fern shoots in boiling water for 30 seconds, then shock in ice water and drain. In a mixing bowl combine fern shoots, 1 tsp dehydrated shrimp, 1 tsp dehydrated seaweed, 1 tsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Toss and top with shredded dried "au".

    Time: PT10M

  12. Plate and Serve

    Divide each poke variation into individual bowls or plates. Garnish with extra green onions, a drizzle of neutral oil, and a pinch of Hawaiian sea salt if desired. Serve immediately with optional wabi salad on the side.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
320
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
8 g
Fat
22 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (use tamari for soy sauce), Paleo‑Friendly (except soy sauce), Dairy‑Free

Allergens: Fish, Shellfish, Tree nuts, Soy, Sesame

Last updated: March 30, 2026

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How to make authentic Hawaiian style poke

Recipe by POV Husband

A vibrant collection of authentic Hawaiian poke bowls featuring fresh big‑eye tuna, salmon, opihi, limu seaweed, candlenut “enamona”, and a special guava‑soy sauce. Learn the traditional techniques, flavor balances, and serving ideas from the POV Husband kitchen.

MediumHawaiianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 15m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 35m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$98.72
Total cost
$24.68
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cut tuna into uniform cubes
  • Salting and rinsing salmon properly
  • Cleaning and slicing opihi
  • Balancing flavors in Hawaiian style poke without soy
  • Mixing guava‑soy sauce to the right consistency
  • Ensuring lomi ai ingredients are evenly combined
  • Avoiding over‑mixing to keep fish texture intact

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw fish with clean hands and sanitized surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Keep tuna and salmon refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below until ready to use.
  • Use a sharp knife and cut away from your body to prevent cuts.
  • Opihi shells can be sharp; handle with care and rinse thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Hawaiian poke in Hawaiian cuisine?

A

Poke (pronounced "poh‑kay") originated as a simple way for Hawaiian fishermen to season the freshly caught fish with sea salt, limu, and local ingredients. It reflects the islands' reliance on the ocean and the abundance of native seaweed and shellfish, becoming a staple that represents communal sharing and island hospitality.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of poke in Hawaiian cuisine?

A

Traditional Hawaiian poke varies by island: Oahu often uses limu and sea salt, the Big Island adds opihi and candlenut (enamona), while Maui may incorporate soy sauce and ginger. Each version highlights locally sourced seaweed, nuts, and seafood unique to that region.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Hawaiian poke traditionally served in Hawaii?

A

Authentic poke is served chilled in a shallow bowl, often over a bed of rice or alongside poi. It is garnished with sliced green onions, limu, and sometimes toasted nuts, and eaten with a fork or spoon as a main dish or side at family gatherings and luau celebrations.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is poke traditionally associated with in Hawaiian culture?

A

Poke is a common feature at luau feasts, birthday celebrations, and community potlucks. Because it can be prepared quickly from fresh catch, it is also a favorite for everyday family meals and beach picnics throughout the Hawaiian islands.

cultural
Q

What makes poke special or unique in Hawaiian cuisine?

A

Poke showcases the pure flavors of the Pacific Ocean, relying on minimal seasoning—sea salt, limu, and native nuts—to let the freshness of the fish shine. Its simplicity, adaptability, and the use of indigenous ingredients like opihi and candlenut set it apart from other raw fish dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Hawaiian poke versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include sushi‑grade tuna or other fresh fish, Hawaiian sea salt, limu (native seaweed), candlenut (enamona), and opihi. Acceptable substitutes are wakame for limu, macadamia nuts for candlenut, and clams or mussels for opihi when the latter is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Hawaiian dishes pair well with this Assorted Hawaiian Poke Sampler?

A

Great companions are laulau (steamed pork wrapped in ti leaves), kalua pork, poi, and a fresh tropical fruit salad. The light, bright flavors of poke also pair nicely with a side of steamed rice or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Assorted Hawaiian Poke Sampler?

A

Common pitfalls include over‑mixing the fish, which makes it mushy; using too much salt, especially on the salmon; not cleaning opihi properly; and adding soy sauce to the traditional Hawaiian‑style poke, which masks the delicate seaweed and candlenut flavors.

technical
Q

Why does this poke recipe use candlenut (enamona) instead of peanuts or other nuts?

A

Candlenut provides a subtle, buttery crunch that is native to Hawaiian cuisine and pairs uniquely with the briny sea flavors. Peanuts have a stronger, earthier taste that can overwhelm the delicate balance of tuna, limu, and sea salt.

technical
Q

Can I make the Assorted Hawaiian Poke Sampler ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare each poke bowl up to 2 hours in advance. Keep the fish and dressings in separate airtight containers, store in the refrigerator, and combine just before serving to maintain texture. The wabi salad can be assembled a few hours ahead as well.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel POV Husband specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel POV Husband focuses on home‑cooked, family‑style meals with a strong emphasis on authentic cultural dishes, hands‑on cooking techniques, and sharing food experiences with friends and relatives.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel POV Husband's approach to Hawaiian cooking differ from other Hawaiian cooking channels?

A

POV Husband highlights the communal aspect of Hawaiian meals by involving guests in the cooking process, emphasizing traditional ingredients like opihi and candlenut, and avoiding shortcuts such as pre‑made sauces. Their videos often showcase the story behind each dish, making the cultural context a central part of the tutorial.

channel

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