This Ahi Tuna Poke Recipe combines fresh ahi tuna with soy sauce, sesame oil, green onion and a little chili garlic sauce for an umami-packed salad or lunch option!

Two bowls full of ahi tuna poke with a side of soy sauce.

Why We Love This Hawaiian Poke Recipe

When you think of standard Hawaiian foods, what comes to mind?

Kalua PorkFresh Grilled Fish, Poi, Lomi Lomi, Hawaiian Sweet BreadPOG, Spam… Poke.

Hawaiian Poke makes a wonderful protein-packed lunch or snack! Or it can be served in shot glasses to be served as an appetizer at a cocktail party.

I have to confess, that we made it a goal to test every Poke Recipe we could find during our time in Hawaii, eating it nearly every day.

We ate Ahi poke, octopus poke, crab poke, oyster poke, mussel poke, and several other Hawaiian fish varieties.

Our favorite, by far, was the Ahi Poke. Rich, tender, sashimi grade Ahi tuna dressed with simple ingredients to allow the essence of the raw fish to shine.

The main components in every style of poke are extremely fresh seafood, Maui onion, and soy sauce. All other ingredients are negotiable. The result will always be delicious, with lots of umami flavors that you won’t be able to get enough of!

This ahi poke recipe is super easy to make and can be used on its own or in a homemade poke bowl!

Hand holding a piece of raw tuna with chopsticks with more poke in the background.

What Is Poke?

Poke, pronounced po-kay (or po-kee for the haoles) is a lesser-known Hawaiian favorite.

This raw seafood salad, a cross between sushi and ceviche, is loved by both the locals and the haole (white folk) that come to stay.

You can find fresh pre-made Poke at every fish counter in Hawaiian grocery stores and at seafood markets across the state.

Locals often stop by the market several times a week for this quick and healthy lunch. Because it is raw, you have to make sure that you are using sashimi-grade ahi tuna steaks!

Ingredients needed to make poke.

Ingredients You Need

This Poke Recipe has only seven ingredients and can be made the morning of the party and set out right before it starts.

  • Ahi Tuna Steaks – Sashimi grade, which means they are safe to consume raw.
  • Maui Onions – You can also use sweet onions or shallots.
  • Green Onions – Chopped scallion for color.
  • Soy Sauce – Regular, low sodium, or gluten-free.
  • Sesame Oil – For its nutty essence.
  • Chile Garlic Sauce – This adds a little kick!
  • Sesame Seeds – For crunchy texture.
Chopped shallots and green onions on a cutting board with raw tuna in the background.

How To Make Hawaiian Poke 

Pat the Ahi tuna dry, then neatly cut it into small 1/2-inch cubes. Place in a bowl.

Add the shallots, green onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, and sesame seeds.

Gently toss. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.

ahi tuna chopped for poke and in a bowl.

Recipe Variations

For another variation, omit the chili sauce and add 1/2 teaspoon wasabi paste and 1 teaspoon honey. You can also add a fresh avocado if you so desire!

Also, check out our Hawaiian Poke Bowls, our Wonton Ahi Nachos, and our Authentic Tako Poke Recipe!

If you like sushi or ceviche, you will LOVE poke!

Hand pouring soy sauce into the bowl with tuna and shallots.

Get the Full (Printable) Hawaiian Ahi Poke Recipe Below!

Hand mixing the ingredients for Hawaiian poke in a large bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long will this raw yellowfin tuna last?

You can store leftover ahi tuna poke in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days!

How should I serve ahi poke?

You can serve this sushi-grade fish recipe on top of a bed of rice (sushi rice, brown rice, or white rice) and garnished with cucumber, peppers, dried seaweed, red pepper flakes, spicy mayo, sriracha or edamame, to make a homemade poke bowl.
You can also serve this with just rice and avocado slices for a simple yet flavorful lunch option. If you are throwing a party, I recommend serving your poke in shot glasses with little spoons as a unique and tasty appetizer!

What else can be added to this poke recipe?

You can use different fish, if you prefer, such as salmon, scallops, or shrimp. You can also add crunchy macadamia nuts, fried onions, and inamona!

Is ahi tuna poke healthy?

It actually is pretty healthy! This fish is packed with healthy omega-3 fats and protein. Keep in mind that there are some risks involved with eating raw fish, but as long as you are using high-quality, sashimi-grade tuna, then it should be just fine.

Overhead shot of ahi poke in a bowl with sesame seeds and green onions on top.

Looking for More Fabulous Hawaiian Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:

Hawaiian Ahi Poke Recipe
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Ahi Poke Recipe

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
This Ahi Tuna Poke Recipe combines fresh ahi tuna with soy sauce, sesame oil, green onion and a little chili garlic sauce for an umami-packed salad or lunch option!
Servings: 8

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pat the Ahi tuna dry, then neatly cut it into small 1/2-inch cubes. Place in a bowl.
  • Add the shallots, green onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, and sesame seeds.
  • Gently toss. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.

Video

Notes

For another variation, omit the chili sauce and add 1/2 teaspoon wasabi paste and 1 teaspoon honey. You can also add a fresh avocado if you so desire!
Also, check out our Hawaiian Poke Bowls and our Authentic Tako Poke Recipe!

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup, Calories: 80kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 16mg, Sodium: 426mg, Potassium: 154mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 990IU, Vitamin C: 1.4mg, Calcium: 19mg, Iron: 0.9mg
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Author: Sommer Collier
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