Don poke brings the flavors of sunlit Hawaiian shores straight to your bowl, with marinated ahi tuna coated in sesame soy, tender cucumber ribbons, and creamy avocado. Scallions, toasted sesame seeds, bright lime, and a touch of ginger create a lively mix that dances across every bite, while a citrusy yuzu style substitute adds lift without the sake. Spoon your don poke over warm jasmine rice, add furikake or crushed tortilla chips for crunch, and you have a colorful, island inspired feast ready in minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This don poke
- Fresh, vibrant flavors that transport you to Hawaii.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces.
- Healthy and packed with protein, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

don poke
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, season it with rice vinegar and sugar. Let it cool to room temperature.
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce and sesame oil. This will be your flavorful marinade.
- Dice the salmon into bite-size cubes. Gently toss the salmon in the marinade until well coated.
- Slice the avocado and cucumber into thin pieces. Set them aside for assembly.
- In a bowl, place a layer of the seasoned rice. Top it with the marinated salmon, avocado, cucumber, seaweed salad, pickled ginger, and nori strips.
- Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for a finishing touch.
- Serve your delicious Don Poke immediately and enjoy every bite!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious Don Poke!

- Sushi rice – 1 cup, cooked according to package instructions
- Fresh salmon (sashimi grade) – 8 ounces, cut into cubes
- Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons, for seasoning
- Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon, for added flavor
- Rice vinegar – 2 tablespoons, to season the rice
- Sugar – 1 teaspoon, for rice seasoning
- Avocado – 1, diced for topping
- Cucumber – 1 medium, sliced thinly
- Seaweed salad – 1 cup, for a fresh touch
- Green onions – 2, sliced for garnish
- Sesame seeds – 1 tablespoon, toasted for crunch
- Pickled ginger – as desired, for serving
- Nori strips – 2 sheets, cut into strips
How to Make Don Poke
This delightful Don Poke recipe is a breeze to prepare! With a total preparation time of about 20 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious Hawaiian-inspired meal ready to enjoy. Let the sushi rice cool for a bit after seasoning, and you’re all set!

Step 1: Rinse and Cook Sushi Rice
Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, season it with rice vinegar and sugar. Let it cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, mix together soy sauce and sesame oil. This will be your flavorful marinade.
Step 3: Marinate the Salmon
Dice the salmon into bite-size cubes. Gently toss the salmon in the marinade until well coated.
Step 4: Slice the Vegetables
Slice the avocado and cucumber into thin pieces. Set them aside for assembly.
Step 5: Assemble the Don Poke
In a bowl, place a layer of the seasoned rice. Top it with the marinated salmon, avocado, cucumber, seaweed salad, pickled ginger, and nori strips.
Step 6: Garnish
Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for a finishing touch.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your delicious Don Poke immediately and enjoy every bite!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Hawaiian |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Dietary | Seafood |
| Serves | 2 |
| Best Served | Fresh and immediately after assembly! |
Pro Tips for Making Don Poke
- Choose sushi-grade tuna for the best flavor and texture.
- Marinate the fish for at least 30 minutes to enhance the taste.
- Experiment with toppings like avocado or seaweed for added richness.
- Serve over warm rice for a comforting contrast.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference for a personalized touch.
How to Serve this don poke
- Serve over a bed of fluffy sushi rice for a classic touch.
- Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch.
- Top with sliced avocado for creaminess and flavor.
- Pair with seaweed salad for a refreshing side.
- Include pickled ginger for a zesty kick.
- Garnish with green onions and cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Enjoy with crispy wonton chips for a fun texture contrast.
- Drizzle with a soy sauce alternative for a gluten-free option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your don poke later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of preparation.
- Consume within 1-2 days for best freshness.
Freezing
- Place don poke in a freezer-safe container.
- Leave some space for expansion as it freezes.
- Use within 1-2 months for optimal quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Use a microwave on low power for even heating.
- Stir gently to maintain texture and flavor.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is Don Poke?
Don Poke is a delightful Hawaiian dish that features marinated raw fish, typically tuna, served over rice and topped with various fresh ingredients. It’s a vibrant and flavorful bowl that captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine, making it a popular choice for seafood lovers and those looking for a refreshing meal option.
2. How does Don Poke work?
Don Poke works by combining fresh, high-quality fish with a variety of seasonings and toppings. The fish is usually cubed and marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and other flavorings, allowing it to absorb the delicious flavors. Once marinated, it’s served over a bed of rice and garnished with ingredients like avocado, seaweed, and green onions, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
3. What are the benefits of using Don Poke?
The benefits of using Don Poke include its rich nutritional profile, as it’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. It’s also a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences. Additionally, Don Poke is quick to prepare, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
4. Where can I find more information about Don Poke?
You can find more information about Don Poke by exploring various culinary websites, food blogs, and social media platforms dedicated to Hawaiian cuisine. Additionally, many cookbooks focused on seafood or Hawaiian dishes will feature recipes and tips for making your own Don Poke at home, allowing you to dive deeper into this delicious culinary tradition.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this easy Don Poke recipe in your hands, it’s time to dive in and enjoy! Picture yourself savoring each bite of this fresh, vibrant dish that brings a taste of Hawaii right to your kitchen. It’s simple, rewarding, and perfect for sharing with friends. So grab your ingredients and let the poké party begin!

