Hawaiian Lomi Lomi (Lomi Salmon)

Love sushi and sashimi? Then you definitely want to check out Lomi salmon! More commonly known as lomi-lomi, this popular Hawaiian side dish is made from fresh salmon, tomatoes, onions, and scallions, and is always served cold.

We found Lomi salmon on nearly every “Hawaiian” menu we saw on Oahu, and apparently it is a standard on touristy "luau" menus as well. This made me curious, because fresh salmon is not found anywhere near Hawaii.

Upon investigation (read: Google) I learned that salmon quickly became an island favorite back in the 1880s, when mainland sailors began bringing it in with their provisions from the Pacific Northwest. Naturally, the salmon the sailors brought with them was preserved in salt, and even today, Hawaii remains one of the few places where salted salmon is available for sale.

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The method of preparation, lomi, takes its name from the Hawaiian word meaning to knead or massage - “as the claws of a contented cat" - wherein the salmon and other ingredients are massaged with the hands until everything is broken up and thoroughly mixed.

Like many dishes around the globe, it seems everyone has their own recipe for Lomi Lomi. While in Hawaii, I talked to a number of locals about the proper way to make it, and got a different answer from each one, ranging from "You have to use fresh fish and a handful of fresh chopped chilis," to "My grandma always uses canned salmon."

I guess the lesson here is, take the recipe and make it your own. (I gave this recipe a decidedly PNW spin with some of our own beautiful, wild-caught Sockeye salmon.) However you choose to make it though, enjoy!

5 from 2 votes

Hawaiian {Lomi Lomi} Salmon

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Hawaiian

Author: Renee

Ingredients

• ½ lb. salmon I used Pacific Wild-caught Sockeye!
• Kosher salt*
• Dash of cayenne* Optional: See Note
• 3-4 meduim tomatoes chopped
• ½ medium sweet onion chopped
• 2-3 green onions chopped

Instructions

Prepare Salmon

• 
• Wash off salmon. Generously salt salmon on both sides and rub in. Wrap tightly in plastic and allow to cure 8 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator.
• Remove from fridge and soak in ice water for one hour, changing water after 30 minutes.
• Using a sharp, wet knife, chop salmon into small pieces. (About ¼ inch)

Finishing up

• Mix all ingredients together, massaging the ingredients together by hand to mix thoroughly. Chill in the fridge. Serve cold.

Notes

Best if made a day ahead.

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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Note: In place of Kosher salt and cayenne, I used Hawaiian Chili Pepper Sea Salt.

Our Hawaiian adventures inspired a number of recipes, including Banana Lumpia, Vietnamese Banana Pudding, and Mango Pineapple Smoothie. 

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