Think of this: the fresh, bold flavors of Hawaii meet the juicy goodness of a burger. That’s the Hawaiian Poke Burger—a delicious mashup that’s savory, refreshing, and totally unique. Inspired by Hawaii’s iconic poke (poh-kay), this recipe gives the traditional dish a modern twist.

Poke started as a simple meal for fishermen, who’d season their fresh catch with salt and seaweed. Over time, it became a global favorite. And now? We’re turning it into a burger that’s indulgent and refreshing. Let’s dive in!

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Time Commitment:

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

Servings:
Makes two burgers—perfect for date night or a cozy dinner. Need more? Just double or triple the ingredients.

Skill Level:
Intermediate. If you’ve handled raw fish and grilled burgers before, you’re good to go.

Tools You’ll Need:

Grill, griddle, or non-stick pan
Mixing bowls
Knife and cutting board
Spatula
Small whisk or fork (for sauces)

Pro Tip: Make the poke and sriracha mayo ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

What You’ll Need

For the Poke:

1/2 pound sushi-grade bluefin tuna (fresh or properly thawed)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (toasted for extra flavor)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (lightly toasted for crunch)
1 teaspoon soy sauce (low-sodium works too)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or less if you prefer mild)
3 scallions, sliced (for a fresh, oniony kick)
1 clove garlic, grated (adds depth)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (for a tangy balance)
Pinch of salt

For the Burger:

12 ounces ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
1/2 avocado, thinly sliced (creamy perfection)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (try Japanese Kewpie mayo if you can)
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice level)
2 brioche buns (soft and slightly sweet)

How to Make Poke Burger

Step 1: Prep the Poke

Dice the tuna into small, even chunks—about 1/2-inch pieces work best.
In a bowl, mix sesame oil, sesame seeds, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, scallions, garlic, rice vinegar, and salt.
Toss the tuna gently in the marinade until coated. Cover and refrigerate to keep it fresh while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Make the Burger Patties

Divide the ground beef into two portions and shape them into patties slightly larger than your buns (they’ll shrink when cooked). Sprinkle both sides with salt.
Heat your grill or pan to medium-high. Cook each patty for about 3–4 minutes per side for medium doneness—or adjust based on how you like it.

Step 3: Toast Buns & Mix Sriracha Mayo

Toast your buns until golden—either on the grill or in a pan.
In a small bowl, stir together mayo and sriracha until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble Your Masterpiece

Spread sriracha mayo generously on the bottom bun.
Place your burger patty on top.
Add a hearty scoop of marinated poke—don’t hold back!
Layer thin slices of avocado over the poke.
Crown it with the top bun and serve right away.

Ways to Customize

Dietary Swaps:

Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free soy sauce and buns.
Pescatarian? Skip the beef patty and double up on poke.
Vegan? Swap tuna for diced watermelon marinated with similar seasonings and use plant-based patties.

Adjusting Spice Levels:

Not into heat? Cut back on red pepper flakes or sriracha. Love spice? Add chili oil or sliced jalapeños.

Fancy It Up:

Want to impress? Use wagyu beef patties or add toppings like tobiko (fish roe) or microgreens for garnish.

Serving & Storing Tips

What to Serve With It:

Pair these burgers with crispy sweet potato fries or a light cucumber salad for balance.

Leftovers:

This is best enjoyed fresh since it includes raw fish. If you have leftover poke, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Reheating:

Only reheat the burger patties—poke should always be served cold for that perfect flavor contrast.

Make-Ahead Tips:

You can prep everything separately—poke marinade, sriracha mayo, sliced avocado, and burger patties—and assemble right before serving.

This Hawaiian Poke Burger isn’t just food—it’s like taking a mini-vacation to Hawaii without leaving your kitchen! Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to something special, this recipe will wow everyone at the table.

So grab your ingredients and get cooking!