Asian Inspired Salmon Tartare: A Bold, Refreshing Classic

Name: Asian Inspired Salmon Tartare
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 16 oz sushi-grade salmon, finely diced; 2 scallions or 2 small shallot, finely chopped (Approximately 1/3 cup); 2 tbsp lime juice; Zest of one lime ( ~ 2 Tbsp); 1 tsp soy sauce; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; ½ tsp toasted sesame oil (optional); 1 tsp wasabi paste or powder (optional); 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (or use 1 Thai Chili/serrano/habanero for more heat); Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 large Hass avocado, diced (Approximately 1 cup); 1 cup fresh cilantro, loosely chopped (including tender stems); 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (Black, white or a mixture of the two)

Tim
May 29
4 min read

Updated: Jul 1

Bright, bold, and refreshingly elegant—this Asian inspired Salmon Tartare is a celebration of clean, zesty, and spicy flavors. Whether served as an individual appetizer or a shared starter, it’s a dish that delivers both finesse and flavor. Want to make it a meal? Simply increase the portion size and serve it with a crisp, garden-fresh salad for a beautifully balanced light lunch or dinner.

Jump to Recipe

Asian-inspired salmon tartare recipe with sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, and avocado served in a black bowl—perfect for a healthy appetizer or light meal. — A vibrant bowl featuring a sesame-crusted mound of raw salmon, nestled in a bed of fresh cilantro and avocado chunks, offering a delicious fusion of textures and flavors.

Region: France

While tartare made from beef has long-standing European roots, Salmon Tartare rose to culinary fame in France during the early 1980s. Chef Gilbert Le Coze is often credited with popularizing the dish at his renowned restaurant Le Bernardin, first in Paris and later in New York City. The term tartare, used for raw, finely chopped fish or meat preparations, is believed to trace back to French Polynesian and classical French culinary traditions.

What Makes this Salmon Tartare Special ?

Amid the sea of tartare recipes found in cookbooks and online, this Asian Salmon Tartare take stands out for its exceptional harmony of texture and flavor. Refined through experience and enthusiastically received by both home cooks and food lovers, it brings restaurant-quality sophistication to your own kitchen.

Delicate, silky salmon is complemented by zesty citrus, a gentle touch of heat, and the rich complexity of Asian condiments. Each bite offers a vibrant balance of freshness and umami, paying homage to classic French techniques while embracing bold East Asian influences.

Raw orange salmon fillet on a black plate, surrounded by avocado, red onion, sesame seeds, cilantro, olive oil, black peppercorns, lime, and a green and orange chili pepper — Traveling and dining across East Asia inspired me to incorporate its incredible local condiments and ingredients into this unique take on salmon tartare.

Asian Inspired Salmon Tartare - Recipe Ingredients

Each ingredient in this dish has a purpose—working together to create a vibrant medley of flavor, color, and texture.

Core Ingredients

Fresh Sushi-Grade Salmon – The star of the dish; buttery, clean, and delicately rich. Ask your fish monger to recommend the best options.
Green Onion (Scallions) or Shallots – Adds mild sharpness and aromatic depth.
Lime Juice & Zest – Brings acidity and brightness to lift the entire dish.
Hot Peppers – Choose jalapeños for gentle heat, or go bolder with Thai chili , serrano or habanero for a spicier profile. Personally I go for habanero.
Soy Sauce – Adds umami and a touch of saltiness.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – For a smooth mouthfeel and subtle richness.
Toasted Sesame Oil (Optional) – Offers an earthy, nutty undertone; use sparingly due to its strong flavor.
Wasabi (Optional) – Adds sharp heat; use paste or powder based on your preference.
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Essential seasoning to unify all flavors.

Optional Garnishes

Fresh Cilantro – Adds a herbal brightness; include tender stems for extra flavor.
Hass Avocado – Creamy contrast to the tartare’s citrusy sharpness.
Toasted Sesame Seeds – Add crunch and nutty flavor.

Together, these ingredients create a tartare that’s smooth, vibrant, citrusy, spicy, and deeply satisfying. Please see the Recipe Card below for more detail on the quantities for each ingredient.

Key Steps in the preparation process of Salmon Tartar

This dish comes together easily—no fancy tools, just a sharp knife, a mixing bowl, and fresh ingredients.

Preparation Overview

Chill the salmon – Keep it cold for clean cuts and food safety.
Dice the salmon finely – Aim for even cubes for smooth texture and presentation.
Mix the marinade – Combine aromatics, hot peppers, lime juice, zest, soy sauce, oil, and optional sesame oil and wasabi.
Combine and toss – Gently mix the salmon with the marinade.
Let it rest – Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes to lightly cure and let the flavors meld.
Garnish and serve – Add avocado, cilantro, or sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately.

More detailed instructions are available in the Recipe Card below as well as timing tips to ensure perfect results every time. Here are some visuals to help guide you through the process:

Pieces of raw salmon showing filet, slices and chopped salmon on a black plate. — Slice the Salmon into strips approximately one quarter inch (half centimeter) thick . Cut again to make cubes.

Nine small bowls on a white background containing chopped cilantro, shallots, olive oil, avocado, black peppercorns, lime zest, sesame seeds, lemon juice, and chopped salmon in the center — All of the ingredients cut up and ready to be assembled .

Close-up of a bowl containing chopped green onions, hot orange pepper flakes and zest in oil, forming a vibrant, fresh marinade — All of the marinade agreements combined and ready to be added to the chopped salmon.

Asian Salmon Tartare Ingredient Alternatives and Options

This recipe is adaptable to your tastes and what’s available:

Salmon Alternatives: Sushi-grade Tuna.
Heat Level Options: Adjust pepper type and quantity to control spiciness.

Check the Recipe Card below for exact substitutions and measurements.

Asian Salmon Tartare - Preparation, Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Salmon tartare is a versatile dish that suits everything from casual meals to elegant gatherings.

As an Appetizer: Serve on crostini, crackers, or endive leaves for a chic starter.
As a Light Meal: Pair with a crisp garden salad, toasted baguette slices, or sushi rice.
Temperature Tips: Serve slightly chilled for a refreshing experience, or at room temperature to enhance the full flavor profile.
Make Ahead: Marinade and toppings can be prepped in advance; final assembly takes less than 5 minutes before serving.