There’s something about spicy salmon tartare that feels a little bit special, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Tender, sashimi-grade salmon is tossed with creamy Kewpie mayo, a hit of sriracha and a drizzle of sesame oil for the perfect balance of richness and heat. This salmon tartare recipe comes together in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for a quick lunch or an effortless entertaining dish. Fresh, flavourful and naturally high in protein, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself craving again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This spicy salmon tartare is one of those recipes that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make!
- Ready in just 10 minutes – Minimal chopping and no cooking required makes this perfect for busy days.
- High in protein – Salmon is naturally rich in protein and healthy fats, making this a satisfying light meal.
- Fresh and flavour-packed – The combination of creamy Kewpie, spicy sriracha and nutty sesame oil delivers bold, balanced flavour.
- Versatile to serve – Enjoy it as a light lunch with rice and avocado, scoop it into nori sheets, or plate it up as an elegant appetiser.
- No complicated techniques – If you can dice salmon, you can make this recipe.
- Perfect for entertaining – It looks impressive but can be prepped quickly before guests arrive.

Ingredients & Substitutions
- Sashimi-grade salmon – Always use the freshest raw salmon you can source. This could be substituted with sashimi-grade tuna.
- Kewpie mayonnaise – Regular whole-egg mayonnaise can be used if needed.
- Sriracha – You can use any chilli sauce, chilli oil or sambal you have available. Adjust based on your personal tolerance for heat.
- Soy sauce – Tamari works well for a gluten-free option.
- Sesame oil – Provides nutty aroma and richness; use toasted sesame oil for the best flavour.
- Spring onion – A finely minced shallot is another option.
- Sesame seeds – Toasted is best.
How to Make Spicy Salmon Tartare
Step 1: Finely dice the sashimi-grade salmon into small, cubes using a sharp knife. Transfer to a chilled mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the spring onion, Kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil and sesame seeds to the bowl with the salmon.
Step 3: Gently fold everything together until the salmon is evenly coated.
Step 4: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavour, or chill briefly before serving.
How to Serve Spicy Salmon Tartare
Spicy salmon tartare is incredibly versatile and can be served casually or dressed up for entertaining.
- With steamed rice – Serve along side steamed short grain rice with sliced avocado and cucumber for a fresh, high-protein lunch.
- Scooped into roasted nori sheets – Create DIY hand rolls by layering rice and salmon into small sheets of nori.
- On crispy wonton chips – Pipe or spoon onto crunchy wonton crisps for an easy appetiser.
- With crostini or crackers – Serve as an elegant starter for dinner parties.
- In lettuce cups – For a lighter, low-carb option with added crunch.


Tips for Perfect Salmon Tartare
- Use sashimi-grade salmon only – Always purchase from a reputable fishmonger and let them know it will be eaten raw.
- Keep everything cold – Chill your bowl and ingredients beforehand to maintain freshness and texture.
- Dice evenly – Small, uniform cubes create the best mouthfeel and presentation.
- Don’t overmix – Gently fold to keep the salmon tender rather than mushy.
- Adjust the heat – Start with less sriracha and add more to taste.
Storage & Food Safety
Because this is a raw salmon recipe, proper handling is essential.
- Best enjoyed immediately – Spicy salmon tartare is at its freshest when served straight away.
- Short refrigeration only – If needed, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Keep chilled below 5°C – Maintain safe refrigeration temperatures at all times.
- Do not freeze once mixed – Freezing will affect texture and quality.
- Discard if unsure – If the salmon smells overly fishy or changes texture, it’s best not to consume it.
FAQs
Can you make spicy salmon tartare ahead of time?
Spicy salmon tartare is best served immediately for optimal freshness and texture. If needed, it can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, but the quality is best on the day it’s made.
Is it safe to eat raw salmon at home?
Yes, as long as you use fresh, sashimi-grade salmon purchased from a reputable fishmonger. Keep the salmon refrigerated at all times and consume promptly.
What does sashimi-grade salmon mean?
Sashimi-grade refers to salmon that is safe and suitable for raw consumption. It should be extremely fresh and handled correctly from supplier to sale.
Can I use regular supermarket salmon?
For a salmon tartare recipe, it’s strongly recommended to use sashimi-grade salmon. Regular salmon may not be suitable for eating raw.
How spicy is spicy salmon tartare?
The heat level depends on how much sriracha you add. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
What can I serve with salmon tartare?
Spicy salmon tartare can be served with steamed rice, roasted nori sheets, crackers, crostini, lettuce cups or crisp vegetables.
Can I freeze salmon tartare?
Freezing is not recommended once the tartare is mixed, as it will affect the texture and overall quality.

🎥 Video: Watch How to Make Spicy Salmon Tartare
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy bold, savoury flavours and rice-based dishes like this spicy salmon tartare, you might also love:
- Mayak Eggs – Jammy eggs marinated in a savoury soy-based sauce, perfect spooned over warm rice.
- California Onigiri – Sushi-inspired rice balls filled with fresh, classic flavours and wrapped in nori.
- Spam and Egg Rice Balls – A comforting, nostalgic handheld rice dish with crispy spam and fluffy egg.
📖 Recipe

Spicy Salmon Tartare
Ingredients
- 200 g sashimi-grade salmon skin removed
- 1 spring onion finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon Kewpie mayonnaise
- ½ tablespoon sriracha adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Finely dice the sashimi-grade salmon into small cubes using a sharp knife. Transfer to a chilled mixing bowl.
- Add the spring onion, Kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil and sesame seeds to the bowl with the salmon.
- Gently fold everything together until the salmon is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavour, or chill briefly before serving.
Notes
- Always use fresh, sashimi-grade salmon and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.


















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