Unraveling the Mystery: Why is it Called Lomi Lomi Salmon?

Lomi lomi salmon is a delicious Hawaiian salad made with cubed raw salmon, tomatoes, onions, and green onions. It’s a popular side dish at luaus and plate lunches across the islands.

But if you think about it, the name “lomi lomi salmon” might seem a little strange. Salmon isn’t native to Hawaii so why is this dish so iconic there? And what does “lomi lomi” even mean?

Let’s unravel the mystery behind this signature Hawaiian salad’s unique name

The Meaning of Lomi Lomi

The key to understanding where “lomi lomi salmon” comes from is looking at the term “lomi lomi.”

In the Hawaiian language lomi means “to massage, rub, or knead.” You may have heard of lomi lomi massage, which is a traditional Hawaiian massage technique.

So lomi lomi salmon refers to the process of gently massaging or mixing the cubed salmon together with the other ingredients. But why name a dish after the method used to combine ingredients?

To understand that, we need to look at the origins of lomi salmon.

Salted Fish – A Hawaiian Staple

Go back a couple hundred years in Hawaiian history, before refrigeration existed on the islands. To preserve fish and meat, lots of salt was used to cure and dry it to make it last.

Early Hawaiian foods included very salty preserved proteins like pipikaula (beef jerky), salted cod, and pa’akai (dried, salted fish).

When it was time to eat these salty preserved meats or fish, Hawaiians would break them down from their stiff, dried state. They massaged and shredded the proteins – essentially rehydrating and softening them to make them edible again.

This process of lomi-ing (massaging) salted fish or meat before eating it became synonymous with preparing it for consumption. So that’s where the term lomi came from in the first place.

Introducing Salted Salmon

In the early 1800s, salmon was first brought to Hawaii by sailors from the Pacific Northwest. Salted salmon was a delicacy and quickly became popular.

To eat the firm, salty salmon, Hawaiians would lomi (massage) it between their fingers to soften it up. Then they started adding chopped tomatoes and onions, creating an early version of lomi salmon.

While super salty at first, over time lomi salmon evolved to have less salt and more fresh flavors like tomatoes and green onions. But the original name stuck, even as the dish changed.

Why “Lomi Lomi” Salmon Endured

Today, lomi salmon has a bright, refreshing taste. The lomi-ing technique is more of a gentle tossing and stirring of ingredients now. So why has this old name with obscure origins stuck around?

For one, it’s a dish unique to Hawaii, central to its cultural cuisine. The term lomi lomi salmon also lends a sense of authenticity.

Locals and tourists alike look for real, traditional “lomi lomi salmon.” The name carries history and legitimacy.

There’s also just the pleasing sound of it. The repetition makes it roll off the tongue in a lyrical, Hawaiian way.

While the massaging method faded over time, lomi lomi remains the perfect descriptive name for this signature island dish.

So now you know – the origins of “lomi lomi” salmon reflect how salt preserved fish was traditionally prepared in ancient Hawaii! It’s a peek into the history of Hawaiian food ways.

Next time you’re in Hawaii or just making Hawaiian food at home, be sure to try some lomi lomi salmon. Savor its delicious salty-sweet salmon cubes, and appreciate the cultural story contained in its unique name.

A Closer Look at Lomi Lomi Salmon

Now that you know the origins, let’s quickly go over what comprises lomi lomi salmon:

• Salmon – Usually cubed, raw salmon that’s been salted. Gives the dish its protein.

• Onions – Either diced yellow onions or sliced green onions. Provides crunch and flavor.

• Tomatoes – Chopped ripe tomatoes. Contribute sweetness and acidity to balance the salmon’s saltiness.

• Optional ingredients – Some versions add things like scallions, chili pepper, cucumber, or avocado for extra flavors and textures.

Preparation:

The salmon is salted, then rinsed. Then the onions, tomatoes, and any other ingredients are diced and combined in a bowl. The salmon is added last and everything is gently tossed together by hand.

Lomi lomi salmon is a fresh and flavorful Hawaiian dish with a savory, slightly tangy taste. It features salted salmon, diced tomatoes, onions, and sometimes other ingredients, creating a unique combination of textures and flavors.

Yes, lomi lomi salmon is traditionally made with raw salmon that is salted to cure and preserve it.