Poke Bowl Recipe

Bright, fresh, and colorful, Poke Bowls are not only delicious to eat but so fun to make! Packed with sushi-grade ahi tuna or salmon and served over sticky white rice with healthy veggies, creamy avocado, sweet mango, and spicy Sriracha mayo, they’ll be an instant favorite, guaranteed!

Poke bowls are an absolute delight. And homemade poke bowls? The best. Plus, way tastier (and so much fresher) than anything you’ll get from a poke shop. They’re gorgeous, colorful, and pretty easy to make. There are no fancy or demanding cooking techniques, just a little patience when it comes time to prepare and chop the many different parts – rice, protein, fresh and crunchy veggies, sweet fruits, and must-have sauce – but that’s what makes poke bowls so delicious!

After all, they are known for their vibrant colors, diverse textures, and customizable nature, making them one of my favorite healthy summertime meals.

What is a Poke Bowl?

The word “poke” (pronounced poh-kay) means “to slice” or “cut” in Hawaiian, referring to the preparation of the raw fish. A poke bowl is a Hawaiian dish that has gained popularity worldwide in recent years. It consists of diced raw fish, typically marinated in a flavorful sauce, served over a base of rice or greens, and is accompanied by various toppings and sides.

The traditional Hawaiian poke bowl is centered around marinated ahi (yellowfin tuna), served on top of a simple bowl of white rice to make it a more filling dish.

These days, particularly here on the mainland, toppings and sides can vary widely, including items like avocado, edamame, seaweed salad, pickled vegetables, cucumber, corn, sesame seeds, furikake (a Japanese seasoning mix), and tobiko (fish roe).

^{For the full list and amount of each ingredient, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.}

Poke Bowl Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions

• Ahi Tuna: Tuna is a treat anytime, so it’s usually my go-to for poke bowls. When tuna isn’t available, I’ll swap it with salmon.
• Soy Sauce and Marin: Used to marinate and flavor the fish. Other popular marinade ingredients include sesame oil and rice vinegar.
• Mayo, Sriracha, and Lime Juice: My favorite poke bowl sauce as it’s sweet, creamy, and can be made as spicy as you’d like. You can swap the Sriracha for wasabi paste and add a little sugar for a creamy wasabi sauce.
• Cooked Rice: I love making my poke bowls with sticky white rice, but brown rice is a nutty, flavorful substitution. You can even make it with quinoa.
• Toppings and Garnishes: The most popular toppings include cucumbers, edamame, avocado, green onions, seaweed salad, fresh mango, furikake, and sesame seeds.

How to Make Poke Bowls

1. Marinate the ahi poke: Combine the soy sauce, mirin, ginger, and garlic in a medium mixing bowl. Add the tuna and gently toss to coat. Cover and transfer to the refrigerator to marinate as you prepare the remaining ingredients.

2. Prepare the spicy mayo: For the spicy mayonnaise, combine the mayo, Sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl. Taste and add more Sriracha as needed, then set aside.

3. Assemble: To assemble, divide the rice between four bowls. Top the rice with marinated tuna, edamame, cucumber, avocado, mango, and green onions. Drizzle spicy mayo over the top of each bowl and serve immediately.

What is “Sushi-Grade” Fish?

“Sushi-grade” is an informal term used to describe fish that is considered to be of high enough quality to be eaten raw.

Tips for Buying “Sushi-Grade” Fish for Poke Bowls

1. Find a reputable supplier: Purchase your fish from a reputable fishmonger, grocery store, or seafood market that specializes in sashimi-grade fish. These vendors typically have strict quality control and sourcing practices.
2. Choose the right fish: The most common fish used in poke bowls are tuna and salmon. Other options include hamachi (yellowtail), snapper, or octopus. Make sure to buy only sashimi or sushi-grade fish to ensure it’s safe for raw consumption.
3. Make sure it looks and smells good: Fresh fish should have a mild scent, not a strong fishy smell. The flesh should be firm, not mushy or slimy, and should have a bright, translucent color.
4. Consider the cut: Some fish cuts are more suitable for poke bowls than others. Look for loin or fillet cuts, which are generally more tender and have fewer bones.
5. Handle with care: Once you’ve purchased your fish, be sure to keep it cold on the way home. Use a cooler with ice packs if necessary. Store the fish in the coldest part of your refrigerator and consume it within 24 hours.

Are Poke Bowls Healthy?

Poke bowls can be very healthy, but they are also calorie traps if you don’t know what to look out for. Let’s take a closer look:

Healthy:

1. High-quality protein: Raw fish used in poke bowls, such as tuna and salmon, are excellent sources of lean protein, which helps build and repair muscle and supports overall body function.
2. Omega-3 fatty acids: Fatty fish like salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to various health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved heart health, and better brain function.
3. Nutrient-dense toppings: Poke bowls often include nutrient-rich toppings like avocado (a source of healthy monounsaturated fats), edamame (high in fiber and protein), and seaweed salad (rich in minerals and vitamins). Most also contain some kind of fresh fruit (like mango) and veggies (like cucumber).

Potential concerns:

1. Sodium content: The sauces and marinades can be high in sodium. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, and be mindful of the amount you use.
2. Raw fish safety: Consuming raw fish carries a risk of foodborne illness, especially if it’s not handled correctly. Ensure that you’re purchasing high-quality sushi-grade fish and follow proper food safety practices when preparing a poke bowl at home.
3. Large portions lead to a high-calorie meal: Too much rice, high-fat sauces, or toppings can quickly turn a healthy poke bowl into a not-so-healthy one.

More Rice and Grain Bowl Recipes:

• Easy Korean Beef Bibimbap Recipe (Mixed Rice)
• Shrimp Bowl
• Chicken Veggie Rice Bowls with Ginger Scallion Dressing
• Tropical Shrimp Bowl with Pineapple Peanut Dressing
• Crispy Tofu Bowl with Cauliflower Rice

If you try making this Poke Bowl Recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.