Fresh and Healthy Hawaiian Poke Bowl Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of sushi-grade tuna, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup of soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup of green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup of diced cucumber
  • 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 2 cups of cooked rice, for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the diced tuna, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and grated ginger.
  2. Add the chopped green onions, diced cucumber, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
  3. Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  4. While the poke mixture is marinating, prepare the rice according to package instructions and let it cool.
  5. Just before serving, dice the avocado and gently stir it into the poke mixture.
  6. Place a serving of rice in each bowl, then top with a generous amount of the poke mixture.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tools for making

  • Large bowl - A bowl large enough to mix all the ingredients together.
  • Knife - A sharp knife to dice the tuna and avocado.
  • Cutting board - A sturdy cutting board for slicing and dicing.
  • Grater - A grater to grate the ginger.
  • Measuring cups - Measuring cups for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons for precise measurements of smaller amounts.
  • Serving bowls - Bowls for serving the poke.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of fish such as salmon, yellowtail, or shrimp.
  • Add different vegetables such as diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or edamame beans.
  • Experiment with different sauces or marinades such as ponzu sauce, spicy mayo, or wasabi soy dressing.
  • Add additional toppings such as sliced radishes, nori seaweed, or pickled ginger.
  • Try serving the poke over a bed of lettuce or mixed greens instead of rice.
  • Make it spicy by adding sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the marinade.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the fish with tofu or marinated mushrooms.

Recipe overview

Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish that has gained international popularity due to its refreshing and flavorful combination of ingredients. This recipe brings together the fresh, delicate flavors of sushi-grade tuna with the savory notes of soy sauce and sesame, balanced with the crunch of cucumbers and the creaminess of ripe avocado. The mixture is served over a bed of fluffy rice, making it a balanced, satisfying meal. This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, with a marinating time of just 15 minutes. It's the perfect dish for a warm day or whenever you're craving something light and fresh. Whether you're a long-time lover of poke or trying it for the first time, this recipe is a delightful introduction to the dish. Enjoy it for a casual lunch, a dinner, or even as a unique and satisfying party appetizer.

Common questions

  1. Can I use any type of tuna for poke? It is recommended to use sushi-grade tuna for poke to ensure freshness and taste.
  2. Can I substitute the tuna with another type of fish? Yes, you can use other types of fish such as salmon or yellowtail as a substitute for tuna in poke.
  3. How long should I marinate the poke mixture? Allow the poke mixture to marinate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors combine. However, you can marinate it for longer if desired.
  4. Can I make the poke ahead of time? While it is best to consume poke immediately after preparation, you can refrigerate the poke mixture for up to 24 hours before serving.
  5. Do I have to use rice to serve the poke? No, you can enjoy poke on its own as a salad or with other accompaniments like tortilla chips or lettuce wraps.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine and marinate the poke ingredients.
  • Serving Bowls - Bowls to serve the poke and rice mixture.
  • Rice Cooker - Optional, but helpful for cooking the rice.
  • Chef's Knife - To dice the tuna and avocado.
  • Grater - To grate the ginger.
  • Measuring Cups - To measure the ingredients accurately.
  • Spatula - To gently stir and combine the poke mixture.

Origin stories

Poke, pronounced poh-keh, hails from the beautiful islands of Hawaii and has long been a staple of the local cuisine. Traditionally, native Hawaiians would season fresh cuts of local fish with whatever was on hand—seaweed, crushed candlenut, sea salt, and limu, a type of brown algae. Poke was shared at family gatherings and parties, and each family often had their own special recipe. The modern version of poke, with its diced fish and various add-ins like avocado, cucumber, and sesame seeds, didn't start to emerge until the 1970s, when influences from Japanese and other Asian cuisines began to make their mark on the Hawaiian food scene. Today, you can find poke bowls around the world, but for the most authentic experience, nothing beats a freshly caught, expertly seasoned bowl of poke in Hawaii.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.