on May 16, 2024, Updated Jun 09, 2024
Why You’ll Love Tuna Poke Bowl
If you love salmon sushi and ceviche, you will love these Ahi tuna poke bowls. Tender cubes of sushi-grade raw Ahi tuna combine with a zesty soy marinade, and then rest atop a bed of fluffy steamed rice. Pick and choose your favorite toppings to add texture, color, flavor, and nutrition. Anything goes, but my favorites include fresh mango 🥭, cucumber, sesame seeds, and edamame. Not a fan of spice? No problem, just omit the spicy mayo. While this may seem like a complex dish, if you prepare the toppings while the tuna marinates, you can make the whole recipe in about 40 minutes.
What is Poke?
Poke is a classic Hawaiian dish (pronounced POH-kay), consisting of raw marinated fish. Raw tuna is a common seafood to use (the dish then becomes ahi poke), but octopus and salmon are also popular. Poke was a natural evolution for Hawaii, thanks to the availability to sea-fresh reef fish and Japanese, Chinese, and Philippines culinary influences 🇯🇵 🇨🇳 🇵🇭 from the immigrant population. Originally served as a small meal, poke usually consists simply of marinated raw fish 🐟, sometimes rice, and other simple accompaniments, such as sweet Maui onions 🧅, local nuts, and seaweed. Poke, as it’s presented in this recipe, is a Modern Nonna play on the classic, with lots of garnishes to round it out into a full, island-inspired meal. 🏝
Is Tuna Poke Safe to Eat?
Yes, however, I strongly encourage you to buy high-quality, fresh, sushi-grade fish making sure you make it the same day. If you are unsure if the tuna you are going to purchase is sushi-grade, ask the fishmonger at your store. Alternatively, you can visit a Japanese grocer with a fresh fish 🐟 section. If you feel uneasy about raw seafood, you can cook the tuna first. Grilling, baking, air frying, and pan-cooking or all good techniques to cook the fish. Ideally, you can marinate the fish prior to and/or after cooking.
How to Prepare Tuna Poke Bowl
🍣 Purchase fresh SUSHI GRADE fish and use it within 1 day of purchase. You can then store it properly in the fridge as per the fish monger’s instructions. 🐟 Cut the fish into 3/4 inch cubes. 🥣 In a bowl, mix the fish with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, agave (or honey). Now, add the scallions, and sesame seeds. Mix well. 🧊 Now, marinate the mixture in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. 🍚 Serve over cooked white or brown rice, and add toppings such as diced mango, avocado, sliced cucumber, edamame, sesame/poppy seeds, and a drizzle of Spicy Mayo. 🍣 Enjoy your Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl!
Variations and Substitutions for Tuna Poke Bowl
Best Served With
A drizzle of Homemade Spicy Mayo or some extra soy sauce A cooked vegetable such as my Asian Style Green Beans A simple green salad with a light dressing
Common Questions
