Hawaii Poke Bowl

This Hawaii Poke Bowl with tuna is perfect for you if one of your New Year's resolutions is to eat more fresh food and veggies! Tuna is one of my very favorite foods, and it is extremely healthy. These bowls are fast, easy and completely customizable. Jump to Recipe

What is Poke?

Becoming more and more popular each year, poke (pronounced poh-KAY) is basically sushi-grade tuna, salmon or other fish or protein served on top of rice with a bunch of delicious toppings. Poke actually means to slice or cut which is how the protein is served, sliced into small cubes. It originates from Hawaii, and I think we could all do with a dish from the Aloha state to brighten up our January's.

The first time I had Poke was from Hai Poke several years ago now when they did a pop-up at a bar in the Short North (if you're local to Columbus be sure to check them out!). I immediately fell in love. They are still my favorite in Columbus and now have their own spot also in Short North. I've tried poke from all over while traveling since as it quickly became a favorite dish of mine. It wasn't long before I had to start creating my own at home.

Hai Poke

Ingredients in Hawaii Poke:

For the tuna in this bowl you will want to make sure you buy sushi-grade. For the marinade you will need: sesame oil, soy sauce, chili paste, sesame seeds and rice vinegar.

Where to buy sushi-grade tuna or salmon:

Whenever I'm in need of fresh sushi-grade tuna or salmon I head to Tensuke which is a Japanese market in Columbus. They have all kinds of great stuff, and are attached to a delicious sushi restaurant, Akai Hana, if you want to stop for lunch or dinner as well! You can also find the above marinade ingredients there or in the international aisle of your grocery store. If you're not local to Columbus, check for any Japanese specialty markets close to you. A lot of nicer grocery stores now offer tuna poke for purchase as it's become more popular! Ask about it at the seafood counter or call ahead. The only thing I've noticed at my grocery stores is it typically comes already in a marinade, and I prefer to make my own.

Tensuke Market

Directions for Hawaii Poke Marinade:

Whisk together marinade ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Cut tuna into small bite-sized pieces and toss with the marinade. Then let sit for at least 20-30 minutes. It's that easy!

Ingredients for Hawaii Poke Bowl:

In my opinion the more veggie toppings the better! Make them all or only a few - whatever you want! And if you have any additional recommendations be sure to let me know in the comments. Clockwise from top left I prepared: jalapeno, avocado, edamame (I bought frozen and prepared according to package directions), snap peas, daikon radish (cut with spiralizer), cilantro, green pepper, carrot (also cut with spiralizer), and in the middle green onion and pickled cucumber. If you don't have a spiralizer you can slice, but I love the shapes a spiralizer makes. This one is super easy to use and under $15! Spiralizer Link

Pickled Cucumber instructions:

Cut into matchsticks then mix in a bowl with a little vinegar, water, sugar, salt, garlic and some additional green onion.

You'll also want to make sure you have rice. Or if you want this dish to be even lighter you could opt to serve over greens instead. Depending on my mood and/or appetite I serve it either way. When using rice I like to use jasmine rice (the sticky rice used for sushi). Prepare according to package directions or use a rice maker. I also love to top with some fried wonton wrappers, sriracha and/or wasabi sauce. And a little fresh ginger and lime go great too.

Instructions for Hawaii Poke Bowl:

Rice:

Prepare according to package directions or use a rice maker.

Fried Wonton Wrappers:

Warm some oil in a skillet. I slice some wrappers into strips as well as keep some as whole sheets. Once oil is heated (wisps of smoke coming off) add the wontons. They brown up pretty quickly. Simply transfer to a paper-towel lined plate and sprinkle with sea salt.

Sauces:

I simply mix some fresh wasabi with sour cream in one small bowl and some sriracha with sour cream in another small bowl.

Build your Hawaii Poke Bowl:

Start with a layer of rice or greens as the base. Top with veggies, tuna, wontons and sauce. Sometimes I add a little soy sauce as well.

Serving Instructions:

Build your bowl according to the instructions above or however you'd like. If you're serving others feel free to let them customize it themselves. I like to put all the toppings out (similar to the above pictures) like a little assembly line of freshness. You can serve with chopsticks or a fork. Or both! I love to serve this dish with some sake. If you're local Tensuke they have tons of different types!

You cannot find a more fresh tasting recipe that leaves you feeling full and satisfied.

You might also enjoy:

Ahi Tuna Tostadas with Wasabi-Lime Crema

https://www.cuisineandcocktails.com/ahi-tuna-tostadas-with-wasabi-lime-crema/

Ahi Tuna Tacos

https://www.cuisineandcocktails.com/ahi-tuna-tacos/

Hawaii Poke Bowl

https://www.cuisineandcocktails.com/three-seed-pepper-crusted-ahi-tuna-with-lima-bean-pancetta-medley/

Hawaii Poke Bowl

This easy Hawaii Poke Bowl recipe combines rice, sushi-grade tuna and tons of fresh vegetables for a healthy, flavorful and filling meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Ingredients

  

• 0.75 lb sushi-grade tuna cut into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon chili paste
• ½ tablespoon soy sauce more to top if desired
• ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 ½ - 2 cups jasmine rice prepared according to package directions or in rice maker
• 1 jalapeno diced, seeds removed
• 1 avocado sliced
• ½ cup edamame cooked according to package directions, removed from pods
• ½ cup snap peas sliced in half
• ½ cup daikon radish spiralized
• ¼ cup cilantro chopped
• ½ green pepper chopped
• 1 large carrot spiralized
• 1 tablespoon green onion
• ¼ cup pickled cucumber directions in post
• fried wonton wrappers directions in post
• ½ cup sour cream divided
• fresh wasabi
• 2 tablespoon sriracha
• fresh ginger grated
• fresh lime juice

Instructions

 

• Whisk chili paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar and sesame seeds together in a medium-sized bowl.
• Add tuna and toss to coat. Let marinate for about 30 minutes.
• Prepare rice, sauces and toppings. Whisk wasabi with about 2 tablespoon sour cream in one bowl and the rest of the sour cream with the sriracha in another bowl.
• Build bowl by starting with a rice base, adding vegetables, tuna, wontons, sauce and a little fresh ginger and lime.