Get ready to dive into this delicious Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl- a restaurant quality dish that's easy to make at home! Fluffy rice is topped with pieces of succulent, marinated ahi tuna, colorful vegetables, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. It's a delicious fusion of flavors and textures that you can customize to your liking.
I remember the first time my husband and I had authentic poke when we took a trip to Hawaii many years ago. We were amazed by the dazzling array of beautiful, fresh seafood that was available everywhere, from grocery stores, to roadside stands, and even gas stations!
Fast forward several years, and poke bowls have exploded in popularity across the globe. And I'll let you in on a little secret- they're actually quite easy to make at home!
If you're looking for a lovely dish made with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors that you can customize to your taste, then this spicy ahi tuna poke bowl recipe is a must-try! Plus, it's fast enough that you can even make this on busy weeknights.
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What is Poke?
Poke, pronounced as "poh-kay," is a classic Hawaiian dish that has taken the culinary world by storm! Poke typically consists of bite-sized chunks of fresh raw fish, traditionally tuna, that are marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and other flavorful seasonings.
Poke bowls are made with poke that's served on a base of rice or greens, and topped with a variety of toppings.
What started as a beloved Hawaiian dish has now become a global sensation. You'll find poke bowls popping up on restaurant menus everywhere from big cities to small towns.
The beauty of a poke bowl lies in its versatility. You can choose your base, protein (commonly chunks of fresh tuna or salmon), and an assortment of toppings like colorful vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and sauces.
With endless options for customization and an emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients, it's no wonder that poke bowls have skyrocketed in popularity!
Why You'll Love This Dish
- Fresh: this spicy tuna poke bowl is made with the finest and freshest ingredients
- Healthy: a balanced and nutritious dish made with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats
- Customizable: customize your bowl with your favorite toppings, sauces, and bases
- Instagram-worthy: Poke bowls are not only delicious but visually stunning
- Versatile: perfect for lunch, dinner or parties
Ingredients
Ingredient notes and substitutions:
- Tuna- the star of the show! Use fresh, sushi-grade tuna. You can find high-quality ahi tuna (which includes yellowfin tuna and bigeye tuna) at your local fish market or stores like Whole Foods. Ahi tuna has a firm texture, mild flavor, and beautiful color. Look for deep red to pink fish with minimal browning or discoloration.
- Rice- white sushi rice is traditional. However, you can use any rice like brown rice to incorporate healthy whole grains or cauliflower rice to keep the dish low carb.
- Mayonnaise- used to make the creamy spicy mayo sauce that tops these poke bowls. If you can get it, use kewpie mayo, which is traditional; otherwise, regular or light mayo is fine.
- Sriracha- adds a nice heat to the spicy mayo
- Toppings- this is where you can express your creativity! I like to top my spicy ahi poke bowls with slices of creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, edamame, and sweet mango. I also add pickled ginger, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions. Other great options are sweet onion, shredded carrots, diced pineapple, tempura flakes, furikake, and seaweed (see "Poke Bowl Toppings" section below).
How To Make a Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl Step-By-Step
See recipe card below for full recipe instructions.
- Step 1- Dice the tuna into ½-inch cubes.
- Step 2- Place the tuna, soy sauce, sesame oil, Sriracha and scallions in a large bowl. Stir to combine. Let the tuna marinate while you prepare the rest of the bowls.
- Step 3- Cook the rice. Use a rice cooker if you have one- it gives you perfectly cooked rice every time.
- Step 4- To make the spicy mayo, mix the mayonnaise and Sriracha together in a small bowl. Add a touch of water to thin it out a little.
To assemble the poke bowls, spoon the cooked rice into bowls and top with some tuna poke. Add your desired toppings (see "Poke Bowl Toppings" section below for ideas) and drizzle some spicy mayo on top. Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
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Chef's Tips
- Because this dish has raw fish, it's important to use high-quality, sushi-grade fish. You can find fresh ahi tuna at seafood markets and specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods or specialty retailers online. Always ask for their sushi-grade selection and inquire about their sourcing and handling practices.
- You can make this poke bowl with other fish like salmon or snapper. If you don't like completely raw fish, you can sear the tuna first in a pan or use other seafood like cooked crab. For a vegetarian option, make your poke bowl with cubes of tofu instead of fish.
- I always use a rice cooker because it gives you perfectly cooked, fluffy rice every time. Wet or starchy rice can ruin a good poke bowl.
- You can substitute brown rice for the white rice to incorporate healthy whole grains into the dish. I would recommend a short grain brown rice. You can also use cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or salad greens for a low-carb bowl.
- The rice should be warm and the tuna poke should be cold. The contrast in temperature takes this spicy tuna poke bowl over the top. For extra flavor, you can stir a little rice wine vinegar and sugar into the cooked rice to make it more like sushi rice.
Poke Bowl Toppings
The best poke bowls are all about customization- the toppings you choose can take your bowl from delicious to extraordinary! Here's a list of some fantastic poke bowl toppings to consider:
- Avocado: creamy and rich, avocado adds a luxurious touch to your bowl, along with healthy fats
- Cucumber: add a cool and refreshing crunch
- Edamame: young soybeans that provide plant-based protein and a satisfying pop when you bite into them
- Mango: adds a sweet, tropical twist that complements the savory fish and other toppings
- Seaweed: whether it's traditional seaweed salad or crispy nori seaweed strips, it adds a hint of umami and a delightful crunch
- Sesame Seeds: add a nutty flavor and an appealing texture
- Green Onions: add a mild onion flavor and a touch of vibrant green color
- Pickled Ginger: a palate cleanser that adds a zingy kick
- Nuts: from chopped macadamia nuts to cashews, nuts bring a satisfying crunch and a dose of healthy fats
- Furikake: a Japanese seasoning blend that often includes dried seaweed, sesame seeds, and more
- Crispy Onions or Garlic: these crispy toppings add a satisfying crunch
- Radishes: provide a subtle peppery bite and vibrant color
- Masago: these tiny fish eggs add a burst of salty goodness
- Poke sauce- I love topping my bowl with spicy mayo because the creamy kick nicely balances the fresh fish. However, you can try other sauces like soy sauce, shoyu, ponzu, eel sauce or sweet chili sauce.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, tuna poke is a healthy dish due to its high protein content, essential nutrients, and fresh ingredients like colorful vegetables. However, like any dish, its overall healthiness depends on factors like portion size and the choice of accompanying ingredients and sauces.
Poke is a classic Hawaiian creation, while sushi finds its roots in Japan. While Hawaiian cuisine draws inspiration from Japanese fare, poke retains its distinctly Hawaiian identity.
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Recipe
Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl
Ingredients
Tuna Poke:
- 1 pound sushi-grade ahi tuna, diced into ½ inch cubes
- 1 ½ tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce (or tamari if gluten free)
- 1 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha
- ¼ cup sliced scallions
Spicy Mayo:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise use kewpie mayo if you can find it
- 1 ½ teaspoons Sriracha adjust to taste
For the poke bowls:
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice or short grain brown rice
Optional toppings:
- Edamame, sliced avocado, sliced cucumber, diced mango, julienned carrots, sliced scallions, sesame seeds, pickled ginger
Instructions
- Place the diced tuna, soy sauce, sesame oil, Sriracha and scallions in a bowl and stir to combine. Let the tuna marinate while you prepare the rest of the bowls.
- To make the spicy mayo, stir the mayonnaise and Sriracha together in a small bowl. Add a little water to thin it out enough to drizzle it.
- To assemble the poke bowls, spoon equal portions of the cooked rice into four bowls. Top with equal amounts of the tuna poke. Add desired toppings like edamame, avocado, cucumber, mango, and carrots. Drizzle spicy mayo on top. Top with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Serve with pickled ginger, if desired.
Notes
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- Because this dish has raw fish, it's important to use sushi-grade fish. You can find fresh ahi tuna at seafood markets and specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods or specialty retailers online.
-
- You can make this dish with other fish like salmon or snapper. If you don't like completely raw fish, you can sear the tuna first in a pan or use other seafood like cooked crab. For a vegetarian option, make your poke bowl with cubes of tofu instead of fish.
-
- You can use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, or salad greens for a low-carb bowl.
-
- The rice should be warm and the tuna poke should be cold. The contrast in temperature takes this spicy tuna poke bowl over the top. For extra flavor, you can stir a little rice wine vinegar and sugar into the cooked rice to make it more like sushi rice.
- Have fun customizing your bowl with toppings. See “Poke Bowl Toppings” section in my blog post for some ideas!
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