Poke Bowl Recipe

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It’s super easy to make your favorite sushi-style Poke Bowl at home, chock-full of fresh tuna and salmon, vibrant veggies, steamed rice, and delicious sauces. 

overhead shot of a poke bowl with rice, diced mango, diced tuna, diced salmon, diced cucumbers, diced avocados, and greens.


 

Poke bowls are like a deconstructed sushi roll. They have taken the world by storm because they are flavorful and packed with nutritious and fresh ingredients, including fish and various sauces. Poke (pronounced poh-kay) is typically a restaurant dish, but it’s easy to make at home – even easier than making your favorite maki roll. No special cooking techniques or knife skills are needed! Just basic slicing, dicing, and stirring. 

What Is A Poke Bowl

A poke bowl originates from Hawaii and is heavily influenced by Japanese culinary traditions. The term “poke” translates to “cut into chunks,” describing the raw fish cuts presented in a bowl accompanied by rice, various veggies, dressings, and a mix of flavorful seasonings.

Why We Love Making Poke Bowls

  • You can personalize it and customize a poke bowl with rice or noodles and pile on various toppings.
  • Freshness is key, and when made at home, you have complete control over the quality of ingredients.
  • Making poke bowls is easier than rolling sushi. No particular equipment is needed – just some straightforward chopping and mixing. 
  • Have fun and take yourself on a culinary adventure. Explore different ingredient combinations and sauces, allowing yourself to experiment and find your perfect combo.
side shot of a poke bowl with rice, diced mango, diced tuna, diced salmon, diced cucumbers, diced avocados, and greens.

Ingredients In This Poke Bowl Recipe

For the Fish

  • Ahi tuna – Buttery, mild-flavored fish that should be sushi grade. You can also use yellowfin tuna or cooked tuna if raw isn’t your thing.
  • Salmon – Look for “sushi-grade” or “sashimi-grade” to ensure it’s safe to eat raw. This means the fish was caught, cleaned, and frozen in a certain way for the highest quality and to eliminate any possible parasites. Cooked salmon or even smoked salmon can be used as alternatives.
  • Salt – Used to lightly season the fish and bring out its natural flavor. Sea salt or kosher salt both work well.
  • Green onions – Adds a fresh, crisp bite and subtle onion flavor. Chives or thinly sliced shallots are good substitutes.
  • Low-sodium soy sauce – Adds umami depth without overpowering the fish. Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free options.
  • Toasted sesame oil – Gives the fish a deep, nutty flavor that’s key in poke bowls. A tiny drizzle of olive oil can be used in a pinch, but sesame is best.
  • Rice vinegar – Adds a hint of tang and brightness to balance the richness of the fish. You can use white wine vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
  • Cooked and cooled rice – Serves as the base for your poke bowl and soaks up all the flavors. Sushi rice, jasmine, or even brown rice all work great.

For the Cucumber Salad

  • English cucumber – Persian cucumbers or regular cucumbers (peeled and seeded) also work.
  • Rice vinegar – Adds tangy brightness to the cucumber mix. White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can sub in here.
  • Toasted sesame oil – Brings a nutty, rich flavor but you can skip it if needed, but it adds great depth.
  • Sugar – Balances out the acidity of the vinegar and enhances the cucumber’s sweetness.
  • Salt and black pepper – To season and round out the flavor. Use to taste, but start light and adjust as needed.

Optional Toppings

  • Diced mango – Adds a juicy, tropical sweetness.
  • Diced avocado – Creamy and rich, the perfect texture contrast.
  • Edamame – Protein-packed and slightly nutty.
  • Crab salad – A savory and slightly sweet topping; imitation crab works fine.
  • Seaweed salad – Adds umami and a bit of chew.
  • Wasabi – For a bold, spicy kick (use sparingly!).
  • Sriracha – Adds heat.
  • Toasted black sesame seeds – Crunchy and nutty, for both texture and garnish.

How To Make A Poke Bowl

  • Make Rice. You can follow my recipe here for instant pot jasmine rice or just use leftover rice.
  • Prep the Tuna and Salmon. To prep the fish, cut the tuna and salmon into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and add the salt, sliced green onions, and condiments. Toss gently to coat and set it aside.
  • Make the Cucumber Salad. Dice up the cucumber and transfer it to a separate bowl with the condiments and seasonings, and give it a gentle stir to combine. Set aside.
  • Assemble the Bowls. Divide the cooked rice evenly between four bowls. Top the rice with salmon, tuna, cucumber salad, and any of the other toppings that you want to use.

Recipe Tips & Variations

  • Source Your Fish: If you can’t find sushi-grade fish near you, consider ordering online.
  • Prepping Fish: Remove any white, tough streaks found on the fish.
  • Rice Options: You can use plain or flavored rice. Also, consider using soba noodles or rice noodles instead of rice, or go with a bowl of salad greens instead.
  • Seafood Options: Besides tuna and salmon, you can use cooked shrimp, fried calamari, crab, or tofu.
  • Sauces: Serve the bowls with yum yum sauce, ponzu, shoyu, sriracha mayo, sesame vinaigrette, gochujang, ginger dressing, miso dressing, etc.
  • Toppings: Seaweed, radishes, grated carrot, mandarin orange segments, pineapple, are all welcome additions to these bowls. For a little tangy flavor, try items like pickled red onion.
  • Poke Bowl Buffet: Hosting a poke feast? Plan on ¼-pound of seafood per guest and lay out a spread of various toppings, ample rice, and a selection of sauces for a serve-yourself style meal.
overhead shot of a poke bowl with rice, diced mango, diced tuna, diced salmon, diced cucumbers, diced avocados, and greens.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Freezing is not recommended.

More Easy Seafood Recipes

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5 from 9 votes

Poke Bowl Recipe

It's easy to make a gourmet Poke Bowl recipe at home packed with fresh tuna and salmon, crunchy veggies, steamed rice, and flavorful sauces!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

For the Fish:

Cucumber Salad:

  • ½ english cucumber, diced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Toppings:

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Instructions 

  • Prep the fish. Cut the tuna and salmon into bite-sized pieces, place them in a bowl, and sprinkle with salt. Stir in the sliced green onions.
  • Add the liquids. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to the fish mixture; toss to combine and set aside.
  • Make the cucumber salad. Next, place the diced cucumbers in a bowl, and add the rice vinegar, sesame seed oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
  • Build the poke bowl. Divide the cooked rice between 4 bowls. Top the rice with the salmon, tuna, cucumber salad, mango, avocado, and/or any of the other desired toppings. Serve.

Notes

  • Fresh Fish: If you’re using raw fish, make sure the fish is sushi-grade.
  • Sauce it Up: Use a variety of sauces like soy sauce, ponzu, or spicy mayo.
  • Toppings Galore: Offer toppings like avocado, mango, nuts, seaweed salad, edamame, and sesame seeds.
  • Layer Your Ingredients: Start with a base of rice, noodles, or greens, add your protein, then pile on veggies and garnishes.

Nutrition

Calories: 424kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 770mg | Potassium: 602mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1360IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

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19 Comments

  1. Sandra says:

    I love how refreshing and delicious this is!! Thank you so much for the recipe!

    1. Katerina Petrovska says:

      I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

  2. Juliane says:

    Ohhhh, I just know for sure that my mom would love this! Excited to try this with her!

    1. Katerina Petrovska says:

      Thank YOU! Please enjoy! 🙂

  3. Catalina says:

    Oh my goodness! This poke bowl is healthy and delicious! The best!

    1. Katerina Petrovska says:

      Thank YOU! I hope you’ll enjoy it! 🙂

  4. Sam says:

    So flavorful and colorful!

    1. Katerina Petrovska says:

      Thank YOU! I hope you’ll enjoy it! 🙂

  5. Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert says:

    So festive and irresistibly delicious! This is definitely a must make!

    1. Katerina Petrovska says:

      Thank you, Erin! I hope you’ll love it! 🙂

  6. Krystle says:

    I love getting these from a local food truck and am thrilled to try them at home. The cucumber salad is the perfect compliment.

    1. Katerina Petrovska says:

      Please enjoy! Thank YOU! 🙂

  7. Amanda says:

    I have always wanted to try and make one of these at home, now I can! Thank you!

    1. Katerina Petrovska says:

      I hope you’ll enjoy it! Thank YOU! 🙂

  8. Caroline Y says:

    My favorite! This is so delicious and everyone loved it. Thnak you for this recipe.

    1. Katerina Petrovska says:

      That’s great! I’m very glad everyone enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

  9. Valentina says:

    I have always wanted to try a poke bowl! I cannot wait to try this easy recipe!

  10. Kristyn says:

    This poke bowl is packed with flavor!! So delicious, hearty, & great for summer!

    1. Katerina Petrovska says:

      Thank YOU! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! 🙂