So many Poke Bowl recipes disappoint with bland dressings and tasteless rice…. Skip the store bought! Homemade really IS tastier, you get to top it with what you want and it’s a heck of a lot cheaper too!!!
I may be a true-blue Aussie, but the Japanese blood in my veins demands that Poke Bowls be more than just another trendy “healthy” recipe that tastes just okay…..
So here are the 3 things that will make you fall in love with this Poke Bowl even if you’ve had meh Poke Bowl experiences in the past!!
It’s pronounced “poke-ay” bowls, it rhymes with “okay”. But I always mispronounce it “poke”, as in rhymes with “bloke”!
C.C.: Generally speaking, poke would refer to raw pieces of tuna cut into cubes, then marinated with soy sauce and sesame oil and mixed with onion; though the variations go far beyond this generalization. Poke doesn’t necessarily have to be tuna or even seafood, nor does it have to be raw or cubed.
Are Poke Bowls healthy?
The toppings certainly are – a small amount of lean raw fish and plenty of fresh vegetables. Just go easy on the rice if you’re counting calories because it’s a carb – the seasoned sushi rice is so tasty (especially when mixed up with the marinated fish and the dressing), it’s way too easy to eat loads of it!
How to make poke bowls
I keep reading everywhere about how quick ‘n easy Poke Bowls are to make. And the veggies and fish are – but if you want to make a tasty sushi rice for the poke bowls, it does take a good 45 minutes or so!
- Cook sushi rice – rice cooked the normal way which is then gently mixed with a sweet-salty vinegar mixture, then left to cool to absorb the flavour. See below for step photos.
- Dressing/marinade – Quick mix job
- Sashimi fish – dice it up like you’re chopping an onion! (OK, I lie – use a more gentle touch )
- Slice / dice / shred veggies into eating-friendly size, pile onto rice in bowls.
- Toss fish into Dressing then immediately transfer onto rice. DO NOT leave to marinate – will make fish too salty and also “cure” it slightly, alternating the texture.
- Drizzle remaining Dressing over the bowls then serve immediately!
Perfect Homemade Poke Bowls (2 Ways)
FAQ
Do poke bowls have raw fish?
Can I eat poke while pregnant?
What’s the difference between Hawaiian poke and mainland poke?
What can you substitute for raw fish in a poke bowl?
What is a poke Bowl?
A poke bowl is a classic Hawaiian dish that can be served up in several delicious ways. It is most notably defined by its inclusion of cubed, raw ahi tuna. Poke may also feature salmon, hamachi, octopus, or even tofu. The fish is marinated in salt with other traditional and varied add-ins. It’s typically served with rice and furikake.
Can you eat raw fish in a Poké Bowl?
However, depending on the type of poké you’re getting, protein cooking may be happening (like if it’s shrimp or chicken). It’s safe (and delicious) to eat raw fish in poké bowls, as long as the fish has been handled properly. However, pregnant people, young children, or those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk when eating raw fish.
What fish can you eat in a poke Bowl?
Just like other raw fish dishes such as Ceviche and fish tartare, Poke bowls can be made with any fish suitable for eating raw in sashimi form. Tuna is the classic for Poke Bowls, and salmon is also very popular. Other fish suitable for poke bowls include: kingfish, ocean trout, swordfish, yellow tail, trevally and bonito.
Can you eat poke bowls with white rice?
If you like to frequently eat poke bowls, it might be a good idea to swap out the white rice for brown rice or other fiber-rich bases like quinoa, barley, or cauliflower rice. Poke bowls are usually made with sesame oil, which is very calorie dense, and soy sauce seasoning, which is generally high in sodium.