Craving a taste of Hawaii at home? This easy spicy tuna poke bowl recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the islands to your kitchen. With fresh tuna, a hint of spice, and a medley of toppings, it’s a delightful dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Perfect for a quick meal or a fun dinner with friends, this poke bowl will transport your taste buds straight to a tropical paradise.
Steps
- Prepare the spicy mayo by mixing mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl. Add a little water to thin it out for drizzling.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cubed tuna with scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha. Gently mix the ingredients and set aside.
- In each of the two serving bowls, layer half of the cooked rice, followed by half of the tuna mixture, then add avocado slices, cucumber cubes, and scallions.
- Drizzle the assembled bowls with the prepared spicy mayo and sprinkle with black sesame seeds. Serve with additional soy sauce and sriracha on the side if desired.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound sushi-grade tuna, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup sliced scallions
- 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 cup cooked short grain brown rice or sushi white rice
- 1 cup cucumbers (from 2 Persian), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 medium Hass avocado (3 ounces), sliced
- 2 scallions, sliced for garnish
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
- Reduced sodium soy or gluten-free tamari, for serving (optional)
- Sriracha, for serving (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 794 kcal | Carbohydrates: 67 g | Protein: 65 g | Fat: 29 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Cholesterol: 96 mg | Sodium: 1729 mg | Fiber: 12 g | Sugar: 6 g
FAQ
- What exactly is a poke bowl?
- A poke bowl is a Hawaiian dish traditionally featuring fresh raw fish served over rice, topped with ingredients like onions and seaweed. It’s known for being highly customizable.
- Can poke bowls be considered healthy?
- Absolutely! Poke bowls, especially those with tuna, can be quite nutritious. They typically include healthy fats from fish and avocado, fiber-rich brown rice, and a variety of vegetables. Using light sauces can also keep calories in check.
- What is typically included in a poke bowl?
- Poke bowls can vary widely, but they usually consist of a rice or salad base topped with proteins such as tuna, salmon, or tofu. Common additions include vegetables like cucumber and avocado, and sauces such as spicy mayo or soy sauce.
- How can I ensure the fish is safe for raw consumption in a poke bowl?
- Purchase sushi-grade fish from a reputable fishmonger or market. Ensure they have regular shipments and knowledgeable staff. The fish should smell fresh, like the ocean, and have a vibrant color.
- How long can a poke bowl be stored?
- It’s best to consume fresh raw poke on the same day it’s made, but it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Tips
- Choose Fresh, Quality Fish: When buying fish for your poke bowl, ensure it is sushi-grade and sourced from a reputable fishmonger. The fish should have a vibrant color and smell fresh like the ocean, not fishy.
- Customize to Your Taste: Poke bowls are highly versatile. If you prefer salmon over tuna, or want to avoid raw fish, feel free to sear the fish lightly. For those who aren’t fans of spicy food, you can omit the spicy mayo or adjust the sriracha to your liking.
- Balance Warm and Cold Components: To enjoy the delightful contrast in temperatures, serve your cold fish over warm rice. This enhances the overall eating experience.
- Prepare Extra Spicy Mayo: Spicy mayo is easy to make with just mayonnaise and sriracha. Make a little extra and store it in the fridge in a squeeze bottle to easily drizzle over future poke bowls.
Equipment
- Sushi-grade fish knife or a high-quality chef’s knife (for cutting sashimi-grade fish)
- Rice cooker (for cooking sushi rice or brown rice efficiently)
- Mixing bowls (for marinating the tuna and assembling the poke bowls)
- Squeeze bottle (for drizzling spicy mayo)
- Japanese mandoline slicer (for slicing vegetables thinly, if desired)
- Sushi rolling mat (optional, but helpful for those who might want to try making sushi rolls as well)