Aug 16, 2018, Updated May 29, 2024 This tuna poke bowl recipe comes together in a flash and is an incredibly filling and nutritious meal idea.
Tuna Poke Bowls: Why You’ll Love ’em
Poke bowls are a fresh, summery meal that’s both filling and healthy. They’re having a moment right now, with poke restaurants popping up on every corner, but they’re genuinely a cinch to whip up in your own kitchen. I love Hawaiian “mixed plate” meals, which consist of sticky rice, macaroni salad, and grilled fish or meats. For many trips, it’s what I always ordered when we went out for lunch. Until last time I was in Hawaii, when I got a poke bowl: sticky white rice topped with fresh, raw fish, the sweetest local pineapple, fresh cucumber, some crunchy puffed rice, and a sesame dressing. It was so light and delicious and full of textures and flavours that I became obsessed. I’ve started ordering them in Vancouver and then moved on to making them at home. I start mine with a base of coconut rice, then I sear a tuna steak (it’s usually served raw, but I don’t tend to make raw fish dishes at home) and toss on whatever fresh fruits and veggies I have in the fridge.
Here’s What You Need for Tuna Poke Bowls
Seared Tuna Poke Bowl with Coconut Rice Ingredients
To make this flavorful poke bowl, you’ll need a mix of fresh and tasty ingredients.
For Coconut Sticky Rice
Short grain white rice: Forms the base of our poke bowl, providing a soft and slightly sticky texture. Coconut milk Water
For Dressing
Canola oil: Provides a neutral base for the dressing. Sesame oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor. Soy sauce Rice vinegar Granulated sugar
Toppings
Fresh ahi tuna steak: sushi grade tuna is recommended if consuming rare. Chopped avocado Thawed frozen corn Sliced radishes Sliced green onion or scallions Cucumber Chopped ripe peach or mango Chopped peanuts
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to customize this recipe with these variations and substitutions.
Rice options: Substitute coconut rice with sushi rice, cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option), or brown rice or quinoa for more fiber. Protein choices: Swap the pan-seared tuna for my easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak recipe. Or switch it up with salmon, shrimp, or tofu for different tastes. I love my Air Fryer Frozen Salmon recipe for this. Spicy Dressing: Use this spicy mayo recipe for sushi. The sriracha adds a yummy sweet heat. Different veggies: Add bell peppers, edamame, or shredded carrots for extra crunch. Fruit alternatives: Try pineapple or strawberries if you prefer a different sweet note.
Grab these Tools
You’ll need a few essential tools to make this recipe smoothly.
Saucepan: For cooking the coconut sticky rice. Whisk: To mix the dressing ingredients thoroughly. Heavy skillet or grill pan: For searing the tuna steak. Cutting board: To slice and prepare the tuna and toppings. Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for the tuna and other ingredients.
How to Make Ahi Tuna Poke Bowls: An Easy Guide
Making this seared tuna poke bowl with coconut rice is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps to create a delicious and colorful meal.
Prepare the Coconut Sticky Rice
Start by making the coconut rice, which forms the base of our poke bowl.
Make the Dressing
While the rice is cooking, prepare the dressing to add flavor to the bowl.
Prepare the Tuna and Toppings
Next, get the tuna and toppings ready to complete your poke bowl.
Assemble the Poke Bowl
Finally, put everything together to create your poke bowl. Enjoy your homemade seared tuna poke bowl with coconut rice!
How to Serve this Seared Tuna Poke Bowl with Coconut Rice Recipe
This seared tuna poke bowl is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience with a few additional touches.
Serving Suggestions
To serve, simply place the poke bowl on a plate or in a shallow bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients. It’s great for a casual lunch or a light dinner.
Toppings for Seared Tuna Poke Bowl
Enhance your poke bowl with these delicious toppings:
Extra sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for a nutty crunch. Nori strips: Add for a taste of the sea and extra texture. Pickled ginger: Provides a tangy and slightly spicy kick. Wasabi: For those who like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes for Seared Tuna Poke Bowl
Pair your poke bowl with these side dishes for a more filling meal:
Miso soup: A warm, comforting broth that complements the fresh flavors of the poke bowl. Edamame: Lightly salted and steamed, these make a perfect side snack. Seaweed salad: Adds a refreshing, tangy element to your meal. Gyoza: Pan-fried dumplings filled with vegetables or meat offer a delightful contrast.
You can serve the coconut rice warm or room temperature, and the tuna can be hot, cold or room temperature according to your preference. I won’t judge you if you decide to go with canned tuna – that makes a super-easy weekday lunch. Go crazy with the toppings. Ideally, you want to have a mix of sweet (like mango, peach, or pineapple), crunchy (like radish, corn or cucumber), spicy (fresh chiles), savoury (minced red onion or sliced green onion) and nutty (peanuts, toasted coconut, sesame seeds, etc.). As long as you have two or three of those pillars, your poke bowl will be delicious. The kids gobble them up, too. They love all the individual components, and it’s fun for them to build their own.
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