Light, refreshing Avocado Tuna Poke Bowl – loaded with healthy ingredients and complimenting flavors and textures! There’s a lot going on in one little bite!
The Poke Bowl is trending, and for good reason! It’s easy, healthy, versitle, and above all delicious!
My grandfather on my Japanese side was born in Hawaii, but sadly I have not yet been. I’m hoping now that we’re living in California, a trip there will soon be on the horizon. Ahem… Mr. Hapa Nom Nom? 😉
If you’re not familiar with a poke bowl (pronounced POH-kay), it’s a Hawaiian staple with influences from Japanese, Korean, and other Asian cuisines. The combinations and varieties are endless. The base is a good quality short grain Japanese rice (sometimes labeled as sushi rice) and sushi grade tuna cut into pieces. Although other types of proteins have made its way into the bowl – salmon, octopus, tofu, even grilled salmon (which makes great use of leftovers).
Some people like to dress their tuna with soy sauce, a combination of soy sauce and sesame oil, ponzu sauce, or as I prefer – simply seasoned with sea salt. As far as the toppings go… the sky’s the limit – Macadamia nuts, furikake (Japanese seasoning), scallions, seaweed, really it’s whatever you like. Personally I like to make sure there is some crunchy element in my toppings to give a variety of texture.
These dish is amazing on so many different levels! So grab yourself a bowl… grab a poke!
- 1 cup Japanese short-grain/sushi rice or good quality white rice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ pound sushi grade tuna*
- sea salt
- ½ cup prepared seaweed salad*
- prepared Japanese cucumbers
- 2 scallions, green parts only, thinly sliced into strips
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 teaspoons black sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoon white sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons tobiko (flying fish roe)
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear and drain. Cook in a rice cooker according to the manufactures directions. If you don't have a rice cooker - place the rice into a heavy-bottomed pot. Add 1 cup of cold water and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over moderate heat for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and cover for 10 minutes more. Remove from heat and allow to sit, covered for 10 minutes. Then drizzle evenly with rice vinegar and gently toss.
- In a small bowl, combine the Sriracha, mayo, and garlic. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cut the tuna into ½ inch pieces and season to taste with sea salt.
- Divide the rice evenly among two large bowls. Drizzle with the Sriracha-garlic mayo (use your desired amount), top with the tuna, seaweed salad, cucumbers, scallions, avocado, sesame seeds, and fish roe.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
* Most general grocery stores these days have a sushi counter with prepared containers. They should have seaweed salad there.
* Inspired by Bon Appétit
Swayam says
Gorgeous’n Kathleen. Superbly plated.. Looks so fresh and vibrant! Drooling.. Sharing everywhere
hapagirl says
Thank so much, Swayam! Hope you had a great weekend!
FoodGeekGraze says
kathleen, your plating is sexy, vibrant, and enticing. it reads like an invitation to amazing. this seems like a perfect setting to admit to my tobiko and avocado and mayonnaise addictions. separate them. combine them. it does not matter. these three ingredients have long since secured their place in my top fifteen “step aside ~ danger zone” list. honestly, i feel like this post is a love letter to my tummy. excuse me as i submit my vote for this dish… love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love!!!
hapagirl says
Mmm…. tobiko, avocado, mayo – nom nom nom! Just those 3 ingredients alone would make perfectly happy. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve made this already 🙂
Sabrina says
Gorgeous! Pinning!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Almost too pretty to eat…almost!
hapagirl says
Lol! Thanks Annie 🙂
Marissa (@pinchandswirl) says
How have I not had a poke bowl!? Tuna tartare is one of my favorite things on the planet, so I know I would LOVE this. And, yes…you and Mr. HNN need to get to Hawaii pronto – we haven’t been for years, but I cried the day we left. The fragrance of Hawaii will stay with you forever (no seaweed so the ocean smells sweet, and bonus, no seagulls. Mine. Mine. Mine.) …plus the fish! the snorkeling!
hapagirl says
Oh Marissa! You tease me! I am such a water-baby! Growing up the joke was always that I had flippers 😉 So your description of paradise has me dreaming of being there! I want to snorkel in a sweet smelling ocean!!! 🙂
Beeta Hashempour says
Everybody’s been all over the poke bowl and I have yet to try it! Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe because now I can try it right at home in my own kitchen! 😀
hapagirl says
Oh yes, you must give it a try! Om nom nom nom 🙂
Lyn says
Can’t wait to make…Looks Yummy and beautiful!!!
hapagirl says
Thanks Lyn! I hope you enjoy 🙂
hipfoodiemom says
Kathleen, this tuna poke bowl avocado is gorgeous and one of my fave things to eat! I am actually posting a Korean sashimi bowl tomorrow!!! hahah, great minds!!!
hapagirl says
Oh Alice, that sounds fantastic! Can’t wait to see it! Thanks so much!
Miriam @londonkitchendiaries says
Hawaii has been on my bucket list for a long time but it is such a long journey from London – hopefully one day! This salad is such a great combination – love the fish roe on top of it ♡
hapagirl says
If it’s any conciliation to you, there are a ton of places your way that I would love to see one day too 😉 Thanks, Miriam.
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
OMG, you tell Mr. Hapa Nom that he better take you to Hawaii! You guys are so close, he’s got no excuse. 😉 My favorite vacation to date was Hawaii and I know you will absolutely love it! Speaking of love, I LOOOOOOVE poke! Especially this time of year when I am craving all the things super fresh and light! These bowls look beyond fabulous, girlfriend! I could eat this for breakfast, lunch and dinner on repeat! Nom Nom Nom. Cheers, sweets! xo
hapagirl says
I know, right?! Our anniversary is coming up, perhaps I can offer up a suggestion 😉 Thanks my dear!
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
This is such a pretty and bright looking poke bowl, Kathleen. Love how flavorsome and full of healthy ingredients this is. So much yes to this delicious and versatile beauty!
hapagirl says
Thanks, Anu! This is definitely a dish you eat with your eyes first!
culinaryginger says
You have my heart with this lovely dish. I have had poke on the island of Kauai and it’s all I eat when I’m there. This is an outstanding recipe and one I’d love to eat all summer.
hapagirl says
That’s fantastic, Janette! I hope to make it there soon! And when I do, I’m definitely trying the real deal!
Suchi @elegantmeraki says
Never knew about poke bowl. Wow its interesting and with customization everyone is happy!
hapagirl says
Absolutely! You really can tailor them to your liking.