The Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl brings the fresh, vibrant flavors of Hawaiian cuisine right to your kitchen. This colorful and nutritious dish features chunks of fresh, sushi-grade tuna marinated in a spicy sauce, served over seasoned rice and topped with an array of crisp vegetables and creamy avocado. Originally from Hawaii, poke has become a beloved healthy meal option that combines protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables in one satisfying bowl. The spicy kick from sriracha and the umami depth from soy sauce create a perfect balance that makes each bite exciting. This recipe serves 4 people and can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick lunch or light dinner.
What You’ll Need
For the spicy tuna:
- 1 pound sushi-grade tuna, cut into small cubes
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
For the bowls:
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice, cooled
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup edamame, shelled
- 4 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 sheet nori, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Pickled ginger for serving
Preparing the Seasoned Rice
Start by preparing your rice base. In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar completely dissolves. Pour this mixture over your cooked and cooled sushi rice, then gently fold it in using a wooden spoon or rice paddle. The rice should be slightly sticky and well-seasoned. Set aside while you prepare the other components.
Making the Spicy Tuna
Cut your sushi-grade tuna into uniform cubes, about half an inch in size. The key to great poke is using the freshest fish possible, so make sure to purchase your tuna from a reputable fishmonger. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until smooth. Add the cubed tuna and chopped green onion to the sauce, then gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated. Let the tuna marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Preparing Your Vegetables
While the tuna marinates, prepare all your fresh vegetables. Dice the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces and slice the avocados just before serving to prevent browning. Shred the carrots using a grater or julienne peeler for thin, crisp strips. If using frozen edamame, make sure it’s completely thawed and drained. Slice the radishes paper-thin using a sharp knife or mandoline for a peppery crunch.
Building Your Poke Bowls
Divide the seasoned rice evenly among four bowls, creating a base layer in each. Arrange the marinated spicy tuna on top of the rice, making sure each bowl gets an equal portion. Now comes the fun part of arranging your colorful toppings. Create separate sections around the bowl with the sliced avocado, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, edamame, and sliced radishes. This creates a beautiful, Instagram-worthy presentation.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle the sesame seeds generously over each bowl for added crunch and nutty flavor. Cut the nori sheet into thin strips using kitchen scissors and arrange them artfully over the bowls. The nori adds an authentic oceanic flavor that complements the fresh tuna perfectly.
Serving Your Poke Bowls
Serve the poke bowls immediately while the vegetables are crisp and the tuna is fresh. Provide pickled ginger on the side as a palate cleanser between bites. Each person can mix their bowl as they eat, combining the flavors and textures in every spoonful.
Storage and Safety Tips
Since this dish contains raw fish, it should be consumed immediately after preparation. If you need to prepare components ahead of time, keep the marinated tuna refrigerated and assemble the bowls just before serving. Always use sushi-grade tuna from a trusted source and consume within one day of purchase. The seasoned rice and prepared vegetables can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to customize your poke bowls with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños for extra heat, mango chunks for sweetness, or wakame salad for more ocean flavors. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha to suit your taste preferences. This recipe serves 4 people generously and makes for a healthy, satisfying meal that’s both delicious and visually stunning.
