Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (2024)

Jump to Recipe

Hawaiian poke bowls are refreshing, packed with flavor and super healthy. This dish will take your mouth straight to the islands!

Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (1)

Hawaiian poke bowls are best made with the freshest ingredients you can find. Oftentimes, store bought versions are quite pricey. Making them at home means you save money without skimping on quality!

If you have ever been to Hawaii and experienced the joy that is a fresh poke bowl, you probably got hooked on the first bite. You’re not alone. Poke bowl shops have absolutely swept the United States in the past decade and for good reason. They are incredible and cheaper than a night out for sushi.

What Is Poke?

Poke (po-kay) is a general term used for marinated raw fish. Typically cut into cubes and seasoned with soy sauce and onion, poke is a style that Hawaiians have been chowing down on for years. From salmon to tuna and beyond, nearly every fresh fish can be used to make it.

A poke bowl is like a deconstructed sushi roll. Typically, you customize it just the way you want at a poke shop, much like going down the sandwich assembly line at Subway.

Poke Bowl Toppings

Poke bowls are meant to be customized! Mix-and-match the following ingredients to make each bowl perfect:

Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (2)
  • Protein – Tuna, salmon, yellowtail and crab are popular choices. You can chop up your fish into cubes and leave it be, or marinate your cubes in soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, oil, lime juice, honey and green onions for at least 10 minutes.

Hot Tip: If you’re marinating your fish and you like it spicy, add fresh chopped jalapenos to your marinade.

  • Veggies – Leafy greens, seaweed (wakame), cucumbers, edamame, avocado, red onion, pickled ginger, green onions and radish make for a great bowl. Add all of them or just a couple of your favorites!
  • Fruit – Mango, pineapple and watermelon can be tasty additions.
  • A few other toppings – Sesame seeds (black or white), fried garlic and fried shallots add a nice crunch to your bowl.
  • Sauce (more details below) – Sriracha and/or wasabi mayo are go-tos. You can also purchase a store bought poke sauce.
  • Grains – White rice is the most traditional option, but you can use quinoa, brown rice or kale salad as well. Serve your grain nice and hot. The contrast between the hot grain and cold rice is to die for!

Hot Tip: Head to your local Asian grocery store if you’re having a hard time finding these ingredients.

Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (3)

Fish to Use in your Poke Bowl

Always buy sushi-grade fish for your poke bowls. All “sushi-grade” means is the same quality a sushi chef would use to make restaurant-quality rolls or nigiri. It’s the freshest fish you can buy and perfectly safe to eat marinated or raw. If you can’t find it at your local grocery store, pop over to a specialty fish market.

Poke Bowl Sauce

The sauce is the key in the poke bowl because it brings all the ingredients together. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular poke bowl sauces:

Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (4)
  • Spicy Aioli Sauce – This is simply a 50/50 combination of sriracha and mayonnaise.
  • Sesame Oil – For the purists out there, a simple drizzle of toasted sesame oil does the trick.
  • Soy Sauce – If you like is salty and simple, add a drizzle of soy sauce and call it a day.
  • Sesame Vinaigrette – Whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, honey, lime juice and oil for a tangy and puckery sauce.

Other Seafood Recipes

  • Air Fryer Salmon – extra crispy on the outside, so juicy on the inside.
  • Air Fryer Cod – healthy, flavorful and extra easy recipe.
  • Grilled Tilapia Recipe – this recipe is the perfect family night dinner.
  • Air Fryer Shrimp – the best toping for any salad or rice!

Recipe

Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (5)

Hawaiin Poke Bowl

Print Pin

Servings

4 servings

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin

Hawaiian poke bowls are refreshing, packed with flavor and super healthy. This dish will take your mouth straight to the islands!

Ingredients

Poke Marinade

Spicy Aioli

Poke Bowl

  • 1 large cucumber thinly sliced
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 avocado thinly sliced
  • 1 seaweed salad (Sold at most Asian markets)
  • 3 large radishes thinly slices
  • 1/4 chopped green onions
  • 1 mango chopped into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup dry seaweed garnish
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds garnish

US UnitsMetric

Instructions

Poke Marinade

  • In a large bowl comber tuna with the marinade ingredients. Leave it to marinade in a refrigerator for at least 10 minutes.

Spicy Aioli

  • In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise together with sriracha sauce. Set aside.

Poke Bowl

  • Prepare all the ingredients for the poke bowls. You can leave it as a buffet style and everyone adds their own toppings or serve in individual bowls.

  • For the poke bowl, place rice on the bottom, followed by tuna (or salmon), add the seaweed, veggies and mango. Sprinkle some sesame seeds and dry seaweed pieces. Serve it with the spicy aioli. Enjoy!

Note: All the toppings in this recipe can be adjusted to your own preference.

Nutrition Facts

Hawaiin Poke Bowl

Amount Per Serving

Calories 594 Calories from Fat 342

% Daily Value*

Fat 38g58%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Cholesterol 40mg13%

Sodium 839mg35%

Potassium 756mg22%

Carbohydrates 40g13%

Fiber 6g24%

Sugar 10g11%

Protein 26g52%

Vitamin A 2693IU54%

Vitamin C 35mg42%

Calcium 69mg7%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Posted August 19, 2020

About Author

Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (10)

Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.

  1. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (11)

    Thomas CavanaughFeb 25, 2023

    I just home from a month on Maui & Oahu.... Eat Poke every day, and this recipe with a little personal tweak from a Professional Chef, is a great starter recipe. I pickled the radish and added pickled shaved red onion & carrot. The contrast with crunch & flavor is fantastic... Great Recipe !!!!

    1. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (12)

      Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 25, 2023

      Hi Thomas, Thank you for the kind compliment! I love how you made this recipe your own, sounds like it turned out delicious!! Enjoy!

  2. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (13)

    RimmaFeb 16, 2023

    Can I use fresh salmon which was frozen and marinate? Can’t find sushi grade in the area.

    1. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (14)

      TomApr 28, 2023

      If you use Fresh Salmon, soak it in sea salted ice water for 90 minutes and rinse, all Salmon contain parasites, PNW salmon contain twice as Northern Atlantic

      1. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (15)

        Natalya DrozhzhinApr 29, 2023

        Hi Tom, thank you for sharing your feedback. I always recommend using specific sushi fish for these recipes for the safest results.

    2. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (16)

      Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 16, 2023

      Hi Rimma, I really recommend that you use sushi grade fish because that will ensure freshness and its safe to eat raw or marinated. Thank you for reaching out.

  3. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (17)

    Tex HooperDec 15, 2022

    The rice combo seems appealing. My wife and I want to try healthier diets. I'll have to consider getting more Hawaiian food onto our plate.

    1. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (18)

      Natalya DrozhzhinDec 15, 2022

      Hi Tex, Thank you so much! I think y'all will love this recipe! It is very satisfying and you don't feel guilty after eating it. Let me know what you think when you give it a try. Enjoy!

  4. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (19)

    MelindaJun 15, 2021

    How many people does this recipe serve? I am trying to figure out how much fish per person to order

    1. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (20)

      Natalya DrozhzhinJun 15, 2021

      This recipe makes 4 servings. Enjoy!!

  5. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (21)

    KatieAug 21, 2020

    This looks like something I would love! Can't wait to try it.

    1. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (22)

      Natalya DrozhzhinAug 21, 2020

      Katie, when you do, please report back!

  6. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (23)

    KristynAug 20, 2020

    The taste just bursts in your mouth! I love the options for the meat! It's like a new bowl each time you eat!

    1. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (24)

      Natalya DrozhzhinAug 20, 2020

      Kristyn, you are too kind! Thank you!

  7. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (25)

    NatalieAug 20, 2020

    Some of the best flavors!! It feels so fresh & healthy!

    1. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (26)

      Natalya DrozhzhinAug 20, 2020

      Thank you Natalie!

  8. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (27)

    StephanieAug 20, 2020

    These were fantastic! I love that you added mangos to the bowls.

    1. Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (28)

      Natalya DrozhzhinAug 20, 2020

      Yes, they add freshness and so much more flavor.

Hawaiian Poke Bowl (THE BEST) (2024)

FAQs

Are Hawaiian poke bowls healthy? ›

Poke bowls are celebrated for their high nutritional value, providing a well-rounded meal that satisfies various dietary needs. At their core, poke bowls consist of lean protein from fish like tuna or salmon, which are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health and cognitive function.

What is authentic Hawaiian poke? ›

Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish and sushi originates in Japan. Hawaiian food takes a lot of influence from Japanese food, but poke is Hawaiian. Traditionally, poke is made from ahi tuna or octopus (tako) that has been roughly cut into bite sized pieces and marinated with whatever was on hand.

Are poke bowls popular in Hawaii? ›

Poké bowls first became popular in Hawaii but didn't start making their way to the mainland until a few years ago. They've been growing in popularity ever since, with restaurants and food bloggers alike touting them as the next big trend.

What is the best fish for poke bowls? ›

Protein: The main protein in a traditional poke bowl is raw, cubed Ahi tuna or salmon, but other choices include tobiko (fish roe), beef, chicken, and octopus. For vegetarians, protein options can include meatless options such as tofu and tempeh.

Is it OK to eat poke bowls everyday? ›

That said, poke bowls are usually created using a base of white rice, a highly processed grain that is low in fiber. If consumed in excess, it may increase your risk of type 2 diabetes ( 8 , 9 ).

Are poke bowls good for your stomach? ›

A poke (pronounced "po-kay") bowl is a quick and easy way to pack in nutrient-dense fresh produce. Carefully selecting ingredients that stimulate the production of digestive enzymes can help to ensure that you are breaking down and absorbing all that nourishing goodness!

Is Costco poke good Hawaii? ›

It's really good. I think they overseason the sauce a little bit too much of the salt, because the salt is very overpowering. I do taste the garlic. I would like a little bit more spice, though.

What do Hawaiians eat with poke? ›

Locally, a "poke bowl" means poke served over cooked rice. In dining restaurants, it is often served as like tartare (sans egg yolk) or tostada with chips of fried wonton wrappers or with prawn crackers, sometimes referred to as "poke nachos".

What is the difference between Japanese poke and Hawaiian poke? ›

Poke, pronounced (POH-kay) means in Hawaiian “cut into chunks” and in Japanese poke means “cut into pieces.” A normal Poke dish is served in a bowl with chunks of fish tossed over rice. This is where the “Poke Bowl” term comes from.

Why is poke bowl so good? ›

Most poke bowls are made with sustainably caught fish, which is an important consideration for many consumers when it comes to seafood. In addition, poke bowls often include a variety of fruit and vegetables as toppings, which are not only delicious but also provide a good source of vitamins and minerals.

What are the crunchy things in poke bowls? ›

Adding crunchy bits to your poke bowl makes it even more delicious. Common choices are crispy onions, garlic chips, and sesame seeds. Shredded nori (a type of seaweed) adds a seafood-like flavor, while sweet furikake, a Japanese seasoning, is another popular pick.

Is white or brown rice better for poke bowls? ›

If you're choosing a rice: brown comes out ahead of white in terms of fiber and protein, but white has less sodium and more calcium and iron; the “best” choice really depends on what your personal nutritional needs are.

How many calories are in Hawaiian poke? ›

The number of calories in a poke bowl can vary widely depending on the ingredients and portion size. A standard serving can range from 500 to 800 calories. It's essential to be mindful of the toppings and sauces you choose if you're watching your calorie intake.

Is sushi or poke bowl healthier? ›

In the end, the bowl might be higher in calories compared with the roll, but you'll get a better nutritional profile and fewer empty carbs.

How many calories in a volcano poke bowl? ›

Sushi Shop Poke Bowls Volcano White Rice (1 serving) contains 51g total carbs, 49g net carbs, 22g fat, 22g protein, and 490 calories.

Are poke bowls good for skin? ›

Raw ahi tuna is a popular choice, except poke bowls with wild caught ocean salmon are the best choice for acne prone skin. Traditional poke bowls contain tuna. This particular fish isn't approved for an acne-safe diet due to the large amounts of iodine it contains.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carlyn Walter

Last Updated:

Views: 5878

Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carlyn Walter

Birthday: 1996-01-03

Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374

Phone: +8501809515404

Job: Manufacturing Technician

Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.