Escape to the islands with this vibrant and incredibly satisfying Fresh and Flavorful Poke Bowl recipe. Originating in Hawaii, poke bowls are a healthy, customizable meal built around marinated raw fish, served over rice with an assortment of fresh vegetables and savory sauces. This version focuses on high-quality, sushi-grade Ahi Tuna, tossed in a classic, umami-rich soy-sesame marinade that perfectly balances freshness with a punch of savory flavor. It’s an easy-to-assemble dish that’s perfect for a quick, nutritious lunch or a light, impressive dinner.
Ditch the takeout menu—making a professional-grade poke bowl at home is simpler than you think! The key is using the freshest ingredients and letting the tuna marinate just long enough to soak up the sauce without being overpowered. This recipe guides you through preparing the perfect sticky rice base, dicing the tuna, and layering your bowl with complementary textures and colors, from creamy avocado to crunchy cucumber. Get ready for a delicious meal that captures the essence of a Hawaiian vacation in a single bowl.
Ready to dive into the full recipe?
Scroll down for all the details on ingredients, directions, and helpful tips.
Fresh and Flavorful Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl Recipe
Course: AppetizersCuisine: Hawaii, USADifficulty: Medium3
servings20
minutes20
minutes550
kcalIngredients
1 cup uncooked brown rice (or quinoa for gluten-free option)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
½ pound sushi-grade ahi tuna, cubed into ½-inch pieces
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ cup orange-fleshed sweet potato, roasted and cubed (optional)
½ cup shelled edamame, steamed
¼ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons pickled ginger (gari)
2 tablespoons nori strips or seaweed salad
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (white or black)
2 green onions, sliced diagonally
2 tablespoons spicy mayo (mix 1 tbsp mayonnaise + 1 tsp sriracha)
Furikake seasoning (optional, for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Cook brown rice according to package instructions. Let it cool slightly before using.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and grated ginger. Set aside.
- Place the cubed ahi tuna in a non-reactive bowl and pour half of the marinade over it. Gently toss and let sit for 5–10 minutes in the refrigerator.
- While the tuna marinates, prepare all your toppings: slice avocado, dice cucumber, shred carrots, slice green onions, etc.
- Divide the cooled rice between two wide, shallow bowls.
- Arrange the marinated tuna and all prepared toppings in sections over the rice for a beautiful presentation.
- Drizzle each bowl with spicy mayo and remaining marinade.
- Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds, furikake, and nori strips.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for a bright, citrusy kick.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Always use sushi-grade fish from a trusted source when consuming raw seafood.
- For a vegan version, replace tuna with marinated tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Customize your bowl with seasonal ingredients like mango in summer or roasted squash in fall.
- Spicy mayo can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Avoid marinating tuna too long as the acid can start to “cook” the fish, altering its texture.

🧊 Storing Tips for the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl Recipe :
- Store leftover poke bowl components separately to maintain freshness and texture.
- Marinated tuna should be consumed within 24 hours and kept refrigerated.
- Cooked rice can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Cut avocado will brown quickly — store with lemon juice or plastic wrap directly on the surface.
- Assemble bowls fresh when ready to eat for best flavor and crunch.
- Spicy mayo and marinade can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
FAQs:
Can I use frozen tuna for this poke bowl?
Yes! Use previously frozen sushi-grade tuna, as freezing kills parasites and makes it safer for raw consumption.
Is this poke bowl gluten-free?
It can be! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients (like spicy mayo) are certified gluten-free.
Can I cook the tuna instead of serving it raw?
Absolutely. Sear the tuna briefly in a hot pan for a seared ahi poke variation.
What are some good substitutes for ahi tuna?
Salmon is a popular alternative. You can also try cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or marinated tofu.
How do I make this poke bowl lower in calories?
Reduce the rice portion, increase greens, skip the spicy mayo, and add more non-starchy vegetables.
Where can I buy sushi-grade fish?
Look for it at high-end grocery stores (like Whole Foods), local fish markets, or reputable online seafood suppliers.
Poke Bowl Quiz
Did You Tried This Recipe?
So fresh and delicious
The flavors in this Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl were perfectly balanced light, healthy, and so easy to make. I’ll definitely make it again!
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