Salmon Poke Bowl Recipe: A Fresh & Flavorful Meal
The salmon poke bowl has exploded in popularity, and for good reason! It's a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly customizable meal that's perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. This recipe provides a delicious base, but feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients to create your perfect bowl.
What is a Poke Bowl?
Poke (pronounced poh-kay) is a Hawaiian dish traditionally consisting of cubed raw fish, typically ahi tuna, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and seaweed. The modern poke bowl expands on this, incorporating a base of rice or quinoa, along with a variety of colorful and flavorful toppings.
Ingredients for your Salmon Poke Bowl
This recipe serves 2. Adjust quantities as needed.
For the Salmon:
- 1 lb sushi-grade salmon fillet, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice (or quinoa for a gluten-free option)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup edamame, shelled
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons seaweed salad
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sriracha or other hot sauce (optional)
Instructions: Making the Perfect Salmon Poke Bowl
1. Marinate the Salmon: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed salmon, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using). Gently toss to coat the salmon evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for maximum flavor. Don't marinate for longer than 30 minutes to prevent over-marinating the salmon.
2. Prepare the Rice/Quinoa: While the salmon marinates, cook your rice or quinoa according to package directions. Let it cool slightly before assembling the bowls.
3. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice or quinoa evenly between two bowls. Top with the marinated salmon, avocado slices, edamame, shredded carrots, cucumber, red onion, and seaweed salad.
4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha (optional) before serving immediately.
Tips for the Best Salmon Poke Bowl
- Sushi-grade salmon is crucial: This ensures the salmon is safe to eat raw. Look for bright pink salmon with a firm texture.
- Don't over-marinate: Over-marinating can make the salmon mushy.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different vegetables, fruits (like mango or pineapple), and sauces to create your own unique poke bowl. Consider adding pickled ginger, crispy onions, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the salmon marinade and chop the vegetables in advance. Assemble the bowls just before serving for the freshest taste.
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Enjoy your delicious and healthy salmon poke bowl! Remember to share your creations and variations on social media using relevant hashtags!