How to Make a Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl at Home: A Simple Guide

Ingredients

For the Poke Bowl

• Fresh Sushi-Grade Tuna: 1 pound, diced into ½-inch cubes
• Cooked Sushi Rice: 2 cups
• Nori Sheets: 2 sheets, cut into thin strips
• Green Onions: 2, finely chopped
• Cucumber: 1 medium, julienned
• Avocado: 1 ripe, sliced
• Pickled Ginger: ½ cup (optional)

For the Spicy Tuna Marinade

• Soy Sauce: ¼ cup
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon
• Sriracha Sauce: 1 to 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
• Chili Oil: 1 teaspoon (optional for extra heat)
• Rice Vinegar: 1 teaspoon
• Sugar: ½ teaspoon
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated

For Garnishing

• Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon, toasted
• Microgreens: for garnish (optional)
• Wasabi: to taste (optional)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

1. Rinse the Rice: Begin by rinsing 1 cup of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This process removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.

2. Cook the Rice: Combine the rinsed rice with 1 ¼ cups of water in a rice cooker or saucepan. If using a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes to steam.

3. Season the Rice: While the rice is steaming, prepare a seasoning mixture with 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Heat in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Once the rice has rested, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture using a wooden spoon or rice paddle.

Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Tuna

1. Dice the Tuna: Make sure to handle your sushi-grade tuna with care. Using a sharp knife, cut the tuna into ½-inch cubes. Place the diced tuna in a medium-sized bowl.

2. Mix the Marinade: In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, Sriracha, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional chili oil. Whisk until well mixed.

3. Marinate the Tuna: Pour the marinade over the diced tuna and gently mix, ensuring that all pieces are coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Garnishes

1. Slice the Avocado: Choose a ripe avocado and slice it into wedges or small cubes.

2. Julienne the Cucumber: Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, remove any seeds if desired, and then slice it into thin strips (julienne).

3. Chop the Green Onions: Finely chop the green onions. You can use both the green and white parts for an added crunch.

4. Toast the Sesame Seeds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Assemble the Poke Bowl

1. Serve the Rice: Start by placing a generous scoop of sushi rice at the bottom of each bowl. Use a wet spatula or spoon to mold it into a base.

2. Add the Marinated Tuna: Spoon the spicy tuna mixture over the rice, distributing it evenly.

3. Layer the Vegetables: Arrange the sliced avocado, julienned cucumber, and chopped green onions aesthetically around the tuna.

4. Include Seaweed and Garnishes: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top. For added flavor and visual appeal, garnish with nori strips, pickled ginger, and microgreens if available.

5. Add Wasabi: If preferred, include a small dollop of wasabi on the side for an extra kick.

Tips for the Best Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl

• Quality Ingredients: The key to a delicious poke bowl lies in the quality of the fish. Always opt for sushi-grade tuna from a reputable source.

• Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to adjust the toppings based on your preference. Try adding radishes, edamame, or mango for different textures and flavors.

• Experiment with Heat: Adjust the amount of Sriracha and chili oil in the marinade to