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The Recipe · No.481 · Poke Bowl

Poke Bowl, and where to source it

Poke Bowl — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Poke Bowl Hawaiian 5best2buy.com

The whole dish lives or dies on the fish, so this is a place to buy sashimi-grade tuna and use it the day you get it. Cut against the grain into clean half-inch cubes and dress it no more than 15 minutes ahead, or the soy will start to cure the surface and turn it chalky.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook0 min
Makes2 bowls
CuisineHawaiian
Cost$$$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten · fish · soy · sesame
Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 2 bowls
Sashimi-grade ahi tuna
The center of the bowl; buy it fresh from a fishmonger and use it same-day.
3/4 lb
Local / market
Soy sauce
The salty backbone of the marinade; use a naturally brewed shoyu.
3 tbsp
Toasted sesame oil
A few drops carry the whole dressing; too much turns it bitter.
1 tsp
Short-grain rice
Sticky warm rice is the base; season it lightly or leave it plain.
1 cup dry
Toasted sesame seeds
Stirred in and scattered on top for nutty crunch.
1 tbsp
Avocado, cucumber, scallion & nori
Fresh toppings for fat, crunch, and green bite; slice just before serving.
to taste
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Cook the riceRinse rice until the water runs clear, cook, and let it steam 10 minutes; keep it warm.
  2. Cut the fishWith a sharp knife, cut the tuna against the grain into 1/2-inch cubes and keep them cold.
  3. Mix the dressingWhisk soy, sesame oil, a little grated ginger, and half the sesame seeds.
  4. Dress the fishFold the tuna into the dressing no more than 15 minutes before serving so it stays glossy, not cured.
  5. Build the bowlSpoon rice into bowls, pile on the tuna, and top with avocado, cucumber, scallion, and torn nori.
The Toolkit

Sharp slicing knife · Rice cooker · Cutting board · Mixing bowls

Straight Answers
Can you make Poke Bowl in an air fryer? — Not needed

No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.

Can you freeze Poke Bowl? — Not ideal

Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.

Can you make Poke Bowl ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Poke Bowl gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).

Is Poke Bowl vegan? — No

No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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