Ever wondered how to bring a bit of the Hawaiian sunshine to your dining table? This salmon avocado poke bowl recipe is your answer. Bursting with flavors and loaded with nutrients, it's a simple yet elegant dish that can be prepared right in your kitchen.
The primary ingredients for this recipe are short grain white rice, sashimi grade salmon, and avocado. Short grain white rice is often used in sushi and other Asian dishes for its stickiness and mild flavor. Sashimi grade salmon, which is raw salmon safe for consumption, may not be readily available in all supermarkets but can usually be found in Asian markets or specialty seafood stores. Avocado adds a creamy texture and is a great source of healthy fats.
Ingredients for Salmon Avocado Poke Bowl
Short grain white rice: This type of rice is often used in Asian cuisine for its stickiness and mild flavor. It absorbs flavors well, making it perfect for a poke bowl.
Sashimi grade salmon: This is raw salmon that's safe to eat. It's incredibly flavorful and has a rich, buttery texture.
Soy sauce: It's a common Asian condiment that adds a savory, umami flavor to dishes.
Rice vinegar: This vinegar is milder and sweeter than regular white vinegar. It helps balance out the flavors in the poke bowl.
Sugar: A pinch of sugar is used to slightly sweeten the dressing.
Sesame oil: This oil has a strong, nutty flavor. It's used sparingly to add depth to the dish.
Garlic powder: This is made from ground dried garlic and provides a consistent garlic flavor throughout the dish.
Scallions: These are also known as green onions and add a mild, oniony flavor to the poke bowl.
Cucumber: This adds a refreshing crunch to the poke bowl.
Radish: Adds a peppery flavor and a nice crunch to the poke bowl.
Avocado: This fruit adds creaminess to the poke bowl and is a great source of healthy fats.
Furikake: This is a Japanese seasoning made from seaweed, sesame seeds, and other ingredients. It adds a burst of umami flavor.
Red pepper flakes: These add a bit of heat to the poke bowl. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
One reader, Fidela Bender says:
This salmon avocado poke bowl recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh salmon, creamy avocado, and flavorful dressing is simply divine. The dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It's a healthy and satisfying meal that I can't get enough of. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making a Salmon Avocado Poke Bowl
How to cook the rice: Rinse the rice under cool water, rubbing it gently with hands until the water isn't quite so cloudy. Then cook the rice according to package instructions or in a rice cooker. Fluff and keep covered until ready to eat.
How to prepare the salmon: Gently pat the salmon all over to ensure there are no pin bones still lodged in the fillet. If there are, use needle-nosed pliers to remove them. Cut the salmon into ½-inch cubes and set aside.
How to make the dressing: In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and garlic powder. The garlic powder and sugar will not dissolve completely, but that's fine.
How to serve the poke bowl: Divide the rice between each bowl and then the salmon. Top with the rest of the sliced scallions, sliced cucumber, sliced radishes, diced avocado, furikake, and red pepper flakes, if desired. The poke bowl is best enjoyed immediately.
How To Make Salmon Avocado Poke Bowl
This poke bowl is a refreshing, light Hawaiian dish made with salmon in soy sesame dressing. It’s served with rice and avocados for topping.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Poke Bowl:
- 1cupshort grain white rice
- 1lbsashimi grade salmon
- ¼cupsoy sauce
- 1½tbsprice vinegar
- ½tbspsugar
- 1tspsesame oil,toasted
- ¼tspgarlic powder
- 2,scallions,thinly sliced
Other Toppings For the Bowl:
- cucumber,sliced
- radish,sliced
- 1largeavocado,cubed
- furikake
- red pepper flakes
Instructions
Rice:
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Start the rice first and prep the rest of the ingredients while it cooks.
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Rinse the rice a few times under cool water, rubbing it gently with hands, until the water isn’t quite so cloudy.
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Then cook the rice according to package instructions or in a rice cooker. Fluff and keep covered until ready to eat.
Salmon:
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Gently pat the salmon all over to make sure that there are no pin bones still lodged in the fillet. If there are, use needle-nosed pliers to remove them.
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Cut the salmon into ½-inch cubes. Add the salmon into a medium bowl and set aside.
Dressing:
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In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and garlic powder. The garlic powder and sugar will not dissolve completely, but that’s fine.
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Add the sliced scallions to the bowl with the salmon, saving 1 to 2 tablespoons for garnish. Add the soy sauce mixture to the salmon and scallions.
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Using a large spoon or a rubber spatula, gently mix the salmon with the soy sauce mixture.
To Serve:
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Divide the rice between each bowl and then the salmon. Top with the rest of the sliced scallions, sliced cucumber, sliced radishes, diced avocado, furikake, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
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The poke bowl is best enjoyed immediately.
Nutrition
- Calories: 486.71kcal
- Fat: 34.21g
- Saturated Fat: 6.62g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.52g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.09g
- Carbohydrates: 11.25g
- Fiber: 6.06g
- Sugar: 2.96g
- Protein: 34.51g
- Cholesterol: 83.16mg
- Sodium: 1264.26mg
- Calcium: 38.55mg
- Potassium: 1078.40mg
- Iron: 1.45mg
- Vitamin A: 10.86µg
- Vitamin C: 16.15mg
Technique Tip for Assembling the Perfect Poke Bowl
When cutting the sashimi grade salmon into cubes, it's important to use a very sharp knife. This will ensure clean, even cuts and prevent the fish from tearing or becoming ragged. Additionally, make sure to cut against the grain of the fish. This will make the salmon more tender and easier to eat. It's also a good idea to chill the salmon in the freezer for about 15 minutes before cutting. This will firm up the flesh, making it easier to handle and cut into neat, uniform cubes.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing a Poke Bowl
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, marinate the salmon, and cook the rice in advance to streamline the process.
Use a food processor: Quickly chop vegetables and herbs for the poke bowl using a food processor to save time and effort.
Multi-task: While the rice is cooking, prepare the salmon and chop the toppings to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Organize your ingredients: Arrange all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe before you start to cook for a smoother cooking process.
Invest in quality tools: Quality knives and kitchen tools can make prep work faster and more efficient, saving you time in the long run.
Batch cooking: Consider making a larger batch of the poke bowl ingredients to enjoy leftovers for another meal, saving time on future meal prep.
Substitute Ingredients For Salmon Avocado Poke Bowl Recipe
short grain white rice - Substitute with sushi rice: Sushi rice has a similar texture and stickiness, making it a suitable substitute for short grain white rice in a poke bowl.
sashimi grade salmon - Substitute with ahi tuna: Ahi tuna has a similar texture and flavor profile to salmon, making it a great alternative for a poke bowl.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and provides a similar umami flavor to enhance the dish.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for rice vinegar to add a tangy flavor to the dish.
sesame oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild, nutty flavor that can replace the richness of sesame oil in the recipe.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Using fresh minced garlic can provide a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a milder substitute for scallions to add a delicate onion flavor to the dish.
cucumber - Substitute with daikon radish: Daikon radish can offer a similar crunchy texture and mild flavor to cucumbers in the poke bowl.
radish - Substitute with watermelon radish: Watermelon radish can be used as a colorful and slightly milder alternative to regular radishes in the bowl.
avocado - Substitute with mango: Mango can provide a sweet and creamy alternative to avocado, adding a tropical twist to the poke bowl.
furikake - Substitute with toasted sesame seeds and nori flakes: A mixture of toasted sesame seeds and nori flakes can replicate the savory and umami flavors of furikake.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can add a spicy kick and depth of flavor similar to red pepper flakes in the poke bowl.
Best Way to Present a Salmon Avocado Poke Bowl
Elevate the rice presentation: Mold the cooked short grain white rice into a perfect round shape using a small bowl or a mold to create a visually appealing base for the poke bowl.
Artfully arrange the salmon cubes: Place the sashimi grade salmon cubes on top of the rice in a precise and visually appealing pattern, ensuring each piece is showcased elegantly.
Incorporate vibrant colors with the toppings: Slice the cucumber and radish into thin, uniform pieces and arrange them around the salmon, creating a visually stunning contrast of colors and textures.
Create an avocado rose: Skillfully slice the large avocado and fan it out in a delicate rose shape, placing it strategically on the bowl to add a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Sprinkle with furikake delicately: Gently sprinkle the furikake over the bowl, ensuring an even distribution to add a burst of umami flavor and a visually appealing texture.
Garnish with a touch of heat: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes sparingly over the bowl to provide a pop of color and a hint of heat, enhancing the overall visual presentation.
Essential Tools for Making a Poke Bowl
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing various components of a dish.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking vessel with a handle, used for making sauces, boiling liquids, and cooking small quantities of food.
- Rice cooker: A kitchen appliance used to cook rice automatically, producing consistently cooked rice.
- Needle-nosed pliers: Used for removing any pin bones from fish fillets.
- Rubber spatula: A flexible kitchen tool used for scraping, mixing, and spreading ingredients.
- Large spoon: Used for stirring, serving, and transferring food.
- Small bowl: Used for mixing dressings, sauces, or small quantities of ingredients.
- Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Rice vinegar: A mild and slightly sweet vinegar commonly used in Asian cuisine.
- Soy sauce: A savory, salty condiment used to season and flavor dishes.
- Sesame oil: A fragrant oil made from sesame seeds, often used in Asian cooking for its rich, nutty flavor.
- Furikake: A Japanese seasoning blend typically sprinkled over rice or poke bowls for added flavor and texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Poke Bowl
The best way to reheat leftover salmon avocado poke bowl is to separate the components and reheat them individually. This will ensure that each ingredient maintains its optimal texture and flavor.
Start by removing the salmon, avocado, and any other cold toppings (like cucumber or radish) from the rice. Place the cold ingredients in separate containers and set them aside.
For the rice, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave the rice on high for 1-2 minutes, or until it's heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the rice in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warm and slightly crispy.
If you prefer your salmon slightly warm, you can quickly sear it in a hot skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. Be careful not to overcook the fish, as it can easily dry out and lose its tender texture.
Once the rice and salmon are heated to your liking, reassemble the poke bowl by placing the rice in the bottom of the bowl and arranging the salmon, avocado, and other toppings over the rice.
Drizzle any remaining dressing or soy sauce over the top of the bowl, and sprinkle with furikake or red pepper flakes for added flavor and texture.
If you find that the avocado has turned brown or mushy after being stored in the refrigerator, it's best to replace it with freshly sliced avocado for optimal taste and presentation.
Remember, when reheating any dish with raw fish, it's essential to consume it within 24 hours of initial preparation and ensure that it has been stored properly in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
Random Fact About Salmon Avocado Poke Bowls
The poke bowl is a traditional Hawaiian dish that has gained popularity worldwide. It is a versatile and customizable dish, allowing for a variety of toppings and flavors to be added to the base of rice and fish. This dish is not only delicious but also provides a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon and healthy fats from the avocado. It's a great way to enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal that is both flavorful and visually appealing.
Is Making a Poke Bowl at Home Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this salmon avocado poke bowl recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of the ingredients in your area. Sashimi-grade salmon can be a bit pricey, but the dish can be made more budget-friendly by using frozen salmon or opting for a different type of fish. The versatility of the recipe allows for adjustments based on budget constraints. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4: $25-$30, depending on the quality of the ingredients and where they are purchased.
Is This Poke Bowl Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The salmon avocado poke bowl recipe is generally a healthy dish, offering several nutritional benefits:
- Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health
- Avocado provides healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber
- Vegetables like cucumber and radish add vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- Brown rice is a whole grain that provides complex carbohydrates and fiber
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The recipe calls for white rice, which is a refined grain. Swapping white rice for brown rice or quinoa would increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Soy sauce is high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure if consumed in excess. Using low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos would be a healthier alternative
- The recipe doesn't specify the amount of sugar used in the dressing. Reducing or omitting the sugar would lower the overall sugar content of the dish
To further enhance the nutritional value of this poke bowl, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding shredded carrots, edamame, or seaweed salad
- Include a source of probiotics, such as pickled ginger or kimchi, to support gut health
- Sprinkle the bowl with a tablespoon of chopped nuts or seeds, like macadamia nuts or sesame seeds, for added healthy fats and crunch
- Use a mix of brown and wild rice for a more diverse nutrient profile and interesting texture
- Experiment with different types of fish, such as tuna or yellowtail, to vary the flavor and nutrient composition of the dish
Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Poke Bowl Recipe
The salmon avocado poke bowl recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The sashimi-grade salmon, marinated in a savory soy-based dressing, pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado and crunchy vegetables. The dish is well-balanced and visually appealing, making it a perfect choice for a light and satisfying meal. The combination of fresh ingredients and the umami-rich furikake creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will surely impress your taste buds. Enjoy this vibrant and nourishing poke bowl for a delightful culinary experience.
Enhance Your Salmon Avocado Poke Bowl Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Other Poke Bowl Variations to Try
Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Your Poke Bowl Meal
Why trust this Salmon Avocado Poke Bowl Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of fresh, high-quality sashimi grade salmon and creamy avocado, providing a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients. The carefully balanced combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in the dressing infuses the salmon with a burst of savory flavors. The addition of cucumber and radish adds a refreshing crunch, while the creamy avocado lends a buttery texture. Topped with furikake and a hint of red pepper flakes, this vibrant poke bowl promises a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
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