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    Home » Recipes » Entrees

    Seared Tuna Poke Bowl

    Published: Mar 3, 2022 · Modified: Aug 27, 2020 by Bowl Me Over · 28 Comments

    Seared high-quality, sushi-grade fish, thinly sliced and served over warm rice and served with your favorite toppings! You'll love this great recipe!
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Perfectly seared ahi tuna is diced and mixed with slivers of white onions and a sweet soy sauce. Then the seared tuna poke bowl is topped with thinly sliced jalapeños, cilantro and sesame seeds!

    If you enjoy this recipe, try Korean Black Bean Noodles next - filled with flavor and slurpy goodness!

    Tuna poke bowl with avocado, cucumber and jalapeños.
    Ahi Tuna Poke Bowls
    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • FAQ's
    • Tips
    • Variations
    • Related Recipes
    • Serve with
    • Seared Ahi Tuna Poke Recipe

    Why you'll love this recipe

    I love a great poke bowl and rather than spend the ($15 and up a bowl!) plus the $$ to eat out, you can enjoy this ahi tuna recipe. Trust me, this is easy to make!

    ✔️ It's a great weeknight meal. Only 20 minutes to make!

    ✔️ Fresh ingredients, healthy and delicious!

    ✔️ less expensive than take out!

    In fact it's so good my non-fish-eating hubby said "I could eat this ahi tuna recipe every day of the week!" Yup, it's true!

    When Dan and I first met he turned up his nose at anything "fishy". Not raised on fish or seafood, I have to say I'm proud of him for trying new bites.

    Now we enjoy oysters on the half shell, grilled shrimp, fish tacos and even poke! This makes me a happy gal!

    Ingredients

    Here are the ingredients you'll need for the ahi poke bowl recipe!

    • sushi grade ahi tuna steak - visit your fish monger or meat market for fresh seafood
    • soy sauce
    • sesame seeds and star anise (spice)
    • sesame oil for flavor, corn oil for searing
    • mango
    • white onion
    • avocado

    Instructions

    3 pictures showing step by step directions to build a poke bowl. First a scoop of avocado, then diced mango and seared tuna being mixed with sauce.
    Homemade poke bowls topped with your favorite ingredients!

    Poke bowls are finished with an extra drizzle of sauce, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, Sriracha, chopped nuts, wasabi, pickled ginger - really the combinations are endless!

    Steps to sear tuna

    1. For this meal, start with sushi grade tuna. I go to our local fish market and they slice it fresh. One ½ pound slice is plenty for two servings
    2. Heat your grill pan or grill on high for five minutes, you want your grill screaming hot.
    3. Brush the tuna steak with Mazola® Corn Oil and lightly salt/pepper each side.
    4. Place the steak(s) on the hot grill for 1 minute 30 seconds on side one, flip and grill on side two for another 1 minute 30 seconds. The steak will be perfectly seared on the outside and still pink on the inside.

    Building the bowl

    Seared tuna with sauce being poured over a bowl of rice.
    Top off the bowl with seared ahi tuna poke, slivered onions and all of the sauce!

    Learning how to make this ahi tuna poke bowl recipe is simple! Sear the tuna, you'll want brown or white rice and then choose your favorite topping.

    1. Make the sweet soy sauce, set aside to cool.
    2. Fill bowls with cooked rice.
    3. Mash avocados, place a dollop on each bowl.
    4. Dice seared tuna. Place in a small bowl. Add onions and two tablespoons of sauce, mix well. Pour over warm rice.
    5. Top bowl with minced cilantro, sesame seeds and sliced jalapeños.

    FAQ's

    How do you pronounce Poke?

    Poke (pronounced POH-keh),

    What is Poke?

    Poke is a Hawaiian dish. It's typically diced raw fish or cooked fish that's been marinated. It's tossed in sauce soy sauce based sauce is served over a bowl filled with rice. Optional vegetables or fruit is added and it's often drizzled with additional sauce.

    What kind of seafood is used in Poke?

    sushi-grade tuna, ahi or yellowtail
    salmon
    shrimp
    crab
    squid
    scallops
    if you're state-side you'll often see shredded white meat chicken and seared vegetables too!

    Is tuna poke safe to eat?

    Of course! Make sure you buy sushi grade tuna, especially if you're eating it raw.

    Do you need to cook the tuna?

    No, just be sure to buy sushi grade tuna so it's safe to consume if it's not cooked/fully cooked.

    What type of rice can you use?

    Warm sushi rice, sticky rice, white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice or even basmati rice!

    Bowl topped with with seared tuna, mango, avocado topped with sliced jalapeños and cilantro.
    Best poke bowl recipe!

    Tips

    Traditional poke bowls are packed full of white rice or brown rice. Take it one step further by swapping out the rice for salad greens.

    When you sear the fish, use an oil with a high smoke point. Not all cooking oils have a smoke point that, once exceeded, will negatively affect the food’s flavor but also its nutritional value.

    Finish the bowl with a drizzle of sauce. Often that last drizzle is a mayonnaise based sauce. Though delicious, I recommend a sweet soy sauce or ponzu sauce. It's a great swap and keeps the meal light. A light sauce will celebrates the flavor of the seared tuna rather than mask it.

    Variations

    Poke can have a variety of toppings, I don't recommend doing all of these at once, that would be overwhelming! Pick two or three to top your poke bowl with. Here are some of my favorites.

    • avocado
    • mango
    • seaweed salad
    • edamame
    • grilled shishito peppers
    • kimchi
    • diced cucumbers or a cucumber salad
    • sliced green onions
    • sliced red onion
    • wedges of lime and fresh lime juice
    • masago
    • sliced jalapeños
    • white or black sesame seeds
    • cilantro
    • peanuts or cashews
    • pickled ginger
    • edamame beans
    • macadamia nuts
    • wasabi
    • red pepper flakes
    • fried onions
    • top with a drizzle of spicy mayo

    Related Recipes

    • Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe - one of my most favorite recipes! Sweet grilled teriyaki chicken - so good!
    • This is another great quick and easy recipe, Korean BBQ Beef Bowl - great simple marinade with so much flavor!
    • Teriyaki Noodles that are better than take-out! This is a great quick and easy meal. Add some protein like leftover rotisserie chicken or thinly sliced steak if you'd prefer something meaty.
    • You'll really enjoy the combination of spices in this recipe for a Korean Style Beef Broccoli Rice Bowl
    • Easy Homemade Ramen Bowl - YUM! Be sure to make that poached egg for the top. It totally makes the meal.

    Serve with

    • I love using the flavors in the cilantro lime rice recipe and have used the flavorings with brown rice as well.
    • Topping the bowl with mashed avocado is delicious! You can use diced mango, spicy mango salsa or this strawberry salsa, YUM!
    • Serve a platter of teriyaki ramen noodles on the side along with homemade pot stickers - so good!

    A seared tuna poke bowl is easier to make than you think! Rice topped with a dollop of mashed avocado and diced mango - so simple! Mixing the tuna with slivers of white onions and sauce gives it so much flavor!

    Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️

    If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! 

    Poke bowl with seared tuna, avocado and mango chunks.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    4.85 from 13 votes

    Seared Ahi Tuna Poke Recipe

    Seared high-quality, sushi-grade fish, thinly sliced and served over warm rice and served with your favorite toppings! You'll love this great recipe!
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Course: Lunch or Dinner
    Cuisine: Asian
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 660kcal
    Author: Deb Clark
    Cost: $20
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Ingredients

    • ½ pound fresh ahi tuna steak sushi grade, ahi tuna recommended
    • 1 cup soy sauce
    • ½ cup brown sugar
    • ½ cup water
    • 4 tablespoon white onion slice the onion into slivers
    • 1 mango peeled and diced
    • ½ lemon juiced
    • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted plus additional teaspoon for garnish
    • 1 tablespoon corn or vegetable oil
    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    • 1 star anise
    • 1 jalapeños sliced
    • 2 tablespoon cilantro minced

    Instructions

    • Start by making the sweet soy sauce. Place small heavy bottom pan over medium high heat. Combine soy sauce and the brown sugar, water and star anise. Bring to a boil and stir until the brown sugar dissolves.
    • Reduce heat to medium and stir occasionally. Continuing cooking for about ten minutes. It will reduce and slightly thicken.
    • Remove from heat, remove star anise. Add *toasted sesame seeds and sesame oil. Set aside to cool. Store it in a screw top jar in the refrigerator. This will keep for about two weeks.
    • Peel the mango and dice.
    • Slice the avocado in half. Remove the pit. Scoop out the flesh and mash together with freshly squeezed lemon. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
    • Slice jalapeños and mince cilantro.
    • For the seared tuna, heat your grill pan or grill on high for five minutes, you want your grill screaming hot.
    • Brush the tuna steak with Mazola® Corn Oil and lightly salt/pepper each side.
    • Place the steak(s) on the hot grill for 1 minute 30 seconds side one, flip and grill on side two for another 1 minute 30 seconds. The steak will be perfectly seared on the outside and still pink on the inside.
    • Remove from the heat and dice into cubes.
    • Add cooked rice and or salad greens to a bowl.
    • Add a scoop of avocado and diced mango to each bowl.
    • Mix the cubed tuna and slivered white onions with about 4-5 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce. Split between the two bowls, pouring the excess sauce over the bowls.
    • Garnish each poke bowl with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños and sesame seeds.

    Notes

    * To toast sesame seeds, place a heavy fry pan (cast iron works great) over low heat.
    Add the sesame seeds and roast them dry. Keep an eye on them, it only takes minutes. If you can smell them toasting they are done!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 660kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 6545mg | Potassium: 830mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 68g | Vitamin A: 3470IU | Vitamin C: 54.1mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 5.4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @BowlMeOver or tag #BowlMeOver!

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    First published. March 23, 2018, updated March 3, 2022 with better instructions

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    About Bowl Me Over

    Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Emily Bell Watson

      November 08, 2021 at 10:06 am

      3 stars
      Why Mazola?

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        November 08, 2021 at 12:05 pm

        I prefer using corn oil as it has a high smoke point. If you prefer another oil, by all means use that!

        Reply
    2. Julie

      April 02, 2018 at 6:53 am

      5 stars
      This tuna poke looks so delicious! I just love all of the flavors and textures. I don't need one more thing. This is a complete and delicious dinner and would be a stunner for entertaining!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        April 03, 2018 at 7:41 pm

        Absolutely! And so quick and easy you'd definitely WOW your guests - enjoy Julie!!

        Reply
    3. Madi

      March 31, 2018 at 9:33 am

      5 stars
      I love tuna poke! Making it at home is a brilliant idea!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        April 01, 2018 at 1:39 pm

        Me too - enjoy Madi! I hope get a chance to make this at home!

        Reply
    4. michele

      March 30, 2018 at 6:17 pm

      5 stars
      I cant believe what a difference the star anise made in this, so subtle but made it just sing! Loving your recipe!!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        April 01, 2018 at 12:06 pm

        Thank you Michele, I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe!

        Reply
    5. Michele Phillips

      March 30, 2018 at 2:51 pm

      5 stars
      We LOVE poke, but I've never made it at home... That's about to change, though! Love this recipe and all the ingredient options you've provided!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        April 01, 2018 at 12:07 pm

        Poke is one of my fav meals! Love the versatility that's offered with it - enjoy Michele!!

        Reply
    6. Jennifer A Stewart

      March 30, 2018 at 12:55 pm

      5 stars
      I keep hearing everyone talk about the health benefits of salmon but I just can't seem to like it. I much prefer tuna! It is the perfect canvas for so many flavors. I love that all you have to do is sear the sides briefly and then toss it with all the other goodies. Thanks for the shopping list too!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        April 01, 2018 at 12:11 pm

        You'll love this then! The sauce lightly coats the fish and so nicely flavors the meal - enjoy!

        Reply
    7. Sandra Shaffer

      March 29, 2018 at 10:30 pm

      5 stars
      Poke is a dish I would eat often when we lived in Hawaii, but I’ve never made it myself. Love the sweet mango and jalapeños together that you added. This is good to be good!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        April 01, 2018 at 12:15 pm

        Enjoy Sandra, I hope it takes you right back to the Islands! Aloha!

        Reply
    8. Michaela Kenkel

      March 29, 2018 at 8:15 pm

      5 stars
      I LOVE poke!! I have never attempted to make it at home! That's changing!! Thank . you!!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        April 01, 2018 at 12:16 pm

        You'll love this then! It's so easy and that sauce is delicious! Thanks for stopping by Michaela!

        Reply
    9. Ashlyn

      March 29, 2018 at 7:14 pm

      5 stars
      I looooove poke! We used to eat it all of the time when we were living in Hawaii. It’s one of the things I miss the most! I love that I have your recipe now to make it at home! It looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        April 01, 2018 at 12:20 pm

        Ashlyn you should definitely give this a try! Bring that Island spirit home - enjoy!

        Reply
    10. debi at Life Currents

      March 27, 2018 at 6:57 am

      5 stars
      How did you know that this is one of my favorite meals! Thanks so much for the great recipe! Yum!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        March 29, 2018 at 4:49 am

        You're so welcome Debi, enjoy!

        Reply
    11. Angela

      March 27, 2018 at 6:10 am

      5 stars
      I am a huge fan of poke bowls but haven't yet tried to make my own! We've got a great local fish place nearby, I need to go get some tuna and make this asap! Looks fantastic!!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        March 29, 2018 at 4:54 am

        Thank you Angela, homemade is even better. This is one of our favorite meals!

        Reply
    12. Liza

      March 25, 2018 at 12:44 am

      5 stars
      Can you believe that I was JUST wondering if I could ever make a poke myself? I LOVE poke! Yet it's SO expensive and so hard to find the good one, even here in LA! I LOVE this recipe! I'd never think I could make it myself, but now I know that I can! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        March 25, 2018 at 8:21 pm

        Totally Liza, you got this! Homemade poke is even better at home. You’ll have this on the table in a snap - enjoy!

        Reply
    13. Ang Paris

      March 23, 2018 at 5:10 pm

      This looks incredible! Pinning for later 🙂

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        March 25, 2018 at 8:22 pm

        Wonderful - I hope you really enjoy it Ang!!!

        Reply
    14. Lois

      March 23, 2018 at 2:41 pm

      5 stars
      This looks really good. Maybe if I try hard I can even make it as its really straight forward in how to do it. Love new things to try.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        March 25, 2018 at 8:23 pm

        You certainly can Lois - I know you’ll enjoy it too. Thank you for your support of the blog!!

        Reply

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