Healthy Homemade Poké Bowl Recipe
A little recipe all the way from Hawaii where I am at the moment taking a little bit of time out (and struggling not to work clearly...).
Poké bowls have gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reason. These colourful and delicious bowls offer a fresh and flavourful combination of ingredients that are both visually appealing and nutritionally satisfying.
While store-bought Poké bowls can sometimes be packed with sugar-laden sauces and seaweed "salads," creating your own at home allows you to take control of the ingredients and make a healthier, customised version.
In this article, we'll introduce you to a homemade poke bowl recipe that's not only delicious but also nutritious, featuring a salad base instead of rice and unprocessed protein options. So, a Healthy Homemade Poké Bowl Recipe... here we go.
The Beauty of Homemade Poké Bowls
Poké bowls are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes. We eat with our eyes first, and the vibrant colours and creative arrangements of ingredients in a poke bowl can be truly captivating. This visual appeal enhances our dining experience and, interestingly, even helps kickstart our digestive processes. So, why not try making your own stunning and healthy poke bowl at home?
Ingredients You'll Need:
Protein:
Fresh prawns (an affordable and delicious option)
Or, for a more traditional choice, you can use raw salmon, fresh tuna, or white fish, cubed into bite-sized pieces.
Salad Base:
Fresh, crisp salad greens, such as mixed lettuce, spinach.
OR make courgette/ zucchini noodles
Chopped Veggies & Fruit:
Capsicum (bell peppers), sliced into thin strips.
Cucumber, thinly sliced or cut into matchsticks or slices.
Edamame beans
Chopped pineapple, adding a sweet tropical twist.
Sweet corn, fresh or steamed (optional)
Chopped Avocado.
Terrific Toppings:
Pickled ginger, for a tangy and slightly spicy kick.
Sesame seeds, which add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Crumbled seaweed, which you can buy in sheets from the supermarket, for a taste of the ocean.
Sauces:
Gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos, which provide that classic umami flavor without the gluten.
Something spicy, like Tabasco or Sriracha, to add a fiery kick.
Something tart or tangy, such as fresh lemon or lime juice, to balance the flavors.
Sesame oil, a delicious source of healthy fat that imparts a delightful nuttiness.
Instructions:
Start by preparing your choice of protein. If you're using prawns, you can sauté them in a bit of sesame oil until they turn pink and opaque - or cheat and buy the cooked version which is my go to! For raw fish, ensure it's fresh and free of bones, and then cube it into bite-sized pieces.
On a plate or in a bowl, create a bed of fresh salad greens. These will form the base of your poke bowl.
Arrange your chopped veggies and fruit on top of the greens. Be creative with your presentation, arranging them in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
Place your cooked or raw protein of choice on top of the veggies and fruit.
Add your desired toppings, such as pickled ginger, sesame seeds, and crumbled seaweed, for an extra burst of flavour and texture.
In a small bowl, mix your chosen sauces: gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos, something spicy (like Tabasco), something tart or tangy (fresh lemon or lime juice), and a drizzle of sesame oil. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste.
Drizzle the sauce over the entire poke bowl, or serve it on the side for individual dipping.
An alternative that I have done before... is to serve them up as DIY make your own Poké Bowls... amazing for a family dinner where kids (and grown ups!) get to add and choose their own toppings.
Homemade Poké bowls offer a delightful blend of flavours and textures while allowing you to control the ingredients and make healthier choices. The salad base and fresh, unprocessed protein options make this recipe a perfect choice for a nutritious and satisfying spring lunch.
So, why not give it a try and enjoy the delightful combination of colours, flavours, and health benefits in your own homemade Poké bowl?
Your taste buds and your body will thank you for it!
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