Some call it random, we call it intentional. Poke bowls are sitting pretty in the spotlight of world food trends at the moment, and we’re here to break down what goes into these super-customizable bowls of goodness!
More than a meal, this adventure in a bowl is rooted in Hawaiian cuisine and history. Poke bowls combine fresh, tasty ingredients to create a balanced blend of flavors and textures, standing out for their adaptability. Let’s dive into all the ways you can take this meal and truly make it your own.
Create an Ingredient List for Your Next Poke Bowl
Whether you’re following a specific eating plan or need a quick, nutritious meal, poke bowls are infinitely customizable and can be tailored to suit your exact needs. From a protein-packed lunch to a veggie-filled feast, the possibilities are endless.
Putting together your perfect poke bowl starts with a great ingredient list. The structure of a poke bowl typically includes a base, protein, vegetables, toppings, and sauce. Each layer brings something unique, and you get to mix and match based on your cravings and dietary needs. Stick close and we’ll help you plan your next poke masterpiece.
Selecting a Poke Bowl Base
The base sets the foundation for your poke bowl. It’s where all the delicious flavors meet. Choose one that matches your taste and nutrition goals:
- White rice
- Brown rice
- Soba noodles
- Mixed greens salad
- Zucchini noodles
- Cauliflower rice
Poke Bowl Protein Options
The protein is the true star of the show in any poke bowl. Here’s where you can get creative and pick options that set your taste buds on fire while nourishing that awesome body of yours!
Fish and Seafood
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Spicy salmon
- Teriyaki salmon
- Salmon skin
- Shrimp
- Scallops
- Octopus
Chicken
- Chicken katsu
- Sesame chicken
- Teriyaki chicken
- Miso chicken
Vegetarian
- Organic tofu
- Inari tofu (sweet tofu skin)
- Grilled tempeh
- Marinated mushrooms
Pork
- Korean BBQ pork
- Char siu pork
- Crispy pork belly
- Spicy garlic pork
Poke Bowl Vegetables
Next up: vegetables! Add color, crunch, and nutrients with a variety of fresh veggies. Mix and match to create a vibrant bowl—and remember, this list is far from exhaustive. You can add just about any veg your heart desires! But here are our faves:
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Red onion
- Scallions
- Tomatoes
- Masago (fish roe)
- Seaweed salad
- Ginger
- Jalapenos
- Avocado
- Guacamole
Crunchy Poke Bowl Toppings
Oh snap! Crunchy toppings will definitely take your poke bowl to the next level. These little extras provide fabulous texture and bursts of flavor.
- Crispy onions
- Garlic chips
- Sesame seeds
- Shredded nori
- Sweet furikake
- Bonito flakes
- Rice puffs
- Tempura flakes
- Wasabi peas
The Perfect Poke Sauce
Last but not least, no poke bowl is complete without the perfect sauce! Whether you just drizzle or outright pour it over your bowl, here are some classic and creative sauce options to drool over.
- Sesame ginger
- Wasabi aioli
- Sriracha aioli
- Traditional Hawaiian soy sauce
- Ponzu
- Spicy ponzu
- Spicy miso
- Wasabi shoyu
- Gotchu sauce
- Teriyaki sauce
See How We Combine Poke Bowl Ingredients
At Poke Bowl NY, we’re pretty proud of our bowls. After years in the game, we’ve earned the title of “poke bowl specialists,” taking pleasure in crafting the perfect poke bowls for you. And hey—did you know the word “poke” in Hawaiian means “to slice” or “cut crosswise”? This reflects the way we prepare our ingredients: fresh, precise, and full of care.
Our poke bowl menu is designed to offer endless customization while sticking to the authentic flavors of Hawaiian cuisine. But how do you know which flavors will work together? Let’s go over some popular taste profiles for our main protein options.
Salmon Poke Bowl Ingredients
Salmon pairs beautifully with creamy and citrusy flavors. Try a base of white rice, topped with avocado, edamame, seaweed salad, and a drizzle of ponzu or spicy miso sauce. For inspiration, check out our Honolulu Salmon Poke Bowl, a customer favorite.
Chicken Poke Bowl Ingredients
Chicken works really well with bold, savory flavors. Pair teriyaki or miso chicken with a base of brown rice or mixed greens, and top with cucumber, scallions, and sesame ginger sauce. Our Miso Hungry Poke Bowl brings this combination to life.
Tuna Poke Bowl Ingredients
Tuna is a classic choice for poke bowls, especially when you add some fresh, spicy toppings. Start with a base of white rice, add kani salad (Japanese crab salad), edamame beans, and scallions, and finish with wasabi shoyu or gotchu sauce. Try our Tuna Poke Bowl Special for the ultimate tuna experience!
Pork Poke Bowl Ingredients
Pork is rich in flavor, especially smoked pork, making it an excellent protein option. Korean BBQ pork pairs wonderfully with zucchini noodles, mango, cucumber, and sesame seeds, topped with sriracha aioli. Our Korean Pork BBQ Bowl highlights these mouthwatering flavors.
Find the Best Poke Bowls in NYC
Ready to create your poke bowl? Don’t walk, RUN to Poke Bowl NY! We’re your go-to spot in New York City for the freshest ingredients and most customizable options. Whether you’re keen on a traditional Hawaiian-inspired bowl or a bit more of a modern take, we’ve got you covered. Stop by and dig into your dream bowl today.
