DIY Poke Bowls

Hello there!

With spring approaching, I wanted to do a recipe which makes a really nice lunch. Poke bowls are traditionally from Hawaiian cuisine and usually made using fish but this post is going to show you the basics of how to make your own. They make a really great lunch since you can mix them up and they always looks super healthy and colourful. They are perfect for packed lunches or you can prepare them in advance to have whilst working from home. Enjoy!

The Recipe: DIY Poke Bowls

1. Choose a grain:

Traditionally poke bowls are made with rice as the base, but you can choose any grain you like:

• Rice (sushi rice, brown rice)
• Quinoa
• Buckwheat 

This will provide the main carbohydrate of the dish so will keep you fuller for longer. You can use a combination of grains if you like to add flavour and texture.

2. Choose a protein:

Add a protein source, whether that is fish, meat
or vegan:

• Smoked salmon
• Prawns
• Chicken
• Boiled egg
• Tofu

It is important to add a source of protein to the meal as this will provide you with essential amino acids. This doesn't need to be meat or fish-based. However, if you are vegan you may wish to use a combination of protein sources to ensure you have all the amino acids you need. For example, tofu and edamame beans!

3. Choose some veggies:

The more colourful the better! Try and add a mixture of green, orange and red veggies for a range of nutrients:

• Carrot
• Cucumber
• Beetroot
• Edamame beans
• Radishes
• Avocado

A range of vegetables will add different flavours, textures and colours to your poke bowl. Each one will have its own nutritional benefits such as vitamin A in carrots, omega 3 in avocado and all contain lots of fibre. 

4. Choose a garnish:

Doesn't need to be anything fancy, just something to add a little heat or texture:

• Sesame seeds
• 
  Chili
• Crispy onions
• Spring onion

I like to top mine with black sesame seeds for a little flavour and they just bring the whole dish together nicely. 

5. Choose a sauce:

A last hit of flavour:

• Siracha
• Mayo
• Hoisin
• Soy sauce
• Teriyaki 

You can add whatever dressing you like, or none at all. My personal favourites are just a little soy sauce or hoisin sauce if I want a stronger flavour.

DIY Poke Bowls...ta dah!

I hope this step-by-step helped you to create your own poke bowl and try something new for lunch this spring!

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