Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl Recipe (easy!)

Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl

Inspired by the classic Hawaiian dish, this ahi tuna poke recipe is light and healthy, featuring fresh raw tuna marinated with soy, sesame and onion. You'll love how quick and easy it is to make. Serve over rice with sliced cucumber for a meal, or serve it on rice crackers for a simple appetizer.

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Why I love this poke bowl recipe

If you love raw fish as much as I do, you are going to love this ahi tuna poke recipe. It’s beyond simple to make, and the flavor is amazing.

Normally, I can’t get enough sushi, but since we aren’t going out as much lately, I’ve been adding frozen sushi grade tuna – don’t judge, we live in the Midwest! – to my grocery cart and whipping up a batch of this whenever I have a craving.

It makes a great lunch, especially paired with leftover coconut rice – maybe that’s weird, but I love it – and when I’m feeling crazy, I’ll even make a batch of my spicy sushi sauce to drizzle on top.

It also makes a great appetizer if you chop the tuna a bit smaller and serve it on rice crackers. We served it like that last Christmas Eve and it was so good.

close up of ahi tuna marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil and green onion

Here’s what you’ll need to make it

overhead close up of ahi tuna marinating in homemade sauce in a clear mixing bowl

How to make a poke bowl

Make the poke sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil and vinegar. Next, stir in the red pepper flakes, green onions and sesame seeds.

Marinate the tuna. Use a sharp knife to cube the tuna – I usually aim for 1/2-inch pieces, but you do what you like. Transfer the mixing bowl and stir to coat the tuna in the sauce.

Cover and allow the poke to marinate for at least 30 minutes, in the refrigerator.

overhead view of ahi tuna poke bowl ingredients, rice, green onion, and ahi tuna, in small white bowls on a countertop

FAQS and tips for making the best ahi tuna poke

What is poke sauce made of?

Poke sauce is traditionally made with soy sauce, sesame oil and green onion. I’ve added a hint of vinegar and crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor. I also like to mix my sesame seeds right into the marinade, but they can been added as a garnish instead.

Do you need sushi grade fish for Poke?

Since you will be eating this fish raw, it’s best to buy sushi grade tuna when making poke. That means totally fresh fish, or fish that is frozen right after it’s caught.

How long does ahi tuna last in the fridge?

It’s best to consume refrigerated, or thawed, ahi tuna within 1 – 2 days. Same goes for these poke bowl. They will be ok the next day, but after that I recommend tossing any leftovers.

Overhead view of tuna poke bowl in a white bowl on a countertop next two a smaller bowl of green onions for garnish

This recipe would be great with:

More takeout recipes you’ll love:

overhead close up of poke bowl in a small white bowl over rice garnished with cucumbers

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4.87 from 15 votes

Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl

By: Melissa Belanger

Inspired by the classic Hawaiian dish, this ahi tuna poke recipe is light and healthy, featuring fresh raw tuna marinated with soy, sesame and onion. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to make. Serve over rice with sliced cucumber for a meal, or serve it on rice crackers for a simple appetizer.

Prep Time: 15

Total Time: 15

Servings: servings

Ingredients

▢ 1/4 cup soy sauce
▢ 1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar
▢ 1 teaspoon sesame oil
▢ 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
▢ 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion
▢ 1 1/2 – 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
▢ 1 pound ahi tuna, cubed

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir to coat the tuna with the sauce ingredients.
Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Serve over rice and top with extra green onions and sesame seeds.