If you love sushi or poke but want to make it easily at home, this Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl is the perfect choice.
It features tender sushi-grade tuna marinated in a soy-based sauce, served over fluffy rice with crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and flavorful toppings. It’s colorful, fresh, and takes just minutes to prepare—no special tools or rolling required.
This dish became a regular in our kitchen because it feels like a restaurant-quality meal but is surprisingly simple to make.
The tuna marinates while you prep the rice and toppings, so everything comes together quickly. It’s perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins and sauces.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl has all the flavors and textures of your favorite poke restaurant but can be made at home in less than 30 minutes.
The marinated tuna is tender and flavorful, while the rice, veggies, and avocado add freshness and balance.
It’s also versatile—you can swap in your favorite toppings, use cauliflower rice for a lighter option, or adjust the sauce to make it spicier or sweeter. It’s full of protein, healthy fats, and colorful veggies, making it both nourishing and satisfying.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice (or jasmine rice)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz sushi-grade ahi tuna, cubed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (for marinade)
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup sliced cucumber
- ½ cup shelled edamame
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for spicy mayo)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for spicy mayo)
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Pro Tips
- Use sushi-grade tuna—buy from a trusted fishmonger to ensure safety for raw consumption.
- Marinate tuna for 10–15 minutes for the best flavor without over-softening the texture.
- Season the rice while warm so it absorbs the vinegar mixture.
- Add toppings just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
- Make spicy mayo separately so everyone can drizzle as much as they like.
Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan or rice cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon for mixing and serving
Substitutions and Variations
- No raw fish? Use cooked shrimp, seared tuna, or tofu instead.
- Low-carb option: Use cauliflower rice instead of sushi rice.
- Extra toppings: Mango, radish, seaweed salad, or pickled ginger.
- Gluten-free: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Make it spicy: Toss tuna with sriracha or add wasabi to the marinade.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook rice ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep veggies and toppings a day in advance.
- Make the tuna marinade ahead of time, but mix it with tuna just before serving.
- Assemble bowls right before eating for the best texture and freshness.
How to Make Ahi Tuna Poke Bowls
1. Cook and Season the Rice
Cook rice according to package directions. While warm, stir in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let cool slightly.
2. Marinate the Tuna
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Add cubed ahi tuna and toss gently. Let marinate in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
3. Prep Veggies and Sauce
Slice avocado, cucumber, shred carrots, and cook or thaw edamame. Mix mayonnaise and sriracha (if using) for a spicy mayo drizzle.
4. Assemble the Bowls
Add rice to each bowl. Top with marinated tuna, avocado, cucumber, carrots, and edamame.
5. Garnish and Serve
Drizzle with spicy mayo or extra soy sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Leftovers and Storage
For the best flavor and food safety, assemble and eat poke bowls the same day. If you have leftover tuna, store it separately in the fridge and consume it within 24 hours.
Cooked rice and veggies can be stored in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended, as raw tuna and rice lose their texture after thawing.
Nutrition & Benefits
This Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl is a nutrient-rich meal full of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and healthy fats.
Tuna provides high-quality protein and heart-healthy omega-3s, while avocado adds healthy fats. The rice offers energy, and the colorful veggies supply fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins.
Fresh, Healthy, and Bursting with Flavor
This Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl is a delicious way to enjoy fresh sushi-style flavors at home without any special tools.
It’s quick, customizable, and packed with nutrients—perfect for a light dinner, meal-prep lunch, or a colorful, wholesome meal any night of the week.