15 Best Poke Bowl Toppings (Upgrade Your Poke Bowls)

Poke bowls are incredibly popular for their taste and nutrition balance, as they’re composed of raw fish combined with flavorful accompaniments.

But without a few unique toppings, your bowl just won’t be complete!

To make sure that you get the most out of every bite, I’ve put together this list of fifteen amazing poke bowl toppings.

From crunchy sesame seeds to creamy avocados and fresh seaweed salad, there’s something here for everyone.

If you want to impress family and friends with an unforgettable meal experience or simply treat yourself after a long day at work or school – these topping ideas will provide just enough inspiration.

Let’s start cooking!

What Are Poke Bowls?

Poke bowls are a popular Hawaiian dish that is gaining popularity around the world.

Poke (pronounced poh-keh) means “to slice or cut” in Hawaiian, and poke bowls typically consist of cubed raw fish such as tuna or salmon, marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil, served over rice with vegetables and other toppings.

The traditional version of poke bowl includes seaweed salad, edamame beans, cucumber slices, avocado slices, pickled ginger and wasabi mayonnaise.

However, modern versions can include anything from mango to quinoa to kimchi.

Poke bowls are a great way to get your daily dose of protein while also enjoying a variety of flavors and textures.

They’re also incredibly versatile; you can customize them however you like by adding different proteins (like tofu), grains (like quinoa), vegetables (like kale) or sauces (like sriracha).

Plus they’re easy to make at home—all you need is some fresh ingredients and a few minutes!

The 15 Best Poke Bowl Toppings

Poke bowls have become all the rage in recent years.

They’re quick, easy and healthy meals that are great for lunch or dinner.

The best part of poke bowls is picking out your toppings – there are so many delicious options to choose from!

Here are fifteen tasty poke bowl topping ideas:

1. Ahi Tuna

Ahi tuna is a type of sushi-grade raw tuna.

It has a mild flavor and firm, meaty texture that makes it a popular choice for poke bowls.

Ahi tuna is usually sold in steaks or cubes, which can be marinated and served raw in salads or cooked on the grill.

How To Prep This Topping

If you are using fresh ahi tuna, make sure to buy it from a trusted source and handle it correctly.

The fish should be bright pink with no discoloration.

Before you prepare the tuna, rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

Cut the steak into thin slices or cubes depending on your preference.

For added flavor, marinate the cubes or slices in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, and chili flakes for at least 30 minutes before serving in your poke bowl.

2. Japanese Pickled Daikon

Japanese pickled daikon, also known as takuan, is a type of pickle made from daikon radish.

It is a popular topping for poke bowls and other dishes in Japan.

The pickle has a crunchy texture and sweet-sour flavor that pairs nicely with the fresh fish used in poke bowls.

How To Prep This Topping

Daikon must be cut into thin strips before it can be pickled.

1. Start by cutting off the ends of the radish and peeling off its skin with a vegetable peeler or knife.
2. Cut the radish into 1/8 inch thick slices, then stack several slices together and cut them into matchstick-sized pieces about 2 inches long.
3. Place these pieces in a bowl and add enough water to cover them completely, then let sit for 15 minutes to remove some of their bitterness.
4. Drain off any excess water, then place the daikon pieces in an airtight container or jar along with sugar, vinegar, salt, mirin (sweet rice wine), and kombu (dried kelp).
5. Let this mixture sit for at least two days before using as a topping on your poke bowl.

3. Firm Tofu Cubes

Firm tofu cubes are a great topping for poke bowls.

Tofu is made from soybeans and has a mild flavor, making it an excellent addition to any dish.

It’s high in protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. Firm tofu cubes have a slightly chewy texture that makes them the perfect topping for poke bowls.

How To Prep This Topping

1. The first step in prepping firm tofu cubes is to press out as much moisture as possible using paper towels or cheesecloth.
2. Once this is done, cut the block of tofu into small cubes, about 1/2-inch thick.
3. Place the cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
4. Once cooked, let cool before adding to your poke bowl!

4. Pickled Seaweed

Pickled seaweed is a popular topping for poke bowls.

It is made from seaweed that has been pickled in vinegar, salt, and sugar.

The result is a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

How To Prep This Topping

Pickled seaweed can be purchased at most Asian markets or online.

1. If you’re making it yourself, start by washing the seaweed thoroughly under cold running water.
2. Then combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Remove from heat and add the washed seaweed to the mixture.
4. Let cool before transferring everything into an airtight container and storing in the refrigerator for up to one week.
5. When ready to use on your poke bowl, simply drain off any excess liquid before adding as desired.

5. Edamame Beans

Edamame beans are immature soybeans that are harvested before the beans harden and can be eaten whole.

They have a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and are often served as an appetizer in Japanese restaurants.

How To Prep This Topping

Edamame beans can be purchased fresh or frozen.

If using frozen edamame, defrost them by running them under cool water for several minutes until they’re thawed out.

Once defrosted, boil the edamame in salted water for two to three minutes, drain off the water, and season with salt to taste.

Serve warm or cold on top of poke bowls for a delicious topping!

6. Avocado

Avocado is a fruit that has been enjoyed for centuries by cultures around the world.

It is native to Mexico and Central America, but it is now grown in many other areas of the world as well.

The avocado is creamy and rich, with a mild flavor that can be enhanced with spices or herbs.

How To Prep This Topping

Avocado can easily be diced or sliced into cubes for use on poke bowls.

1. Start by cutting the avocado in half lengthwise and removing the pit.
2. Then, using a spoon, scoop out each half of the avocado from its skin.
3. Slice or dice into cubes as desired before adding to your poke bowl!

If you are not eating all the avocado right away, make sure to sprinkle some lemon juice over it so it doesn’t turn brown.

7. Mango

Mango is a tropical fruit that has a sweet, juicy taste and creamy texture.

It has a bright yellow-orange color and its flesh is surrounded by an inedible skin.

Mangoes are high in vitamins A, C, and dietary fiber, making them a great addition to any meal or snack.

How To Prep This Topping

Mangoes can be prepared in several ways.

The most popular way is to peel the mango with a vegetable peeler, then cut it into cubes or slices.

If you want to get creative, you can also use a melon baller to create small round pieces of mango for your bowl.

Once the mango is prepped, it’s ready to be added as a topping on your poke bowl!

8. Shredded Nori

Nori is a type of edible seaweed that is most commonly used to make sushi rolls.

It is dark green in color, and has a thin, crisp texture when dried.

Shredded nori can be used as a topping for poke bowls to add an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

How To Prep This Topping

1. The first step in prepping shredded nori is to buy sheets that are already prepared. You can find these at most grocery stores or Asian markets.
2. Once you have the sheets, simply use scissors or kitchen shears to cut them into small strips about 1/4-inch thick.
3. Then put the strips on a cutting board and use your hands to tear them into smaller pieces until they reach the desired size.
4. Finally, store the shredded nori in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it as a topping for your poke bowl.

9. Seaweed Salad

Seaweed salad is a type of Japanese dish made from various types of seaweed, such as wakame, hijiki, and kombu.

It is often served cold or at room temperature with a variety of seasonings and sauces.

Seaweed salads are typically high in vitamins and minerals, including iodine, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium.

How To Prep This Topping

Seaweed salad can be purchased pre-made or you can make your own by soaking dried seaweeds in water for 10 to 15 minutes until they become soft.

Once softened, rinse the seaweeds with cold water before adding any other ingredients.

You can then mix together the seaweeds with soy sauce or sesame oil and any other desired seasonings such as ginger or garlic.

Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature on top of poke bowls or sushi rolls.

10. Sushi Rice

Sushi rice is a type of short-grain Japanese rice that is specially prepared for use in sushi. It has a sticky texture and mild flavor, which makes it ideal for making sushi rolls.

The rice is cooked with a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt to give it the unique flavor associated with sushi dishes.

How To Prep This Topping

Sushi rice should be cooked using a traditional Japanese method called sumeshi.

This involves rinsing the raw rice several times before cooking it in water until tender.

Once the rice is cooked, it should be cooled to room temperature before adding the vinegar mixture to season it.

The seasoning mixture can vary depending on personal preference but typically includes white or red wine vinegar, sugar, and salt.

Once seasoned, the sushi rice should be mixed gently so as not to break up the grains of rice too much.

Finally, the sushi rice can be used as a topping for poke bowls or used to make your own homemade sushi rolls!

11. Green Onion

Green onions, also known as scallions or spring onions, are a variety of onion with a mild flavor and tender green leaves.

They are harvested when the bulb is still small, which gives them their distinctive shape.

Green onions are commonly used in Asian cuisine and can be eaten raw or cooked.

How to Prep This Topping

1. To prepare green onions for use as a topping on poke bowls, start by washing the bulbs under cold running water.
2. Cut off the root ends and discard them.
3. Thinly slice the white parts of the onion into thin rings and set aside.
4. Next, cut off any discolored or wilted leaves from the green tops and discard them as well.
5. Slice these tops into thin rings and add them to the bowl with the white slices.
6. Finally, mix everything together before adding it as a topping to your poke bowl!

12. Red Onion

Red onions are a type of onion that have a deep purple or red outer skin and white flesh with a slightly sweet flavor.

They are often used in salads, sandwiches, salsas, and other dishes for their crunchy texture and mild flavor.

How to Prep This Topping

Red onions can be enjoyed raw or cooked.

If you want to use them in your poke bowl, it is best to slice them into thin rings or strips.

1. To do this, start by cutting off the ends of the onion then slicing the onion in half from top to bottom.
2. Peel off the outer layer of skin then cut each half into thin slices.
3. Once sliced, separate the rings and rinse them under cold water before adding them to your poke bowl.

13. Salmon

Salmon is a type of fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein.

It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and firm texture.

Salmon can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, grilling, poaching, steaming, and sautéing.

How To Prep This Topping

1. Start by rinsing the salmon under cold water to remove any residue from the packaging or skin.
2. Pat dry with paper towels before cooking. You can cook salmon either on the stovetop or in the oven; for stovetop cooking you’ll want to heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot and then add the fish fillets skin side down.
3. Cook until golden brown on one side (about 4 minutes) then flip them over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through. For oven cooking preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Place the salmon fillets onto a parchment lined baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter if desired.
5. Bake for 8-12 minutes depending on thickness of fillet; when done it should flake easily with a fork when pierced in center.
6. Once cooked let cool before adding as topping to your poke bowl!

14. Octopus

Octopus is also known as tako in Japanese cuisine.

Octopus has been enjoyed around the world for centuries, and it is becoming increasingly popular in poke bowls due to its unique flavor and texture.

How To Prep This Topping

Before preparing octopus for your poke bowl, you will need to tenderize it by pounding or marinating it.

If you are using frozen octopus, thaw it completely before cooking.

Once the octopus has been tenderized, you can cook it in boiling water until it turns opaque (about 10 minutes).

Let the cooked octopus cool before adding to your poke bowl.

You can also grill or pan-sear the octopus if desired.

Slice into small pieces before topping your poke bowl with this delicious seafood!

15. Wasabi Peas

Wasabi peas are a type of snack food made from dried green peas coated with a wasabi-flavored seasoning.

The flavor is typically a combination of wasabi, salt, and sugar.

Wasabi peas have become popular in recent years as an accompaniment to sushi or poke bowls.

How To Prep This Topping

There are several ways to prepare this topping for your poke bowl.

You can buy pre-made wasabi pea snacks at the store, or you can make them yourself by coating dry green peas in a mixture of wasabi powder and other seasonings like salt and sugar.

If you want to add some extra crunch and flavor, try adding crushed nori seaweed flakes or sesame seeds to the mix before coating the peas.

Once prepared, these tasty treats can be sprinkled on top of your poke bowl for extra texture and flavor!

How To Pick The Right Toppings For Your Poke Bowl Recipes

Choosing the right toppings for your poke bowl is essential to achieve a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients. Here are some tips to help you pick the right toppings for your poke bowl recipe:

1. Think about texture: Poke bowls are all about the combination of different textures. Consider adding toppings that provide a range of textures, such as crunchy vegetables, chewy seaweed, creamy avocado, and tender fish.
2. Consider flavors: Poke bowls are typically served with a base of rice or greens, and the toppings are where the flavor really comes in. Try to choose toppings that complement each other and the base, such as sweet mango, spicy jalapeno, tangy pickled ginger, and umami-rich soy sauce.
3. Mix up colors: A visually appealing poke bowl is also a tasty one. Consider choosing toppings that add pops of color to your bowl, such as bright orange carrots, deep green edamame, and purple cabbage.
4. Balance nutrition: Poke bowls are often considered a healthy meal option, so consider adding toppings that are high in nutrients, such as omega-3-rich salmon, fiber-rich quinoa, and vitamin-packed leafy greens.
5. Customize to your taste: Ultimately, the toppings you choose should reflect your personal preferences. If you don’t like spicy foods, skip the jalapenos. If you love seafood, load up on shrimp and crab. The beauty of poke bowls is their versatility, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make your bowl your own.

5 Hawaiian Poke Bowls Tips & Tricks

If you’re looking to create an authentic Hawaiian poke bowl, here are some tips and tricks to help you get started:

1. Use high-quality fish: The star of any poke bowl is the fish, so it’s important to use high-quality, fresh fish. Popular options include ahi tuna, salmon, and octopus. Look for sushi-grade fish at your local fish market or grocery store.
2. Keep it simple: Traditional Hawaiian poke bowls are typically made with just a few ingredients, including fish, soy sauce, green onions, and sesame oil. Resist the urge to overload your bowl with too many toppings and let the flavors of the fish shine through.
3. Mix your sauce separately: To prevent over-mixing and breaking down the delicate fish, mix your sauce separately from the fish and add it to the bowl just before serving. This will help ensure that the fish retains its texture and flavor.
4. Serve it cold: Poke bowls are typically served chilled or at room temperature, so be sure to keep your ingredients and bowls chilled until you’re ready to assemble and serve.
5. Get creative with your toppings: While traditional Hawaiian poke bowls are simple, feel free to get creative with your toppings to add your own personal touch. Some popular options include avocado, seaweed salad, pickled ginger, and crunchy vegetables like cucumber and radish.

FAQ

What should I put on my poke bowl?

When it comes to poke bowls, the options are endless!

For a classic poke bowl, start with a base of fresh raw fish such as ahi tuna, salmon, kingfish, or trout. If you’re feeling adventurous, try out marinated proteins like chicken, prawns, crabs, or scallops.

For vegan and vegetarian options, you can add mushrooms, tofu, tempeh, edamame, beans, or chickpeas.

Top your bowl off with your favorite toppings like seaweed, sesame seeds, avocado, and cucumber. Finally, don’t forget to add a flavorful sauce like soy sauce, teriyaki, or sriracha to really bring your bowl to life!

What’s typically in a poke bowl?

A poke bowl is a delicious and nutritious meal that is typically composed of a bowl of rice as the base, protein of your choice such as tuna, tofu, salmon, and other options, sauces such as wasabi mayo, eel sauce, and dragon aioli, and a variety of toppings.

Toppings can include fresh vegetables such as cucumber, radish, avocado, and edamame, crunchy toppings such as nori, sesame seeds, and tempura flakes, and extras such as jalapenos, pickled ginger, and furikake for extra flavor.

What are the crunchy things on poke?

The crunchy elements in poke bowls can vary depending on the chef’s preference and the ingredients used, but some of the most common crunchy components are seaweed, sesame seeds, and fried onions. Seaweed, such as nori, is often used to season the fish in poke bowls, but it tends to absorb moisture and won’t be crunchy.

Therefore, it’s usually used as a topping in the form of dried flakes or strips that have been toasted to give them a crunchy texture. Sesame seeds are another great way to add crunch to poke bowls, as they have a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. Fried onions are also a popular topping as they offer a savory crunch.

What’s a good bowl sauce for your bowl recipe?

A traditional sauce for poke bowls is a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Other options include ponzu sauce, spicy mayo, or a creamy avocado dressing. Experiment with different sauces and find the one that best complements your bowl’s toppings.

What were the original ingredients in poke bowls?

The original poke bowl ingredients were diced raw fish, sea salt, limu seaweed, and crushed kukui nuts (also known as candlenuts). Over time, the recipe evolved and new ingredients were added to create the modern-day poke bowl.

What are some of the most popular poke bowl toppings?

Some of the most popular poke bowl toppings include avocado, cucumber, seaweed salad, pickled ginger, edamame, and tobiko (flying fish roe). Other options include mango, pineapple, crispy fried onions, and wasabi peas.

What are some good vegetarian poke bowl toppings?

Vegetarian poke bowl toppings can include tofu, mushrooms, avocado, cucumber, carrot, pickled radish, and edamame. Roasted sweet potato or beetroot can add a sweet flavor and earthy texture. For some crunch, consider adding crispy fried onions or tempura bits.

What are some good salmon poke bowl toppings?

Salmon poke bowl toppings can include avocado, cucumber, pickled ginger, seaweed salad, and sesame seeds. You can also add mango or pineapple for a sweet and fruity flavor. For some heat, consider adding sliced jalapenos or sriracha sauce.

What are some good crunchy poke bowl toppings?

For some crunch, consider adding toppings such as fried wonton strips, crispy fried onions, or tempura bits. Other options include sliced almonds, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts. You can also add raw vegetables such as cucumber or radish for a fresh and crunchy texture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, poke bowls are a delicious and nutritious meal that can be customized with a variety of toppings to suit your tastes.

The best poke bowl toppings are ahi tuna, Japanese pickled daikon, firm tofu cubes, pickled seaweed, edamame beans, avocado, mango, shredded nori, seaweed salad, sushi rice, green onion, red onion, salmon, octopus, and wasabi peas.

These toppings provide a mix of flavors, textures, and colors that will give your poke bowl an exciting flavor profile and make it a unique and enjoyable experience.

So, the next time you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious meal, give poke bowls a try and top them off with these tasty toppings.