Seared Tuna Bowl from Aloha Poke features tender, perfectly seared ahi tuna atop a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, complemented by fresh avocado slices, crunchy cucumber, pickled ginger, and drizzled with a savory soy-ginger sauce, offering a vibrant and refreshing blend of flavors and textures.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Medium saucepan
- Rice paddle or spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Nonstick skillet or grill pan
- Tongs
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) sushi-grade ahi tuna
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1/4 cup pickled ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 green onion
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Salt
- Pepper
Using sushi-grade ahi tuna is essential to ensure freshness and safety when enjoying this Seared Tuna Bowl. Jasmine rice should be cooked until fluffy to provide a perfect base that absorbs the flavors of the soy-ginger sauce. Fresh, ripe avocado and crunchy cucumber add different textures, while pickled ginger brings a tangy contrast that brightens the dish. Balancing the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey creates a savory and slightly sweet dressing that enhances the tuna without overpowering it. You can recreate the vibrant taste of the Seared Tuna Bowl from Aloha Poke at home with these well-chosen ingredients.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- Cook jasmine rice in a medium saucepan according to package instructions.
- While rice cooks, pat ahi tuna dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat sesame oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear tuna for about 1–2 minutes per side, until browned on the outside but rare in the middle.
- Transfer tuna to a cutting board and let rest.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, minced fresh ginger, rice vinegar, and honey to make the sauce.
- Cut avocado into thin slices.
- Slice cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons.
- Slice seared tuna against the grain into thin pieces.
- Fluff cooked jasmine rice with a rice paddle or spoon, then divide evenly into serving bowls.
- Arrange seared tuna, avocado slices, cucumber, and pickled ginger on top of the rice in each bowl.
- Drizzle soy-ginger sauce over the bowl contents.
- Thinly slice green onion and sprinkle over the bowls.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Substitution
Seared Tuna Bowl from Aloha Poke copycat menu relies on sushi-grade ahi tuna for the best texture and flavor, but you can substitute with other firm fish like yellowfin or even cooked shrimp if sushi-grade fish is unavailable. Jasmine rice is preferred for its fragrant aroma, yet short-grain sushi rice can work as a suitable alternative to maintain stickiness. Fresh avocado and cucumber add a creamy crunch, but if cucumbers are out of season, thinly sliced radishes or bell peppers provide a similar crisp texture. Soy-ginger sauce can be adjusted by swapping soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free, and a touch of lime juice can enhance the brightness if rice vinegar is scarce. Your kitchen tool setup ensures precise cutting and even searing, but nonstick skillets can be replaced with well-seasoned cast iron pans if needed without compromising the sear.
Tips
Make sure to use sushi-grade ahi tuna to ensure freshness and safety since it is served rare. Pat the tuna dry before seasoning to achieve a better sear and prevent steaming in the pan. Rinsing jasmine rice until the water runs clear removes excess starch, resulting in fluffy, separate grains. When slicing the tuna, cut against the grain for a tender bite and arrange ingredients evenly to balance flavors and textures in each bowl for the best experience.
Nutritions
Seared Tuna Bowl from Aloha Poke is rich in high-quality protein from sushi-grade ahi tuna, providing essential amino acids for muscle repair and overall health. Jasmine rice serves as a source of energy through carbohydrates, while avocado contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber. The inclusion of cucumber and pickled ginger adds vitamins and antioxidants, supporting immune function and digestion. Your meal also contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and minerals like potassium and magnesium, essential for cardiovascular and nervous system health.
Storage
Store leftover Seared Tuna Bowl components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep the seared ahi tuna wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in a sealed container and refrigerate, consuming within 24 hours for optimal taste and safety. Your jasmine rice, avocado, cucumber, and sauce should be stored individually in the fridge, with avocado best kept covered with plastic wrap to prevent browning.
Variation or Alternatives
Try swapping sushi-grade ahi tuna with seared salmon or tofu for a different protein profile while maintaining a rich texture. Replace jasmine rice with brown rice or quinoa to increase fiber and add a nutty flavor to your bowl. Consider mixing in thinly sliced radishes or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color contrast. You can also toast the sesame seeds slightly before sprinkling them on top to enhance their nuttiness and aroma.
Allergies
Seared Tuna Bowl from Aloha Poke contains common allergens such as soy from the soy sauce and sesame seeds. Fish allergies may be triggered by the ahi tuna, and individuals sensitive to ginger should be cautious due to the fresh and pickled ginger included. Your meal should be carefully considered if you have any known allergies to these ingredients.
Why this recipe?
The Seared Tuna Bowl from Aloha Poke excels with its fresh, high-quality ahi tuna lightly seared to preserve its tender texture and vibrant flavor. Its combination of seasoned sushi rice, crisp vegetables, and house-made sauces creates a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and umami tastes. You can recreate this dish at home to enjoy a healthy, restaurant-quality meal that highlights authentic Hawaiian flavors without the need to dine out. Making your own version ensures control over ingredient freshness and customization to suit your preferences.