Name: Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1/2 pound sushi grade tuna, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1/4 cup sliced scallions; 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon sriracha; 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise; 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce; 1 cup cooked short grain brown rice or sushi white rice; 1 cup cucumbers (from 2 Persian cucumbers), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes; 1/2 medium Hass avocado (about 3 ounces), sliced; 2 scallions, sliced for garnish; 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds; Reduced sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari (optional, for serving); Sriracha (optional, for serving)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a satisfying kick, you are going to love this Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl Recipe. This bowl is a harmonious blend of tender sushi-grade tuna marinated in a spicy, savory sauce, paired with creamy avocado and crisp cucumber over perfectly cooked rice. It’s a refreshing, nutritious, and downright addictive meal that can be whipped up in just 15 minutes. Whether you want a quick lunch or a light dinner, this Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl Recipe checks all the boxes for deliciousness and simplicity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with small cubes of raw, deep pink tuna mixed with thin slices of bright green scallions. The tuna pieces have a smooth, fresh texture while the scallions add a fresh contrast with their slightly shiny, crisp look. A silver spoon is partially visible inside the bowl, resting among the tuna and scallions. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a portion of a blue and white striped cloth napkin visible beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of a Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully selected ingredients. Each one brings its own magic, building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make every bite memorable.

1/2 pound sushi grade tuna: Choose the freshest tuna you can find for a clean, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1/4 cup sliced scallions: Adds a mild onion flavor and freshness that complements the tuna perfectly.
2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari: Brings a subtle umami boost without overpowering the bowl.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a delicate nutty aroma that elevates the overall flavor.
1/2 teaspoon sriracha: Adds just the right amount of heat to wake up your taste buds.
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, spicy drizzle to coat your ingredients smoothly.
2 teaspoons sriracha sauce: Mixed with mayo for that perfect spicy kick in the drizzle.
1 cup cooked short grain brown rice or sushi white rice: The base that provides wholesome texture and substance.
1 cup cucumbers, peeled and diced: Offers fresh crunch and brightness to balance the richness.
1/2 medium Hass avocado, sliced: Brings buttery creaminess that harmonizes with the spicy tuna.
2 scallions, sliced for garnish: Adds visual appeal and an extra hit of mild onion flavor.
1 teaspoon black sesame seeds: For a subtle crunch and a striking contrast in color.
Reduced sodium soy or gluten-free tamari (optional for serving): Allows you to customize your bowl with extra savory depth.
Sriracha (optional for serving): Perfect if you like things a little hotter.

How to Make Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Mayo Drizzle

Start by mixing the light mayonnaise and 2 teaspoons of sriracha in a small bowl. Thin it out with just a touch of water, so the drizzle flows easily over your poke bowl without being too thick or heavy. This creamy, spicy sauce is a game changer and ties all the ingredients together beautifully.

Step 2: Marinate the Tuna

In a medium bowl, combine the diced sushi-grade tuna with scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of sriracha. Gently toss to coat the tuna evenly with the marinade, allowing the flavors to marry while you prepare the rest of the bowl.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowl Layers

Divide the cooked rice equally into two serving bowls. On top of the rice, add half of the marinated tuna, followed by slices of avocado and diced cucumber. Scatter sliced scallions for freshness and a burst of color.

Step 4: Add Final Touches

Drizzle the spicy mayo over each bowl and sprinkle with black sesame seeds. Serve immediately and offer extra soy sauce or sriracha on the side for those who like a bit more flavor or heat.

How to Serve Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl Recipe

A white bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, filled with layers of food. The bottom layer is cooked brown rice. On top, there are three main sections: small cubes of red tuna on the right, light green diced cucumber in the middle, and smooth, light green avocado slices fanned out on the left. The dish is drizzled with a light pink creamy sauce and sprinkled with black sesame seeds. Thin green onion pieces are scattered across the tuna and rice. A pair of wooden chopsticks held by a woman's hand reaches into the frame from the top right. A striped blue and white cloth is partially visible on the left side of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing your Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl Recipe can elevate it from simple to spectacular. Fresh scallions add a pop of color and crunch, while black sesame seeds lend a subtle flavor contrast and a sophisticated look. For the adventurous, a few thin slices of fresh chili or a squeeze of lime can bring exciting twists.

Side Dishes

This bowl packs a lot of flavor and texture all on its own, but pairing it with simple sides like seaweed salad, pickled ginger, or a light miso soup can turn your meal into an authentic Hawaiian-inspired feast. Crispy wonton chips or crunchy seaweed snacks also make fun accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, try layering your poke bowl ingredients in clear glass jars or wide bowls to showcase the colorful layers. Alternatively, serve the tuna poke on top of a bed of mixed greens or spiralized vegetables for a lighter, salad-style version. Personalize with edible flowers or microgreens for a pop of elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the tuna and rice separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. The marinated tuna is best consumed within 24 hours for optimal taste and safety because of its raw nature.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe due to the raw tuna and fresh produce. The texture and flavor will degrade, and safety concerns may arise, so enjoy your Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl Recipe fresh for the best experience.

Reheating

Reheating is generally not advised because the bowl is designed to be enjoyed fresh and cold. However, if you prefer warm rice, you can gently heat the rice before assembling your bowl, but keep the tuna and toppings chilled.

FAQs

Can I use canned tuna instead of sushi-grade tuna?

While canned tuna is more convenient, it will not provide the same fresh, delicate flavor and texture that sushi-grade tuna offers in this poke bowl. For the authentic taste and safety, it’s best to stick with sushi-grade tuna.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce if you need to avoid gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How spicy is this dish?

The Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl Recipe has a moderate level of heat thanks to the sriracha in both the marinade and drizzle. You can easily adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your spice tolerance—add more for extra heat or reduce it for milder enjoyment.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the marinade and chop the veggies ahead, but it’s best to assemble the poke bowls right before serving to keep the textures fresh and appetizing.

What rice is best for poke bowls?

Short grain brown or sushi white rice both work wonderfully as a base. Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, while sushi rice provides a sticky, slightly sweet contrast that’s traditionally used in poke bowls.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl Recipe is a vibrant, flavorful celebration of fresh ingredients and simple techniques that deliver big on taste. It’s perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself to a nutritious, restaurant-quality meal at home. Once you try it, I’m confident you’ll keep coming back for this brilliant bowl of goodness.

Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need