Did you know that traditional Hawaiian poke bowls didn’t even contain rice in them?
However, ever since this dish’s popularity spread worldwide, rice has become one of its most common additions!
Still unsure of which rice to add to your homemade poke bowls?
Don’t worry, you’re in the right article!
My Personal Rice Pick: Japanese Short-Grain Rice
Poke bowls are one of those dishes that everyone just makes a little differently.
So, truth be told, there’s really no “traditional” rice for poke bowls.
This doesn’t change the fact, though, that Japanese short-grain rice (AKA sushi rice) is the perfect rice for the dish!
Why? Let’s go over the top reasons.
Reasons to Use Sushi Rice for Poke Bowls
Texture: Sushi rice has a unique sticky and chewy texture that makes it perfect for binding the ingredients of poke bowls together. No matter how chunky your spoonful may be, you’ll avoid grains falling down on your lap once you eat your poke bowls.
Flavor: Sushi rice’s naturally mild and sweet flavor is the perfect companion to the flavors of fresh ingredients used for poke bowls, which typically include raw fish, vegetables, and seasonings.
Flavor Absorption: Rice sits at the bottom of poke bowls, making it the perfect carrying basket for the flavors of the ingredients you add on top. It only makes sense to use sushi rice, which can absorb flavors very well, for this dish.
For Fluffy Grains Enthusiasts: Basmati Rice
Some people prefer steamed fluffy grains for their poke bowls (I do, too, sometimes).
If you’re one of them, your best rice option for the dish is none other than Basmati rice.
This rice variety is well known for its slender grains, nutty-like aroma, and light, fluffy texture.
In fact, if you’ve ever cooked a rice dish that’s part of Middle Eastern cuisine, you’ve likely already purchased a bag of this rice before!
Now, on to the big question:
What can you expect when you use Basmati rice for your poke bowls?
Answer: A fluffy rice meal with a pleasant aroma, separate grains, and a light texture.
Since Basmati rice also absorbs flavors well, you can also be sure that your poke bowls will taste incredibly flavorful!
Healthiest Option: Short-Grain Brown Rice
Want a delicious poke bowl that can also increase your nutrient and mineral intake?
Short-grain brown rice may be the poke bowl base you’re looking for.
Yup, the brown rice variation of my OG rice suggestion.
This rice pretty much still retains the characteristics of its white counterpart, including its stickiness and slightly sweet flavor.
The biggest difference, though, is, of course, the chewier texture.
Full disclosure: I personally don’t really consider the texture change a drawback on its own. For some people, brown rice’s texture is even more desirable than that of white rice.
Rice to the Poke-casion
You’ve finally uncovered the top three rice varieties for my poke bowl creations.
Now, it’s time for you to try them out!
I know it’s totally possible that you won’t be pleased by all of them.
But surely, at least one of the rice varieties I’ve mentioned above can help you achieve the perfect flavors and texture for your dream poke bowls!
Easy Homemade Salmon Poke Bowls
Fresh, tasty, and nutritious – this salmon poke bowl is the perfect homemade meal that you can whip up in only 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- 4 oz of sashimi-grade salmon (diced)
- 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon of Sriracha (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds
- 1 cup of cooked Japanese short-grain rice
- 1 tablespoon of furikake
- 1/2 of an avocado (sliced)
- 1 stalk of scallions (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar (optional, for seasoning rice)
Instructions
- Season the cup of your cooked sushi rice with 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar (if desired).
- Dice the sashimi-grade salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix a tablespoon of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of Sriracha, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to make a spicy mayo sauce.
- Add the diced salmon to the bowl. Mix until each piece is well coated with the spicy mayo sauce.
- Prepare your preferred serving bowl. Place the cooked rice at the bottom of it.
- Sprinkle a tablespoon of furikake evenly on top of the rice.
- Add the spicy mayo salmon on top of the rice.
- Arrange the avocado slices around the salmon.
- Sprinkle a teaspoon of sesame seeds and some thinly sliced scallions over the top.
- For extra flavor, drizzle a little more sesame oil over the bowl.
- Serve and enjoy your salmon poke bowl fresh.
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