The Different Types of Poke Bowls, Explained

Have you ever felt "stuck" while standing in line to order a poke bowl? With so many different ingredients and flavor combinations available, poke bowls can feel a little bit intimidating for "newbies." Luckily, ordering is easy once you know what to expect from common poke bowl ingredients. Yes, you can even enjoy keto and plant-based poke bowls without feeling like you're asking for a million different substitutions. This guide to different types of poke bowls will help you get the exact flavor experience you want!

Salmon Poke Bowl

If you're looking for a high-protein poke bowl that still feels light, a salmon poke bowl is a great option! Considered a "superfood" by dieticians, salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, B12, and essential minerals. It's one of the best foods you can eat for brain health!

What's in a Salmon Poke Bowl?

There are several ways to enjoy a salmon poke bowl. The Gochujang Salmon Poke Bowl is made with flavorful garlic gochujang sauce, juicy asparagus, shiitake, bean sprouts, and crispy garlic. The Yuzu Salmon Poke Bowl is a filling favorite that combines Yuzu salmon, kosho sauce, avocado, edamame, cilantro, jicama, and cucumber to provide just the right mix of savory flavor and "crunch."

For those following a keto diet, the Keto Bowl uses cauliflower rice as a substitute. This yummy option is made with salmon, avocado, kale, macadamia nuts, jicama, cucumber, and cilantro. Finally, anyone who is in a crunch against deadlines will appreciate the Brain Booster for a quick lunch or dinner. Served over a must-try kelp noodle slaw, this favorite combines sustainable salmon and tofu with sesame shoyu sauce, avocado, kale, bean sprouts, sun-dried tomatoes, and macadamia nuts.

Chicken Poke Bowl

While not as popular as other types of poke bowls, the chicken poke bowl is a great go-to option when you want comfort food. This type of bowl uses grilled chicken as its protein. A chicken poke bowl can feel a little more like a traditional salad or "grain bowl" compared to other choices. You'll have many options for dressing up your chicken and accompaniments!

What's in a Chicken Poke Bowl?

A Sesame Crunch Chicken Salad offers familiar salad flavors with a filling, wholesome twist. Poke bowl ingredients for this favorite include grilled chicken, cabbage, sesame dressing, carrots, scallions, almonds, and chili oranges served over chow mein noodles. The Spicy Chicken Grain Bowl places grilled chicken over a base of forbidden rice base that's been dressed up in spicy garlic lemongrass ponzu, sliced jalapenos, carrots, crunchy cashews, mint, chili oil, and sesame seeds. The insider tip about ordering a chicken poke bowl is that you're free to do a build-your-own bowl to get chicken paired with anything you like!

Vegan Poke Bowl

There are so many flavorful options for plant-based poke bowls! Vegan poke bowls get their protein from tofu, avocado, edamame, mushrooms, and sprouts. While there are many signature vegan poke bowls to choose from, it's also possible to create a build-your-own vegan bowl featuring your favorites.

What's in a Vegan Poke Bowl?

The Miso Eggplant and Mushroom poke bowl drizzles miso sesame shoyu sauce over Japanese eggplant, shimeji mushroom, sun-dried tomato, and radish. If you want a bowl that feels very substantial, the Sweet Potato Ponzu Lime Poke Bowl featuring sweet potato, avocado, carrots, edamame, cucumbers, Napa cabbage, and lime sauce is a hit. Another very "meaty" meatless option is the Shitake Chile Tofu Poke Bowl, which is made with rapini, pickled Fresno chiles, chili oil, and cilantro in a classic sauce.

Tuna Poke Bowl

The tuna poke bowl is considered by many to be the classic poke bowl. It's a great choice to start with if you're ordering a poke bowl for the first time! Tuna poke bowls generally use albacore or yellowfin tuna for protein.

What's in a Tuna Poke Bowl?

You can put many different spins on a tuna poke bowl. The Classic Tuna Poke Bowl is made with tuna, red onion, avocado, seaweed salad, bean sprouts, and pickled ginger with miso sesame shoyu sauce. The Mango Albacore Poke Bowl features tuna, pickled ginger, edamame, macadamia nuts, and lime sauce.

If you're in the mood for extravagance, the Truffled Yuzu Albacore Poke Bowl made with white truffle oil, avocado, mushrooms, sprouts, and pickled ginger will hit the spot! If you're looking for a high-protein way to enjoy a tuna poke bowl, the Protein Power Bowl made with albacore, sweet potato, edamame, kale, and pepita is a great way to feed your brain and body. Finally, the Superfood Bowl made with yellowfin, avocado, kale, mushrooms, pickled ginger, carrots, and seaweed salad in a black garlic sauce is extremely nourishing.

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