OK, Poke! These Ahi Tuna Poke Bowls that you make at home taste great, are super easy to make, and are SO much cheaper than eating out.
Both of my kids love Poke bowls, and I love all the fresh ingredients they have. What I don’t love, though, is that it costs about $16 per bowl at our local restaurants, which makes it hard to feed the whole family. Let’s do this at home instead, where we can make enough tasty Ahi Tuna Poke Bowls for four people for less than the price of one bowl at a restaurant.
Have I also told you that this recipe only takes 30 minutes to make? If you want to keep your Poke low carb, you can use salad greens instead of the rice.
We’re talking 30 minutes to greatness, that is. Yes, ALDI does sell sushi-grade ahi tuna in their freezer section. This 12 oz package with two good-sized steaks cost only $5. 39 at my store. But no matter where you shop, for this recipe you need to find sushi grade (sometimes called sashimi grade) frozen tuna. Put it in the fridge overnight to thaw safely so that you can make these poke bowls the next day.
Note: Poke bowls are best served with raw sushi-grade tuna. Don’t eat raw fish? Sear the tuna in a little canola oil for two minutes on each side over medium-high heat until it’s medium-rare. I would not recommend cooking it any more than that, because fully cooked tuna will be dry.
Recently, poke bowls with fresh, raw ahi tuna cubes tossed in a savory umami dressing have become very popular. But can frozen tuna be used in poke bowls instead of fresh fish?
The short answer is yes, frozen ahi tuna can be used for poke as long as it is sushi or sashimi grade. If you know how to properly thaw and handle frozen tuna, you can make cheap but tasty poke bowls at home.
In this complete guide we’ll cover
- Why fresh or flash frozen tuna is ideal for raw dishes
- How to identify quality frozen tuna for poke bowls
- Proper thawing methods for frozen tuna
- Handling and storage tips once tuna is thawed
- Adjusting marinade times with frozen vs fresh
- Sample recipes showing frozen tuna can make incredible poke
By the end, you’ll understand how to shop for frozen tuna and use it to make tasty DIY poke bowls. Let’s get started!
Why Fresh or Flash Frozen Tuna Works Best
Raw fish dishes like poke require fresh, high-quality tuna for safety and optimal texture. Here’s why:
Risk of parasites: Tuna may have parasites in it, so tuna that is meant to be eaten raw is frozen to kill any parasites.
Fresh flavor – Frozen tuna retains fresh flavor better than tuna that sits unfrozen. Enzymes break down fish over time.
Texture – Quick freezing prevents large ice crystals that damage cell structure. This maintains a tender, smooth raw texture.
So flash freezing, where tuna is frozen very quickly at sea, gives identical quality to fresh caught tuna in terms of safety, flavor and texture.
Identifying Quality Frozen Tuna for Poke Bowls
Not all frozen tuna works well for poke. Look for these signs of quality sushi or sashimi grade frozen tuna:
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Labeled as “sushi-grade” or “sashimi-grade” – This means its safe for raw consumption.
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Flash frozen at sea – Frozen quickly on the boat right after catching preserves freshness.
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Sold as tuna steaks – Whole cut steaks have better texture than pre-cut chunks.
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Vacuum-sealed packaging – Prevents freezer burn which degrades texture and flavor.
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Bright red color – Lack of discoloration indicates freshness.
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Leading tuna brands – Reputable brands like Mitsubishi ensure quality.
Buying quality frozen tuna specially processed for sashimi allows you to make incredible poke bowls at home.
Proper Thawing Guidelines for Frozen Tuna
To maximize quality, use these methods to safely thaw frozen tuna:
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In the refrigerator – Thaw overnight in the fridge for best flavor and texture.
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Submerged in cold water – Thaw in a sealed bag submerged in cold water if short on time. Change the water every 30 mins.
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As part of marinating – The acidic marinade helps “cook” the outside of the tuna while thawing.
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Don’t thaw at room temperature – Bacteria multiply quickly at room temperature.
Pat the tuna dry after thawing, and it’s ready to cut and use in poke.
Handling Tips for Thawed Tuna
Once tuna is thawed, follow these guidelines for handling:
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Keep tuna chilled – Store thawed tuna in the refrigerator until ready to use.
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Use within 1-2 days – Consume thawed tuna within a couple days for best flavor and food safety.
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Cut tuna last minute – Waiting to dice tuna prevents oxidation which causes off colors.
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Work quickly – Limit time at room temperature when handling thawed tuna.
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Use a sharp knife – A sharp knife makes clean cuts instead of smashing or tearing.
With proper handling, thawed tuna retains the fresh texture needed for tasty poke bowls.
Adjusting Marinade Times for Frozen vs. Fresh
Since frozen tuna takes longer to penetrate than fresh, adjust marinating times:
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Fresh tuna – 30 minutes to 2 hours
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Frozen tuna – At least 2 hours, or up to overnight
For fresh tuna, a quick 30 minute marinade infuses flavor. Frozen tuna needs time to thaw and absorb flavors. Leaving it to marinate overnight results in the best-flavored end product.
Delicious Poke Bowls Made with Frozen Ahi Tuna
To show how well frozen tuna performs, here are some mouthwatering poke bowl recipes:
Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl – Sriracha and chili garlic sauce give the mild tuna a kick.
Hawaiian Poke Bowl – Pineapple and mango add tropical vibes.
Wasabi Poke Bowl – Wasabi paste and pickled ginger provide a horseradish bite.
Citrus Ponzu Poke Bowl – Ponzu sauce and citrus fruits brighten up rich tuna.
Spicy Togarashi Poke Bowl – Japanese togarashi spice blend adds flavor.
As you can see, frozen tuna makes incredible poke bowls bursting with flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try unique marinades.
The Verdict on Frozen Tuna for Poke Bowls
While fresh local tuna is ideal, high-quality frozen ahi tuna provides an affordable, convenient option for making delicious poke bowls at home. Flash frozen tuna has identical texture and flavor to fresh when thawed properly. With the right handling techniques, frozen tuna can be diced up into beautiful ruby red chunks that pop in bold Hawaiian-inspired marinades. For budget-friendly poke anytime, frozen tuna is the way to go. Give it a try for your next poke night!
Ahi Tuna Poke Bowls
– for the sauce
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1/2 lime juice, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of powdered ginger, and as much crushed red pepper as you can handle.
– for the bowls
12 ounces of sushi-grade ahi tuna, thawed and cut into bite-sized pieces. 2 packs of chopped seaweed snacks.1 sliced avocado.1 sliced cucumber.1/2 of a medium onion, thinly sliced into half moons.12 radishes, thinly sliced.4 green onions, chopped.
*** Optimally: Start thawing your tuna in the refrigerator the night before. ***
Cook up a pot of rice. While the rice is going:
Combine all of the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
Make chunks of the thawed tuna. It will be easier to do this if it is still very slightly frozen.
Peel the cucumber and remove its seeds with a spoon, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Slice up the avocado, onion, radishes, and green onions, then cut up the seaweed with kitchen shears.
Assemble your Poke bowls: Scoop cooked rice into each bowl. Top bowls with chopped tuna, seaweed, and veggies. Serve with sauce to taste.
Note: Spice these homemade Poke bowls up with different sauces, if desired. You could try teriyaki or, for a sweet treat, You can also top with sesame seeds for additional flavor & crunch, if you have any on hand.
Ahi Tuna Poke Bowls, printable recipe
Two BEST Ways to Thaw Your Frozen Poke Kit!
FAQ
Can you make sushi with frozen ahi tuna?
Can you eat store bought frozen ahi tuna raw?
Does ahi tuna need to be thawed?
Can you use frozen tuna for poke?
Yes, raw. This is one reason why tuna is very commonly used — tuna poke is safe because these species rarely harbor internal parasites. Here is a run-down on food safety for ceviche and other raw fish dishes, if you are interested. Poke with most other fish needs to be made with previously frozen fish, and yes, you can use frozen tuna for poke.
How do you make a ahi tuna poke Bowl?
Double the marinade and divide into two bowl. Mix the fish with one half of the marinade. Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise to the second bowl and mix to combine. When you’re finished building your bowl, drizzle the creamy poke sauce over the top. You could also use Boom Boom Sauce. The longest part of making an ahi tuna poke bowl is the sushi rice.
Is ahi tuna poke Bowl healthy?
Yep, as long as you don’t go overboard on the rice or sauce. Ahi tuna poke bowl calories tend to be pretty low, depending on your tuna bowl toppings, however the rice and oil in the poke marinade can add up quickly. The fish delivers a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids while the vegetables add a ton of other nutrients.
How do you make poke sauce with tuna?
Make the poke sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil and vinegar. Next, stir in the red pepper flakes, green onions and sesame seeds. Marinate the tuna. Use a sharp knife to cube the tuna – I usually aim for 1/2-inch pieces, but you do what you like. Transfer the mixing bowl and stir to coat the tuna in the sauce.