Easy Smoked Salmon Poke Bowl Recipe

Name: Easy Smoked Salmon Poke Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked sushi rice; 6 oz smoked salmon; 1 cup edamame beans; 1 large fresh cucumber; 1 large fresh carrot; 2 ripe avocados; 2 nori sheets; 2 tbsp sesame seeds; 4 tbsp poke sauce; spring onion

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Poke bowls have taken the food scene by storm, and it's easy to see why! They're vibrant, versatile, and bursting with fresh flavors. This smoked salmon poke bowl is perfect for when you’re craving something fresh and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Packed with sushi rice, smoked salmon, crunchy vegetables, and a savory poke sauce, it’s a bowl full of happiness you can enjoy any time of the day.

A salmon sushi poke bowl with chopsticks on a light blue background.

This salmon sushi bowl can be enjoyed independently, but it also pairs wonderfully with other salmon dishes and sides like miso soup, seaweed salad, or a refreshing cup of green tea. It is versatile enough to be a light lunch or a filling dinner—customize it to fit your vibe. With this easy recipe, you'll be able to enjoy healthy meals without acquiring a black belt in kitchen science.

Ingredients

Smoked Salmon: Smoked salmon is the star of this dish, bringing a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh ingredients of the poke bowl. It's no secret that salmon is an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. Look for high-quality sushi grade salmon slices or manually cut the salmon into bite-size pieces.

Edamame Beans: These little green gems add a touch of sweetness and a satisfying bite. Plus, they’re a good source of protein, making your bowl both tasty and filling. Use frozen edamame for convenience, and steam or boil them before adding.

Roasted Sesame Seeds: Tiny but mighty, sesame seeds offer a nutty flavor that elevates every bite. Toast them yourself for an extra aroma, or opt for roasted ones available at grocery stores. A white and black sesame seed blend will add extra contrast to the dish.

Fresh Cucumber and Avocado: Cool, crisp cucumber and creamy avocado bring balance to the bowl, complementing the salty smoked salmon. Choose a ripe avocado and slice it just before serving to prevent browning.

Spring Onion: They add a subtle kick and a pop of color, so don't skip them!

Nori: These seaweed sheets contribute a savory, umami-rich depth. Shred or cut the nori into thin strips for easy topping.

Pickled Ginger: A classic accompaniment to poke and one of our favorite ingredients, pickled ginger provides a tangy contrast to the richer flavors in the bowl. Plus, it’s great for refreshing your palate between bites.

Fresh Carrot: Julienne some carrots for a crunch that complements the softer textures of the dish. They add a bit of natural sweetness, too.

Sushi Rice: The foundation of any great poke bowl! Seasoned sushi rice (with rice vinegar) provides a slightly tangy base that ties everything together. Cook it ahead of time to allow it to cool before serving. Note that regular white rice (e.g., jasmine rice) can easily be used instead of sushi rice, but make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to avoid a soggy and sticky texture.

Poke Sauce: Don’t stress over making your own sauce when store-bought options are so tasty! Look for soy-based sauce with hints of sesame, ginger, or citrus. We used Kikkoman Poke Sauce in this recipe. Check the FAQ section below for extra tips if you decide to make a poke sauce from scratch.

Instructions

Cook the sushi rice according to the package instructions, then season with rice wine vinegar. Let the rice cool slightly.
Prepare the fresh vegetables: julienne the carrot, slice the cucumber and avocado, and chop the spring onions.
Steam or boil the edamame beans and set them aside.
Shred nori sheets into bite-size stripes.
Arrange the cooked rice as the base in a small bowl.
Top the rice with salmon cubes/slices, edamame, cucumber, avocado slices, carrot, spring onions, shredded nori, and pickled ginger.
Drizzle poke sauce generously over the bowl or serve in a separate bowl.
Sprinkle roasted sesame seeds on top for the final touch.

FAQ

Can I use a different fish instead of smoked salmon?

Absolutely! Sushi-grade fish (tuna or fresh salmon (salted)) works great if you want to keep it traditional. You can substitute it with marinated tofu if you don't eat fish.

How do I store leftovers?

Poke bowls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a day. Keep the rice separate from the toppings to prevent it from getting soggy, and add nori and the sauce only upon serving.

How can I make a poke sauce at home?

A poke sauce is very easy to make if you prefer homemade sauces or there are no options available at your local grocery store. With different recipes circulating on the web, one of the best and most straightforward options is to mix rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, a touch of fresh lime juice, and some sriracha (or sweet/hot chili sauce) sauce for spiciness.

A salmon poke bowl with a sauce being drizzled over it.

Expert Tips

Prep Ingredients in Advance: Have everything prepped and ready before assembling your bowl for an easier process and fresher results. The only exception might be avocados that are likely to become brown if cut in advance.
Use a Rice Paddle: If you don’t have one, a spatula works fine—just fluff your rice gently to avoid clumping.
Get Creative: Don’t feel limited by the recipe—add mango chunks, radish slices, or even a soft-boiled egg to mix things up.
Use leftover rice (if any) for extra sushi rolls.

These smoked salmon bowls are as easy to make as they are delicious. Whether you’re trying to impress someone special or just treating yourself to a healthier, more colorful meal, this recipe hits the spot every time. Enjoy this bowl's fresh flavors and endless possibilities—one bite at a time!