By: Didi Stols
Poke bowls are basically deconstructed sushi, which means that this recipe has all the flavours and “WOW” of a sushi date without the stress and struggle of actually shaping it. All you need to do is get yourself some sushi rice, quality fish and a few bits and bobs to compliment it. Feel free to get creative and make it your own.
For the rice you’ll need:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Prepare your rice by rinsing it thoroughly until the water runs clear. Then combine water and rice in a pot over medium heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the grains are cooked and the water has dissolved. Turn off the heat and allow rice to steam for another 10 minutes with the lid on. In a separate pan heat vinegar, sugar and salt and stir until sugar is dissolved. Now place your warm rice in a large plastic bowl and sprinkle over the vinegar mixture while folding the rice gently as you do so. Place rice somewhere nice and breezy to cool down. (We all know breezy spots aren’t difficult to find on the West Coast).
Now that you have your rice, it’s time for the fun part. Top your rice with your toppings of choice….here’s what I use…
- Cucumber matchsticks
- Carrot slivers
- Sliced radishes
- Edamame beans
- Nori (dry seaweed)
- Pickled Ginger
- Wasabi
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh Salmon
- Kewpie Mayo (Japanese Mayonnaise)
- Bean Curd
- Soy Sauce (on the side)
For a fun twist, add tropical fruit like mango or papaya.
And there you have it… a happy clappy, hokey poke Valentine!