Vegan Poke Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegan Poke Bowl is the ideal combination of textures and flavors. The marinated tofu has a satisfying umami flavor, while the base of rice adds the perfect amount of chew. The fresh toppings, including avocado, edamame, shredded carrots, and cucumber, bring a wonderful crunch and freshness to the dish. Plus, the tangy and slightly spicy dressing ties everything together beautifully, making every bite burst with flavor. This is a healthy and satisfying meal that you can easily make at home!

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 cup sushi rice or brown rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Tofu Poke:

• 1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For the Toppings:

• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup edamame, shelled and cooked
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 radish, thinly sliced
• ½ cup seaweed salad (optional)
• ¼ cup pickled ginger (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Rice:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
• In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Pour this mixture over the cooked rice and fluff gently to combine. Set the rice aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Tofu:

• Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, cut the tofu into cubes.
• In a bowl, mix the soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sriracha (if using), grated ginger, minced garlic, and green onions. Add the tofu cubes and toss gently to coat. Let the tofu marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the tofu just before serving.

3. Prepare the Toppings:

• While the tofu is marinating, prepare the toppings. Slice the avocado, cucumber, and radish. Shred the carrots, and cook the edamame if it’s not pre-cooked. Set all the toppings aside.

4. Make the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sriracha (if using), and grated ginger. This will be your dressing to drizzle over the poke bowl.

5. Assemble the Bowl:

• Start by placing a scoop of the seasoned rice at the bottom of each bowl.
• Top the rice with the marinated tofu, avocado slices, edamame, shredded carrots, cucumber, radish, and any additional toppings like seaweed salad and pickled ginger.

6. Drizzle the Dressing:

• Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top of the assembled poke bowl. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

7. Serve:

• Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, vegan poke bowl!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 2 servings. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, while the tofu needs to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. With cooking the rice and preparing the toppings, total time is around 30-40 minutes.

Variations

• Protein Options: If you’re not a fan of tofu, you can substitute with tempeh, chickpeas, or even grilled or sautéed mushrooms for a different texture and flavor.
• Extra Toppings: Feel free to get creative with additional toppings like pickled vegetables, shredded cabbage, or fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint.
• Spicy Version: Increase the amount of sriracha in the tofu marinade or add chili flakes to the dressing for a spicier poke bowl.
• Rice Alternatives: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or a blend of greens like spinach for a low-carb alternative to sushi rice or brown rice.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover tofu poke can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the avocado should be eaten fresh as it may brown.
• Reheating: If you prefer your rice warm, you can microwave it before serving, but the tofu and toppings are best enjoyed cold.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for the base?

Yes! You can use brown rice, white rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice depending on your preference or dietary needs.

Can I make this bowl gluten-free?

Yes, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.

Can I add more veggies to the bowl?

Absolutely! You can add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or sweet potato.

How do I press tofu properly?

To press tofu, place it on a cutting board, cover it with a clean towel, and place a heavy object (like a pan) on top for 15-20 minutes. This helps remove excess moisture for better texture and flavor absorption.

Can I prepare this bowl in advance?

You can prepare the rice, tofu, and toppings ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the bowl just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Can I make this poke bowl without tofu?

Yes, you can substitute the tofu with other plant-based proteins like tempeh, chickpeas, or even avocado for a more filling bowl.

What is the best way to store leftover tofu?

Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you have extra marinade, you can also store that and pour it over the tofu before serving again.

Can I make this poke bowl spicy?

Yes, increase the amount of sriracha in the marinade and the dressing, or add chili flakes to the toppings for an extra spicy kick.

What other sauces can I use for the dressing?

You can experiment with different dressings, like a miso dressing, tahini dressing, or a lemon-tahini sauce for a different flavor profile.

Can I use different toppings?

Of course! Feel free to mix and match your favorite poke bowl toppings like mango, pineapple, avocado, and edamame. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

This Vegan Poke Bowl is a delicious and nutritious meal full of fresh flavors and vibrant textures. It’s easy to customize based on your preferences, and the tofu marinated in the flavorful sauce makes for a protein-packed, satisfying base. Whether you enjoy it as a quick lunch or a light dinner, this poke bowl is guaranteed to be a hit! Enjoy this refreshing, plant-based version of a beloved classic.

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