Velvet Shrimp Poke Bliss

Transform your meal routine with an irresistible Shrimp Poke Bowl featuring a luscious creamy poke sauce. This easy, healthy shrimp recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen, offering a burst of fresh flavors and vibrant textures with every bite.

Are you captivated by the customizable experience of poke restaurants, where you craft your ultimate bowl from a colorful array of Hawaiian-inspired ingredients? Many of us are! The allure of fresh components, diverse textures, and savory dressings makes poke bowls a beloved choice for a nutritious and satisfying meal. While authentic poke often features raw fish, this homemade version brings the same exciting flavors and flexibility right to your kitchen, using cooked shrimp and readily available ingredients.

This budget-friendly approach allows you to recreate the magic of poke at home without compromising on taste or health. We’ll be using ingredients like crisp carrots, sweet mangoes, and tender edamame, all coming together in a symphony of flavors. While this recipe doesn’t aim to replace traditional raw fish poke bowls, it offers a deliciously flavorful combination of crunchy vegetables and sweet fruits, all harmonized by a spicy, creamy dressing that’s incredibly satisfying.

The concept is beautifully similar to a sushi salad, yet it expands the horizons for taste and texture, including fantastic low-carb options. You won’t need to hunt for specialty items; the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily create a sensational homemade Shrimp Poke Bowl using ingredients you might already have in your refrigerator or can easily find at your local grocery store. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this simple, versatile, and incredibly tasty recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Poke Bowl Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Shrimp Poke Bowl will become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire:

• Effortlessly Customized: This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. Feel free to swap proteins, experiment with different vegetables, or adjust the dressing to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like it mild or spicy, crunchy or soft, the possibilities are endless for creating your perfect bowl.
• Remarkably Healthy & Dietary Friendly: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and beneficial grains, this dish is inherently healthy. It’s also incredibly adaptable for various dietary needs; easily made low-carb by swapping the base, and naturally gluten-free if you ensure your sauce ingredients are compliant. It’s a nutritious option you can feel good about.
• Perfect for Meal Planning & Prep: Designed with convenience in mind, this poke bowl is an excellent candidate for meal planning. All components can be prepared in advance, stored separately, and assembled just before serving. This makes it ideal for quick lunches, busy weeknight dinners, or healthy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
• Innovative Use for Leftovers: Have some cooked shrimp or leftover grains from another meal? This recipe provides a delicious and exciting way to repurpose them into something completely new and exciting, minimizing food waste while maximizing flavor.

What Exactly Is a Poke Bowl?

If you’re still curious about the origins and concept behind this popular dish, let’s take a deeper dive. Poke (pronounced “POH-keh”) bowls originated in Hawaii, with the term “poke” meaning “to slice or cut into pieces.” Traditionally, Hawaiian fishermen would clean, debone, and dice fresh raw fish, seasoning it with simple ingredients like sea salt, limu (seaweed), and crushed inamona (roasted candlenut) for a quick snack right on their boats.

Fast forward to today, and poke has evolved from a simple fisherman’s snack into a global culinary phenomenon. While yellowfin (ahi) tuna remains a classic protein, modern poke bowls have embraced incredible versatility. You’ll find an array of protein choices, including salmon, octopus, various cooked fish, and even land-based options like pork belly, beef, chicken, or plant-based alternatives like tofu and tempeh. This evolution has made poke bowls accessible and appealing to a much wider audience, moving beyond traditional raw fish preparations to incorporate diverse tastes and preferences.

The beauty of the contemporary poke bowl lies in its customizable structure. Typically, a poke bowl is built around several key categories, allowing for endless creative combinations: a base (like rice or greens), a protein, a medley of fresh vegetables, a flavorful sauce, and various crunchy or specialty toppings. Each component is usually diced or sliced into bite-sized pieces, ensuring that the final bowl is not only visually appealing but also easy to eat, whether with chopsticks or a fork.

This modern interpretation allows for a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every mouthful. The combination of chewy grains, tender protein, crisp vegetables, and a creamy or tangy sauce creates a dynamic and satisfying eating experience. Our Shrimp Poke Bowl recipe embraces this modern flexibility, offering a delightful and healthy way to enjoy the poke concept with familiar and easy-to-prepare ingredients.

The Colorful Shrimp Poke Bowl Ingredient List

Curious about what goes into our delightful shrimp poke bowl? Below, you’ll find the delicious ingredients we’ve selected for our version. Remember, the ultimate goal is to create a dish that boasts a perfect balance of flavors and textures, alongside a vibrant rainbow of colors. Feel free to use our suggestions as a starting point, then customize your bowl with your favorite additions or clever substitutions to make it uniquely yours.

1. Succulent Shrimp: For ultimate convenience and a quick meal, opt for pre-cooked shrimp. However, if you prefer to cook your own, gently sauté shrimp until pink and tender, or utilize any leftover cooked shrimp from a previous meal. Marinated varieties, like flavorful cilantro lime shrimp (reminiscent of Costco’s popular cold shrimp), are also fantastic additions. Ensure your shrimp is peeled, deveined, and tails are removed. For easier eating, especially if the shrimp are large, chop them into smaller, bite-sized segments. Serve chilled for the best poke bowl experience.
2. Hearty Grains or Low-Carb Bases:
   • Our recipe features quinoa, a nutritious and protein-rich grain that adds a delightful texture.
   • Other excellent grain options include:
     • Brown Rice: Offers a nutty flavor and chewy texture, rich in fiber.
     • White Rice: A classic and neutral base that absorbs flavors beautifully.
     • Sushi Rice: Slightly sticky and subtly sweet, providing a traditional Japanese touch.
   • Fantastic low-carb bases for a healthier alternative:
     • Spiralized Zucchini Noodles: A light, refreshing, and crisp noodle alternative.
     • Cauliflower Rice: A mild, grain-free option that easily takes on the flavors of the dressing and other ingredients.
     • Fresh Spinach or Mixed Leafy Salad Greens: For a simple and very low-carb salad-style poke bowl, offering a different kind of freshness.
3. Crisp Edamame: These vibrant green soybeans provide a firm, slightly sweet crunch that perfectly contrasts the softer elements in the bowl. We recommend buying them frozen and shelled for maximum convenience; simply defrost and briefly run under cool water if they’ve been heated. For an alternative, consider adding sweet and spicy roasted chickpeas for a different kind of legume crunch and flavor.
4. Cool Cucumber: English cucumbers are ideal due to their minimal seeds and thin skin, making them perfect for dicing or slicing into refreshing bite-sized pieces. They add a crisp, cooling element that brightens the entire dish.
5. Crunchy Carrot: Carrots contribute a pleasant sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Dice, cut into matchsticks, or slice them thinly to your preference. Other fresh, crunchy vegetables like finely chopped cauliflower or broccoli florets can also be excellent additions for extra texture and nutrients.
6. Sweet Mango: Mango adds a delightful tropical sweetness and vibrant color that pops against the savory ingredients. If mango isn’t available or to your liking, diced fresh pineapple makes an equally delicious and tangy-sweet substitute.
7. Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro not only adds a beautiful touch of green but also a distinctive, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall freshness of the bowl. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, consider using thinly sliced green onions (scallions) for a milder, oniony kick, or a sprinkle of fresh mint for an unexpected zest.
8. Irresistible Poke Sauce: The sauce is the soul of any poke bowl, tying all the diverse ingredients together. We’ll delve into the specifics of our creamy, dreamy dressing in the next section. However, don’t hesitate to explore other options:
   • Asian Dressings: In a pinch, any good quality Asian dressing, such as a sesame ginger dressing (like the one used for Napa Cabbage Salad), can serve as a quick and flavorful alternative.
   • Yum Yum Sauce: For a creamy sauce without the heat, try a classic Yum Yum Sauce – its sweet and tangy profile is a crowd-pleaser.
   • Ponzu Sauce: If you prefer a lighter, more citrusy and savory option, Ponzu sauce offers a delightful soy sauce base with a bright hint of citrus.

Additional Fresh Veggies and Toppings to Explore:

• Pink pickled onions for a tangy, acidic kick.
• Diced green or red bell peppers for color and a sweet crunch.
• Thinly sliced raw sweet onion or red onions for a pungent bite.
• Fresh corn kernels (easily removed from microwaved corn on the cob) or thawed frozen corn for a burst of sweetness.
• Sliced jalapeños for those who love an extra layer of heat.
• Creamy sliced avocado, adding healthy fats and a smooth texture.
• Nutrient-dense seed sprouts and microgreens for freshness and a delicate crunch.
• Various nuts (peanuts, cashews, slivered almonds) for a hearty, earthy crunch and healthy fats.
• Healthy seeds (sesame, chia) for added texture, nutrients, and visual appeal.

Exotic and Specialty Toppings for an Authentic Touch:

• Pickled ginger, a classic sushi accompaniment, offers a zesty palate cleanser.
• Crunchy wasabi peas for a spicy, savory kick and unique texture.
• Pre-made seaweed salad, bringing an authentic umami flavor and vibrant green color.
• Crumbled nori or seaweed snacks, adding a subtle oceanic flavor and delicate crispness.

Remember, the beauty of a poke bowl is its endless customization. Feel free to double up on your favorite ingredients or experiment with new combinations to create a truly personalized and satisfying meal!

The Star of the Show: Creamy Poke Sauce

If your palate gravitates towards a harmonious blend of creamy richness, subtle sweetness, and a delightful hint of heat, then this spicy mayo dressing is precisely what your shrimp poke bowl needs. This sauce is not just an accompaniment; it’s a flavor enhancer that brings all the elements of the bowl together in a truly unforgettable way. I’ve converted many skeptics with this simple yet impactful dressing, and I’m confident you’ll love it too.

Crafting this amazing sauce is incredibly simple. You only need four core ingredients: creamy mayonnaise (use your preferred type, whether regular, light, or a vegan alternative), a touch of sriracha sauce for that signature heat, a drizzle of honey to balance the spice with natural sweetness, and a splash of seasoned rice vinegar to add tang and depth. Whisking these together creates a perfectly emulsified, smooth sauce that clings beautifully to every ingredient in your bowl.

For those mindful of carbohydrate intake, making a low-carb version is a breeze. Simply substitute the seasoned rice vinegar with plain rice wine vinegar (which is unseasoned and has no added sugar) and swap the honey for your preferred sugar-free sweetener. This small adjustment allows you to enjoy all the creamy, spicy goodness without the added carbs. While I personally adore the balance of the original recipe and rarely make substitutions for it, the low-carb alternative is equally delicious and satisfying.

Smart Make-Ahead and Serving Tips

Preparing delicious and healthy meals should be convenient, and this Shrimp Poke Bowl excels in that regard. Here are some invaluable tips for making ahead and serving, ensuring you can enjoy this dish with minimal effort and maximum freshness:

• Ingredient Prep Ahead of Time: All individual components of this Shrimp Poke Bowl recipe can be prepared in advance. Wash and chop your vegetables, cook and cool your quinoa or rice, and prepare your shrimp. Store each ingredient separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and enjoy your meal. This advanced preparation drastically cuts down on assembly time when hunger strikes.
• Streamlined Meal Prep: For those who love efficient meal planning, this recipe is a dream. Once all your ingredients are prepped, you can mix everything together (except the sauce) and portion it into individual airtight containers. Keep the creamy poke sauce in a separate small container. You’ll then have delicious, healthy lunches or dinners ready to go for the next few days, simply adding the sauce right before eating to prevent sogginess.
• Entertaining with a Poke Bar: Planning a gathering? Turn your Shrimp Poke Bowl into a fun and interactive “poke bar.” Prepare all the ingredients in separate bowls and arrange them buffet-style. Allow your guests to customize their own poke bowls with their favorite bases, proteins, vegetables, and toppings. This not only makes entertaining effortless for you but also ensures everyone gets exactly what they desire.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have any assembled shrimp poke bowls left over, store them promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their freshness and flavor for approximately 3 days. The ingredients hold up well, making it a great option for enjoying over multiple meals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Simple Shrimp Poke Bowl Recipe

Shrimp Poke Bowl with Creamy Poke Sauce

Don’t hesitate to create this amazing Shrimp Poke Bowl with its incredible creamy poke sauce! It’s an easy, healthy shrimp recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Marjory Pilley

Ingredients

For the Salad

• ⅔ cup quinoa, dry (yields 2 cups cooked; rinsed before cooking)
• ½ pound cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed; chopped into smaller pieces if large)
• 1 cup carrot (diced)
• 1 cup cucumber (diced)
• 1 cup edamame (cooked and shelled)
• ¼ cup cilantro (chopped)
• 1 cup mango (diced)

For the Creamy Poke Sauce

• 3 Tablespoons mayonnaise (any type)
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (use ½ teaspoon for a milder version)
• 1 teaspoon honey (or your preferred sweetener)
• 1 Tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar

Instructions

1. Combine quinoa and 1 ⅔ cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, diced carrot, diced cucumber, cooked and shelled edamame, chopped cilantro, and diced mango.
3. Once the quinoa has cooled, gently stir it into the bowl with the other salad ingredients.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, and seasoned rice vinegar until thoroughly combined and smooth.
5. Drizzle the creamy poke sauce generously over the top of your assembled poke bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

1. For a lower-carb version, swap the quinoa base for spiralized zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or fresh salad greens.
2. To make the poke sauce completely no-carb, use plain rice wine vinegar (unseasoned) and your favorite sugar-free sweetener instead of honey.
3. All individual ingredients can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator. Shrimp Poke Bowls can be enjoyed either cold or at room temperature.
4. For convenient meal prep, mix all the salad ingredients together and portion them into sealable containers. Store the creamy poke sauce separately in small containers and add just before serving to maintain freshness.
5. When hosting a party, prepare all the ingredients in separate serving dishes and allow guests to customize and assemble their own poke bowls for an interactive dining experience.

Nutrition

Calories: 328 kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 147mg | Sodium: 561mg | Potassium: 591mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 5884IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer

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