Poke bowls? Is that like Pokémon?
No, these have nothing to do with Pikachu or trading cards.
Poke bowls are a more recent development in Japanese cuisine that builds off of Pacific customs and traditions. All while adding an infusion of local ingredients and cooking practices.
In this blog, we will go over
- What is a poke bowl?
- The history of poke bowls
- Traditional and Newer Ingredients
- Popular Poke Bowls
So put away the Pokémon cards cause they only thing we are trading is historical and cuisine facts!
What is a Poke Bowl?
Let’s start with a simple question for those who aren’t aware: what is a poke bowl?
Poke (poh-kay) is a traditional Hawaiian dish that traces its roots back to the islands’ earliest Polynesian settlers. The word “poke” means “to slice” or “to cut” in Hawaiian, referring to the way the fish is prepared. Originally, poke consisted of freshly caught fish that were cut into cubes and seasoned with local ingredients such as sea salt, seaweed, and kukui nuts.
The modern form of poke has been significantly influenced by Japanese cuisine however. The Japanese influence on poke began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when a significant number of Japanese immigrants arrived in Hawaii to work on sugar plantations.
These immigrants brought with them their culinary traditions, which blended with the local Hawaiian cuisine to create new flavors and techniques that have become integral to the poke we know today.
Evolution and Modernization
As commercial fishing and refrigeration became more widespread, it allowed a greater variety of fish to be used. Tuna became the most popular choice due to its availability and flavor.
The poke bowl, as we know it today, started gaining popularity in the mainland United States around the 2010s. This modern version of poke incorporates a wider variety of ingredients and influences from various cuisines, reflecting the diverse culinary landscape of Hawaii and the broader Pacific Rim.
Using sushi-grade fish, soy sauce, and wasabi are commonplace now. The trend towards healthier, fresh, and customizable meals has also contributed to the widespread appeal of poke bowls.
Poke bowls continue to evolve, incorporating new ingredients and fusion elements from different culinary traditions.
Introduction of Key Ingredients
The Japanese introduced several key ingredients and techniques to Hawaiian cuisine, many of which have become staples in modern poke bowls:
- Soy Sauce
- Sesame Oil
- Green Onions and Ginger
- Rice
But like we talked about earlier, Japanese immigrants brought their own take and flavors to add and fuse into the traditional poke bowl.
- Sushi-grade Fish
- Sauces (Ponzu sauce, Wasabi, Furikake)
- Pickled Vegetables
- Nori (Seaweed)
- Quinoa
- Roe
The addition of these ingredients not only works to enhance and create a new flavor profile, it also pays homage to the history of both Hawaiian and Japanese cuisine and culture.
Our Favorite Poke Bowls
While there are numerous types of poke bowls, there are some that we prefer to others. If you’re looking for an authentic blend of Pacific cultures, these are the ones we suggest you try first.
Spicy Salmon Poke Bowl
Spicy salmon is a go-to option for many people looking to try Japanese cuisine for the first time. This is because they know what to expect out of the name: spicy salmon.
The best spicy salmon poke bowls lean into the added heat. Popular additions are cilantro and spicy mayo. These also come with ingredients such as cucumber and avocado to remedy the heat just a bit.
Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl
If you don’t like salmon, maybe tuna is to your liking.
While these bowls are exactly the same in terms of flavor and ingredients, the difference in the protein content changes the meal just enough.
Tuna has a meatier consistency than salmon and has a less individualistic taste. This causes tuna to take on the flavor of what it is cooked with rather than dictate the taste itself.
Fuyu Poke Bowl
A fuyu poke bowl is the option for anyone who may be vegetarian or vegan.
The main ingredient of a Fuyu bowl is spicy kimchi, a dish consisting of salted and fermented vegetables. These vegetables can include:
- Napa Cabbage
- Korean Radish
- Gochugaru
- Spring Onions
- Garlic
- Ginger
Aki Poke Bowl
If you’re looking to continue the vegan or vegetarian trend, but want a poke bowl with a little more substance, try the aki poke bowl.
An aki poke bowl uses tofu as its base; a traditional protein substitute for those one restricted diets. Tofu, like certain types of fish, takes on the taste of what it is cooked with/in.
Ask your server how the tofu is cooked before you order it if you have questions.
Tamago Poke Bowl
What is tamago?
Tamago means “egg” in Japanese. A tamago poke bowl is the same as the other poke bowls, but the base has changed to eggs that were cooked similar to an omelet.
It is then laid on top of the poke bowl and garnished with toasted sesame seeds. This would serve as a great meal at any time of the day!
Get Your Poke Bowl Fix at Kobé
Now that you have learned all about the history and modernization of poke bowls, as well as a few of our favorites, come try one at Kobé Japanese Steakhouse! We make our poke bowls to order for your lunch or dinner!
No time to sit down? Order it to go! See all of our locations here.
Enjoy classic and traditional Japanese cuisine cooked by professional chefs who have mastered the culinary arts of Japanese cooking. Experience tempura done right! The crunchy, but still airy and light flavors are sure to have you coming back again and again.