Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl MediterrAsian Style

Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl is one of the easiest meals to make. What I love about MediterrAsian Style dishes is they are healthy, fresh and delicious. Poke Bowls are a go-to of mine when eating out, but eating them at home is even better. Home cooking allows you to control the ingredients and portions. The Olive Sunshine version is the perfect recipe to save because it includes the principles of the Mediterranean Diet. Why is the Olive Sunshine Ahi Poke Bowl MediterrAsian Style so healthy?

• Includes wholegrains – replacing the white rice with whole grain rice.
• Is heavy on the veggies – using the Mediterranean plate principle making sure 1/4 of the bowl is rice, 1/4 of the bowl is protein and 1/2 is vegetables.
• Include Seafood – Sushi grade Ahi Tuna is a fantastically lean choice.
• Simple to make and it is even better if you like raw Ahi than NO cooking needed! Makes it perfect for a fast summer meal. (I like mine rare – just enough to take the cold off.)
• Reducing sodium and processed ingredients – avoiding the salt-laden soy and other Asian sauces, the flavors are enhanced with a balsamic glaze (healthier than soy) and siracha!

The MediterrAsian Style Poke Bowl Ingredients

These ingredients are super simple and with the exception of the Tuna, most I have in my refrigerator and pantry already. I think of the bowl as a six-piece pie and layer each of the ingredients around the dish evenly saving two spots for the cucumber and placing the tuna right on the top in the center. This ensures you have the perfect portions making this Asian-fusion-dish Mediterranean friendly!

• Brown rice – In restaurants one would typically see white rice. Brown rice packs more fiber and is aligned with the Mediterranean Diet. The fiber keeps the hunger at bay. To make this dinner super quick, I use the boil in the bag Minute Brown Rice. I throw the rice bag in the microwave and in the 10 minutes it is cooking, I prep the rest of the veggies.
• Lettuce – I typically use iceberg for a nice crunch. In restaurants, one would rarely see lettuce but I like that it provides a nice freshness that blends well with the other ingredients. It is more of side, not a main ingredient so it does not feel like a salad.
• Avocado – for some nice protein and a great way to incorporate a fruit into your meal!
• Carrots – a lovely touch of sweetness. I love to use a peeler to create curly ribbons. Easy and pretty and provides just the right amount of carrot in each bite.
• Cucumbers – I always add twice as much cucumber to the bowl as other ingredients. Cucumber pairs beautifully with the Ahi tuna. It is also full of healthy vitamins and water that keeps you hydrated. This is perfect if you plan to add any salty sauces on top.
• Ahi Tuna – be sure it is fresh and sushi grade. If you are vegan this bowl is delicious without the tuna just double the avocado!

Preparing Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl

My girlfriends and I were leaving for a weekend girls’ trip. We had a 6 a.m. flight leaving from Orlando – 70 miles from home. This Poke Bowl was the perfect dish for everyone to enjoy for a late, but light, dinner before we piled in the car to head to the hotel near the airport. I prepped all the ingredients before the girls arrived at my house. Finishing my last-minute packing, I did not assemble the bowls until they arrived. It is so simple to throw all the ingredients in the bowl minutes before serving. I layer everything in waiting to prepare the tuna right before we eat.

I can prepare the tuna according to the preference of my dinner guests and it just takes minutes. Raw? Simply cut the tuna, please make sure from your fish monger that it is sushi grade tuna! Rare takes less than 45 seconds per side. Medium is approximately 1-2 minutes. If you want to fully cook your tuna steak that is up to you but be sure to season it as it will lose some of the flavor. Slice the Ahi and place it right in the center of your bowl. With the ingredients ready before hand and In less than five minutes you will have a visually appealing dish that is healthy and delicious on the table. Drizzle with your favorite toppings and you will be sure to impress your friends.