Master This Hawaiian Food Bowl Trend for Summer

Get on the bowl bandwagon by building your own poke creation
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Whether it’s acai, whole grain, or even smoothie bowls, food in a rounded vessel is a big deal. One of the most popular bowl options on menus around the country is poke, the classic Hawaiian fish salad. While there are a few options around town to get your fix, it’s more fun to D.I.Y.

Follow our road map to bowl bliss. Mix and match different ingredients or try your own combo after you master the basics. You can find fresh sushi-grade fish and Asian ingredients such as ponzu, furikake (Japanese seasoning blend of dried and ground fish, sesame seeds, seaweed, sugar, and salt), and togarashi (spicy chili pepper blend) at local specialty stores such as One World Market in Novi or Noble Fish in Clawson. 168 Asian Mart is also well-stocked market for Asian staples and condiments.

Photograph by Dan Morgner/Vaughn Images

Start with your base: Rice (steamed, sushi, brown) or even try noodles or salad

Pick your protein: Traditionally high-quality raw fish like tuna or salmon are the go-tos. Branch out with other seafood such as shrimp, and vegetarians can get into the poke game with tofu. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, scallions, and chilies or check out one of the sauce options.*

Sauce it up: miso vinaigrette, spicy mayo, ponzu dressing (see recipes below)

Veg out: edamame, carrots, spring mix, cucumber

Great garnishes: avocado, masago, sesame seeds, furikake, togarashi

Get into a pickle: ginger, onions, cucumbers, chili peppers


Dress it Up

Miso vinaigrette

Ingredients
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white miso
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 jalapeno, finely minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Whisk ingredients all together.

Ponzu dressing

Ingredients
½ cup yuzu juice (or substitute half lemon and half lime)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
½ cup tamari
½ cup mirin

Ingredients
Whisk all the ingredients together.

Spicy mayo

Ingredients
1/2 cup kewpie mayo
¼ cup sambal oelek

Directions
Whisk all ingredients together.

Dressing for fish

Ingredients
1 scallion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 jalapeno, minced (optional if you don’t like spicy)
Kosher salt

Directions
Mix ingredients all together in a bowl and add to fish.


Take Out

Don’t want to make your own? Check out these local spots for poke bowls.

Yuzu Sushi: Home of the sushi burrito, this Royal Oak spot also dishes up poke bowls with lettuce as the base, then served with a scoop of seasoned rice and your choice of poke style (Hawaiian, spicy, and wasabi), and finally garnished with pickled ginger and sliced radish. 32832 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-556-5444. yuzusushico.com

Gogo’s: This Hawaiian-inspired concept housed in Park Bar in downtown Detroit slings poke all day Fridays and Saturdays. Check out social media for the day’s choices. Recent options have included mint, lemongrass, red papaya, Fresno chili, and honeydew; pickled grapes, macadamia, and dates; and scallion, spicy mayo, onion, and avocado. 2040 Park Ave.; 313-672-4646. gogosdetroit.com.

Sushi Coup: Customize your own bowl or try the tuna poke creation, featuring raw tuna, avocado mash, seaweed salad, cucumbers, red onions, black sesame, and poke dressing over rice and salad. 147 W. Auburn Rd., Rochester Hills; 248-260-7633. sushicoup.com