Easy Cooked Salmon Poke Bowls

This Easy Cooked Salmon Poke Bowl is everything you need for a healthy, flavorful meal that’s light yet filling. A bowl brimming with perfectly cooked & marinated salmon, a medley of crisp, colorful vegetables, and a drizzle of tangy marinade that brings everything together. The best part about this recipe—it comes together in just 25 minutes! This makes it the absolute perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option! ✨🍣

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Cooked Salmon Poke Bowl Recipe…

What sets this poke bowl apart is its incredible combination of fresh, vibrant ingredients that balance each other beautifully. The salmon is tender and juicy, the edamame adds a satisfying crunch & extra protein, and the sweet crunch of carrots and red bell peppers blends seamlessly with the fresh cucumbers and cabbage. Topped with a savory-sweet marinade that brings a burst of umami, this bowl hits all the right notes in terms of flavor. Whether you’re new to poke bowls or already a fan, this easy-to-make recipe will have you hooked.

The beauty of a poke bowl is in the customization, and this one is no exception. Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like protein-rich edamame, antioxidant-packed purple cabbage, and fiber-filled veggies, you’re treating yourself to a nourishing meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. And with the added bonus of the sweet sesame marinade and sauce in one! Let’s get started on making this simple yet delicious Easy Cooked Salmon Poke Bowl!

What Is a Poke Bowl?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what a poke bowl is. Originating from Hawaii, poke typically refers to raw, marinated fish served over a bowl of rice with various toppings like veggies, seaweed, and sauce. Traditionally, it uses raw fish, but for this Easy Cooked Salmon Poke Bowl recipe, we’re swapping in cooked salmon for a heartier and more approachable twist. You can still enjoy the same delicious poke flavors without the raw fish!

How to Make Easy Cooked Salmon Poke Bowls

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Rice 
• 1 Pound Salmon cubed
• 1 Cup Edamame
• 2 Large Carrots
• 1 Red Bell Pepper diced
• 1 Cup Purple Cabbage
• 1 Cup Cucumbers diced
• 1/2 Cup Green Onions chopped

Marinade & Sauce

• 1/2 Cup Tamari or GF Soy Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Honey
• 1 Teaspoon Ginger grated
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic minced

Step-By-Step

Cook the Rice
Start by cooking your rice. I always prefer to use a rice cooker! Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.

Make the Marinade and Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together tamari or soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. This marinade will both season the salmon and act as a drizzle for your poke bowls. Be sure to mix it well to ensure the honey fully dissolves into the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes and pour half of the marinade/sauce over the salmon. Let it sit for a few minutes while you prepare the veggies. Bake the salmon in the oven for about 12 minutes at 350°F for an even cook. Once cooked, set the salmon aside. You can cook it in a skillet over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, just until it’s cooked through but still moist.

Prep the Veggies
Shred the carrots, dice the bell pepper, chop the cucumber, and slice the purple cabbage into thin strips. The more vibrant and fresh the veggies, the better the dish will taste. Plus, the bright colors make it so much more appetizing!

Assemble the Poke Bowls
Start by placing a serving of rice in each bowl. Layer on the cooked salmon cubes, edamame, carrots, red bell pepper, purple cabbage, cucumbers, and green onions. Pour a little bit of the sauce over the top of each bowl.

Serve and Enjoy!
Your Easy Cooked Salmon Poke Bowls are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately while the rice is still warm, and garnish with any additional toppings like avocado, sesame seeds, or seaweed if you like.

What Kind of Salmon Should I Use for Poke Bowls?

For raw poke bowls, it’s ideal to use fresh, sushi-grade salmon, but since this recipe calls for cooked salmon, you can use any fresh or frozen salmon fillets. Look for skinless fillets to make cubing the salmon easier. If you’re looking for an even more flavorful and nutritious option, wild-caught salmon is a great choice. It tends to have a richer taste and offers added health benefits, such as higher omega-3 content.

How to Customize Your Poke Bowl

One of the best parts of making poke bowls is the ability to customize them based on your preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Avocado: Add a creamy, rich texture with slices of ripe avocado. It’s the perfect complement to the savory salmon and tangy marinade.
• Top with Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds will give your poke bowl an extra crunch and a bit of nutty flavor.
• Switch Up the Protein: If salmon isn’t your thing, try cooked shrimp, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add a Spicy Kick: If you like heat, drizzle some sriracha or top your bowl with spicy mayo to bring a fiery contrast to the cool vegetables.

How to Meal Prep and Store Salmon Poke Bowls

Meal prepping Easy Cooked Salmon Poke Bowls is a great way to save time while enjoying a fresh, healthy meal throughout the week. To meal prep this recipe, start by cooking the rice and letting it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Cook the salmon, then cube it once it’s cooled, and store it in a separate airtight container. Prep your veggies—such as cucumbers, carrots, red bell pepper, and cabbage—by chopping and storing them in individual containers to keep them fresh. For the sauce, whisk together the marinade ingredients and store it in a sealed jar in the fridge.

When it’s time to eat, simply grab your prepped ingredients, assemble the poke bowls, and drizzle with the sauce. For the freshest results, store each component separately and keep the sauce on the side until you’re ready to eat. This will ensure everything stays crisp and flavorful throughout the week. The prepped ingredients can last in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it an easy, grab-and-go meal option!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the rice for another grain?
Yes! While sushi rice is a traditional choice for poke bowls, you can easily swap it out for quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Each grain will offer a slightly different texture, but they’ll all pair wonderfully with the salmon and vegetables.

How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, try adding some sliced jalapeños, a drizzle of sriracha, or chili flakes on top. You can also mix a little sriracha into the marinade or make a spicy mayo by blending mayonnaise with sriracha.

Can I use cooked shrimp or tofu instead of salmon?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of salmon or prefer a different protein, cooked shrimp or tofu would be great alternatives. For shrimp, simply cook them until pink and chop them into bite-sized pieces. For tofu, try using firm tofu and sauté it with a little sesame oil to get a nice crisp texture.

How long can I store leftover poke bowls?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, the rice and vegetables may lose some freshness, so it’s best to store the sauce and salmon separately and assemble the bowls fresh when you’re ready to eat.

What other vegetables can I add to my poke bowl?
Feel free to get creative with the vegetables! You can add avocado slices, radishes, edamame, seaweed, or even some pickled veggies like carrots or cucumbers. The great thing about poke bowls is that they’re fully customizable based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

Is this poke bowl recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Easy Cooked Salmon Poke Bowl is gluten-free when you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Just be sure to check the labels of your sauces and other condiments to ensure they are gluten-free.

Can I make this poke bowl vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, simply swap the salmon for marinated tofu or tempeh, and use a plant-based alternative for the honey (such as maple syrup). This will give you all the flavors of a poke bowl without any animal products.

Enjoy Your Poke Bowls!

These Easy Cooked Salmon Poke Bowls are a perfect blend of fresh ingredients and flavors. With a simple prep process, you can enjoy a healthy, delicious meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or prepping multiple meals, this recipe is super customizable, and allows you to add your favorite toppings or switch up the protein. It’s an easy, nutritious way to enjoy a poke bowl without the hassle, and with the right ingredients, it’s sure to become a regular in your week!

Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy