Beat the heat with this wholesome watermelon poke bowl recipe
The Watermelon Poke Bowl offers a vegetarian take on the classic Hawaiian poke, traditionally featuring raw fish. In this dish, watermelon stands in as a tasty substitute, ensuring the meal is both vegetarian and eggless. Created for vegetarians who crave poke's bold flavors without seafood, it has become popular for its distinctive taste and nutritional benefits. Let's start preparing this wholesome dish.
Gather the following ingredients
For this dish, gather one large watermelon (four cups cubed), two tablespoons of soy sauce or tamari, one tablespoon of sesame oil, one teaspoon of rice vinegar, and half a teaspoon of ginger paste or grated ginger. Also needed are one small cucumber in matchsticks, one julienned large carrot, half a cup of radish slices, and for garnish, and two tablespoons each of chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Preparing the watermelon
Start by slicing your watermelon into one-inch cubes. To replicate the texture of traditional poke bowl, each watermelon cube should be pressed gently between layers of paper towels. This crucial step removes excess moisture, which not only allows the watermelon to better absorb the marinade but also results in a more pleasing texture that closely resembles that of actual tuna when consumed.
Marinatings
In a medium-sized mixing bowl combine soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil, rice vinegar, and ginger paste to create your marinade. Add your prepared watermelon cubes to this mixture ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour; this allows the watermelon to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
Assemble your poke bowl
While the watermelon is marinating, use this time to prepare your vegetables, if not done previously. Once your ingredients are prepped and the watermelon has marinated for an adequate duration, begin to assemble your poke bowls. Start with a base layer of the marinated watermelon cubes, then skillfully arrange the cucumber matchsticks, carrot juliennes, and radish slices around them.
Garnishing and serving
To complete the dish, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over each bowl, adding flavor and a delightful crunch. Serve the bowls immediately to enjoy the freshness. Each bite is a celebration of health and creativity, offering a vegetarian nod to traditional Hawaiian poke. This meal is not only satisfying but also pays tribute to a classic with a plant-based twist.
