Shrimp Poke Bowl

Succulent shrimp glazed in creamy sweet chili sauce nestles into a bed of perfectly seasoned sushi rice, surrounded by fresh, crisp vegetables. This colorful bowl brings together the best of poke inspiration with cooked seafood comfort, creating a meal that's both satisfying and refreshing.

After discovering this recipe during a craving for my favorite poke shop flavors, it's become my go-to comfort meal. The combination of tender shrimp and crunchy vegetables creates such satisfying textures that my family requests it weekly.

Perfect Ingredient Selection

• Wild caught shrimp: Brings sweet, delicate flavor. Choose larger sizes (21-25 per pound) for best results
• Sushi rice: Provides the perfect sticky texture. Look for short grain varieties specifically labeled for sushi
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds the ideal balance of heat and sweetness. Select authentic Asian brands for best flavor
• Fresh lime juice: Brightens every element. Choose heavy, fragrant fruits
• Kewpie mayonnaise: Creates the creamiest sauce. Regular mayonnaise works but Asian varieties excel
• Fresh vegetables: Must be crisp and vibrant. Select cucumber, carrots, and avocados at peak ripeness
• Edamame: Adds protein and texture. Choose bright green frozen varieties
• Crispy onions: Bring essential crunch. Look for fresh, oil-free varieties

The quality of your shrimp makes an enormous difference in this dish. I discovered this after trying wild caught Argentinian shrimp and never looked back.

Bowl Building Magic

Sauce Creation:

Whisk 1/2 cup mayonnaise until smooth in medium bowl. Add 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce gradually while stirring. Incorporate 2 tablespoons sriracha and juice of one lime. Season with pinch of salt.

Rice Preparation:

Rinse sushi rice in fine mesh strainer until water runs clear. Combine with water in saucepan. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover tightly. Cook 15 minutes undisturbed.

Sweet Rice Seasoning:

Warm 1/4 cup mirin in small bowl. Whisk in 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon salt until dissolved. Pour over cooked rice, folding gently to combine.

Shrimp Perfection:

Bring large pot of water to rolling boil. Add peeled shrimp carefully. Cook just until pink and curled, about 2 minutes. Drain immediately. Chop into bite-sized pieces.

Shrimp Coating:

Toss warm chopped shrimp with half of prepared sauce. Let sit 5 minutes to absorb flavors. Reserve remaining sauce for serving.

Bowl Assembly:

Layer seasoned rice in bowl base. Arrange sauced shrimp in center. Surround with prepared vegetables. Top with crispy onions, sesame seeds, and extra sauce.

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My Japanese neighbor taught me the importance of treating rice with respect. Now I understand why taking time with the rinsing and seasoning creates such a difference in the final dish.

Temperature Harmony

The beauty of this bowl lies in its temperature contrasts. Slightly warm rice and shrimp pair perfectly with cool, crisp vegetables. Letting the rice cool slightly before assembly prevents the vegetables from wilting and maintains their fresh crunch.

Sauce Symphony

The combination of creamy mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce creates a perfectly balanced coating that clings to every piece of shrimp. Making extra sauce allows for generous drizzling over the finished bowl and provides a flavor boost to every bite.

Perfect Meal Prep

Prepare components separately and store in airtight containers for quick assembly throughout the week. Keep sauce, cooked shrimp, and prepared vegetables (except avocado) for up to four days. Rice maintains its texture best when freshly made.

Creative Variations

Transform this bowl by switching the base to brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition. Try different vegetable combinations like shredded purple cabbage, corn kernels, or blanched asparagus. Add mango for tropical sweetness or seaweed salad for ocean freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Create a DIY bowl bar for entertaining, allowing guests to build their perfect combinations. Provide extra sauce options like spicy mayo, eel sauce, or ponzu for variety. Serve with miso soup for a complete Japanese-inspired meal.

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After countless bowls prepared in my kitchen, I've found that this combination of tender shrimp, perfectly seasoned rice, and fresh vegetables creates a meal that satisfies both comfort food cravings and healthy eating goals. The versatility of this recipe makes it a true kitchen staple worth mastering.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, just skip the boiling step and chop them before tossing with the sauce.

→ What can I substitute for sushi rice?

You can use regular white rice or brown rice, though the texture will be different from traditional sushi rice.

→ How do I make this less spicy?

Reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce, and use less sweet chili sauce for a milder flavor.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare components separately and assemble just before serving. Keep rice and shrimp refrigerated.

→ What can I use instead of mayo for the sauce?

Greek yogurt can be substituted for a lighter option, though the flavor will be tangier.