If you love fresh tuna and vegetables, it’s time you made ahi poke bowls a regular part of your diet. This Hawaiian staple consists of sliced or cut raw fish—in this popular example, tuna—marinated in shoyu (soy sauce) and sesame oil and added on top of rice, vegetables, and a variety of seasonings. In recent years, restaurants in the mainland have found new and unique ways to make this dish their own, but it has a long history that predates its newfound popularity.

What Is the Origin of the Ahi Poke Bowl?

The exact creation of poke (pronounced: “poh-kay”) is unclear, but Hawaiian chefs attribute it to the locals’ preference for raw fish and the existing cuisine that was brought over from Japan to the Polynesian islands. Fishermen are believed to have eaten raw reef fish seasoned with sea salt and seaweed. However, it wasn’t until around the 1970s, when ahi tuna became readily available, that the word “poke” and the bowl that is known today originated. 

Afterward, ahi poke bowls were no longer eaten only at home or in a few select restaurants. It could now be regularly found across the islands, and in 1991, Chef Sam Choy helped to bring it to the masses with a contest. He asked amateur and professional chefs across Hawaii to submit their unique recipes in order to teach people how versatile and creative the dish could really get. Today, it is still held each year as part of the Hawaii Island Festival.

Why Eat Ahi Poke Bowls?

While it might seem like a trend to those in the mainland, poke bowls are a staple in Hawaii for good reason. Ahi is a healthy fat containing 41.5 grams of protein per each six-ounce serving. The same serving would also include 154 micrograms of selenium, which aids in new cell growth and maintains proper blood vessel function. In a single bowl, you’ll also receive one-fifth of your daily calcium intake and two-thirds of the daily recommended phosphorus—both of which are needed for producing new bone tissue. 

Eating fresh fish is also a way to receive omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats have been shown to protect against heart disease by lowering blood pressure, reducing triglycerides, raising good cholesterol levels, and decreasing the production of substances that cause inflammatory responses. 

Don’t go another minute without experiencing the delicious taste and healthy treat of an ahi poke bowl. Visit Sakura Grill in Mebane, NC, today, to experience their diverse range of authentic Japanese food. Each of their recipes is made with great care and features fresh, quality ingredients. Call them today at (919) 563-8889 with any questions about their menu or to place an express carryout order. To see what past customers have to say about their food and service, stop by their Facebook page.