A poke bowl brings together different worlds of flavor and texture to create a truly unique and delicious dining experience. A base of rice or mixed greens is topped with your choice of fresh vegetables and protein like meat, fish, or tofu, then topped off with a sauce. The sauce you choose can take your meal to the next level of taste, so be sure to try one of these popular options.

Poke Bowl Sauces

1. Ponzu Sauce

Ponzu sauce is a sort of Japanese vinaigrette. It contains a telltale zip of tartness and tanginess. Citrus overtones are balanced perfectly with rice wine, vinegar, and soy sauce to create a thin dressing that beautifully complements all the diverse flavors in a poke bowl.

2. Japanese Mayo

When it comes to mayo, you have two choices. Spicy mayo combines the rich creaminess of traditional mayonnaise with a pop of sriracha heat. In wasabi mayo, the heat is launched to new heights by mixing mayonnaise with the paste of the Japanese horseradish plant; the spiciness is distinct and intense while bringing out the flavors of all the other foods in the dish.

3. Eel Sauce

Eel sauce brings together the sweet and savory. Traditionally, it was used in the preparation of eel, which is where the name comes from. The primary ingredients in eel sauce—soy sauce and sweetener—are accented with a deep hickory-like taste that adds a strong note of smokiness to balance out the sweetness.

4. White Sauce

Also known as yum yum sauce, white sauce is a popular condiment in Japanese cuisine, especially at hibachi grills. The winning combination of mayo and either tomato paste or ketchup is brought up a notch with the addition of vinegar, sugar, garlic, and other spices. It's so good you might say "yum"—twice.

Sakura Grill offers any of the above sauces in their poke bowls as well as hoisin, wildfire, and spicy house poke sauce options for when you’re feeling even more adventurous. Located in Mebane, NC, Sakura Grill serves up fresh Japanese food and takeout to the Alamance County area. As the only restaurant in the region serving poke bowls, they’re true masters of this not-to-be-missed dish—and the sauces that bring the flavors to life. Call (919) 563-8889 to place a takeout order.