Vegan watermelon poke bowl recipe made without fish but tastes just like the real thing. All this thanks to the flavors from mixed sea vegetables and the texture of marinated watermelon.
Watermelon Poke Bowl
Poke (pronounced poh-kay) meaning to slice or to cut, is a classic Hawaiian dish made with wild raw ahi tuna that has been marinated in a garlic, ginger, scallion and tamari lime dressing. But there is no need for cruelty as we are now able to replicate both the texture and the taste of the real dish with simple healthy ingredients. Nothing fishy about this dish!
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About the Poke Sauce
I used a homemade combination of Tamari sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, scallions, chili flakes and sesame seeds. It’s zesty and flavorful and perfectly compliments the sweetness of the watermelon.
Recipe Tips
- Start with sweet seedless and diced watermelon that gets marinated in the sauce for a couple of hours or overnight to absorb as much flavor as possible, just like a sponge.Â
- In order to get a texture similar to that of tuna I then sautéed the watermelon until softened. Then back into the marinade it went to absorb more flavor and chill completely. You guys, this “vegan ahi” is everything!
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why you’ll love it…
Easy
Healthy
Filling
Exotic
Clean & Vibrant
The Perfect Appetizer
No Fish Involved
100% Plant-Based Vegan.
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What Are Sea Vegetables?
The same source that tuna and other fish get their taste and smell from: seaweed (blue and red), agar-agar, sea string, kelp, gufuweed and montagne. They come packed in salt as pictured above, so make sure to rinse them off well before using. They will give your “vegan tuna” the same smell and flavor as real fresh fish.Â
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Since the watermelon poke bowls turned out to be such a hit, I went back to the hearts of palm ceviche from the other day and remade it with the addition of sea vegetables. Truly unbelievable! You should definitely make a big bowl of that while you are at it but be warned: it tastes like the real thing!Â
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Serving Suggestions
Ideally served chilled as an appetizer sprinkled with sesame and scallions, scooped up with chips, piled up high on brown rice, kelp noodles or quinoa bowls.
P.S. if you make this recipe please remember to come back here to rate it, snap a photo and tag me with #VeggieSociety on Instagram.
note: Watermelon is one of the healthiest foods on the Planet, it has a high water and lycopene content plus it is loaded with Vitamin A and carotenoids.
Vegan Watermelon Poke Bowl
A vegan poke bowl recipe made without fish but it tastes like the real thing, all thanks to the flavors from mixed sea vegetables and the textured of marinated watermelon.
Servings 2 people
Calories 125kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups seedless watermelon -cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 tbsp sea vegetables -rinsed very well
- 2 tbsp Tamari sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic -grated
- 1 tsp ginger root -grated
- 1-2 scallions -finely chopped to taste
- 1 large lime -juiced
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds +or to taste
- 1 tsp red chili pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh chives -for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium salad bowl whisk together the Tamari sauce with the lemon juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, scallions, chili flakes and sesame seeds. Add the watermelon and sea vegetables and mix to coat well. Cover with a lid and refrigerate for 3 hours.
- After 3 hours have passed heat up a large skillet over medium low flame. Use a slotted spoon and transfer the watermelon from the marinade into the skillet. Saute until most moisture has evaporated and the watermelon cubes have softened, about 10 minutes. Transfer it back into the poke marinade, cover with a tight lid and refrigerate overnight or at least for another 2-3 hours until completely chilled.
- Serve the poke sprinkled with the fresh cilantro, chives and extra sesame seeds on top.
Notes
- Watermelon is one of the healthiest foods on the Planet, it has a high water and lycopene content plus it is loaded with Vitamin A and carotenoids.Â
- Start with sweet seedless and diced watermelon that gets marinated in the sauce for a couple of hours or overnight to absorb as much flavor as possible, just like a sponge.Â
- In order to get a texture similar to that of tuna I then sautéed the watermelon until softened. Then back into the marinade it went to absorb more flavor and chill completely.
Nutrition
Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 1033mg | Potassium: 316mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1415IU | Vitamin C: 25.8mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 2mg
Environmental Information
Easy Appetizers:
Hearts Of Palm Ceviche
Avocado Mango Salsa
Avocado Bruschetta
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Sounds like a fantastic idea Florentina.
I love seaweed.
Thank you, meet too, totally tastes like sushi! Report back once you make it 🙂
So darn delish!!! Truly tastes like the real thing! Will definitely make many times again. Florentina- love your taste and recipes!
So happy you loved it, got me craving watermelon poke now 🙂