Poke bowl

• 10 ozsushi-grade salmon or tuna · cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 tbsplow-sodium soy sauce · or tamari
• 1 tsptoasted sesame oil
• 1lime · juiced
• 1 tsphoney
• 2 cupscooked rice · sushi or brown, cooled slightly
• 1/2 cupshelled edamame · cooked
• 1cucumber · sliced
• 1avocado · sliced
• 2spring onions · sliced
• 1 tbsptoasted sesame seeds
• 1 sheetnori · cut into strips

Methode

1. 1

   Fish quality is not negotiable

   Poke is raw fish, so you must use sushi-grade fish from a trusted fishmonger, sold specifically for raw eating. This is the one ingredient you cannot compromise on. If you cannot source sushi-grade fish, make a cooked-protein bowl instead with seared salmon or teriyaki tofu.

2. 2

   Cut the fish into clean, even cubes

   Use a sharp knife and cut the fish into neat half-inch cubes so the marinade coats evenly and each bite is consistent. A sharp knife gives clean edges; a dull one tears the delicate flesh and turns it mushy. Cut it cold, straight from the fridge.

3. 3

   Marinate briefly, not for hours

   Toss the cubes with soy, sesame oil, lime and a touch of honey just before assembling, five to ten minutes is plenty. Left too long, the soy and acid start to cure and firm the fish, changing it from silky raw to chewy. Short and light is the aim.

4. 4

   Cool the rice slightly

   Serve the rice warm to just-warm, not piping hot, so it does not start to cook the raw fish sitting on top. Slightly cooled sushi rice, seasoned with a little rice vinegar, is traditional and keeps the fish at its best texture.

5. 5

   Balance the bowl with texture and freshness

   Edamame for protein and bite, cucumber for crunch and cooling, avocado for richness, and nori and sesame for savoury, nutty notes. A good poke bowl is a balance of soft, crunchy, creamy and fresh, so vary the toppings rather than piling on one thing.

6. 6

   Assemble just before eating

   Poke does not keep once assembled, the fish is raw and the components are fresh. Prep everything ahead, but marinate the fish and build the bowl only when you are ready to eat. It is a fast assembly job once the parts are ready.