• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Vegan Heaven

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Going Vegan
  • About
    • About Me
    • Impressum
    • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Tumblr
    • Twitter
  • ×
    • a hand dipping tortilla chips in a bowl with vegan nacho cheese
      Vegan Nacho Cheese
    • a hand holding a white bowl of sweet potato curry with rice over a wooden board
      Sweet Potato Curry
    • a grey plate with black bean pasta with bell pepper, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro on a wooden board
      Black Bean Pasta
    • yellow curry with bell pepper and carrots over brown rice in a grey bowl
      Yellow Curry
    • a blue and white bowl with millet porridge with a spoon with a pear and a cup of coffee in the background
      Millet Porridge
    • turmeric energy balls in a blue bowl with a glass of smoothie in the background
      Ginger Turmeric Energy Balls
    • a cast iron skillet with pasta with bell pepper on a white wooden board
      Vegan Pasta Rasta
    • Vegan Lentil Soup in two white and brown pots on a marble counter top with a spoon and bread on the side
      Vegan Lentil Soup
    • Vegan Parmesan cheese in a glass jar with a white spoon on a wooden board
      Vegan Parmesan Cheese
    • vegan dal with rice in a white bowl with a spoon on a marble countertop
      Red Lentil Dal
    • a pot with one pot pasta with leek and tofu on a marble countertop
      One Pot Pasta with Leek and Smoked Tofu
    • a cast iron pan with Tuscan pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach on a white wooden board
      Vegan Tuscan Pasta

    Vegan Poke Bowl with Watermelon

    Published: Aug 11, 2018 · Modified: Jul 13, 2020 by Sina · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    3.4K shares
    • Facebook4
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Vegan Poke Bowl

    Are you a poke bowl fan looking for a vegan version of this popular Hawaiian dish? Then try this vegan poke bowl with watermelon “tuna” and sriracha mayonnaise. It’s super delicious, fresh, and incredibly healthy. You’re gonna LOVE it!

    A hand eating a piece of watermelon out a vegan poke bowl

    I can’t believe I’ve waited this long to make a vegan poke bowl. You don’t necessarily need raw fish to enjoy this delicious Hawaiian trend! Perfect for all veggie lovers or those of you who don’t like raw fish. 

    What is a Poke Bowl? And what does Poke mean?

    Poke bowls are part of the Native Hawaiian cuisine. It’s a healthy and fresh bowl of rice, uncooked and sliced vegetables, and raw fish or tofu. It can either be served as an appetizer or as a main course.

    Popular Poke Bowl ingredients are:

    • rice
    • raw tuna, salmon, or tofu
    • green onions
    • seaweed
    • sesame
    • avocado
    • edamame
    • cucumber
    • carrots
    • red cabbage

    Some of you might think that poke bowl is a new trend. However, it has been around for centuries. About six years ago, in 2012, poke bowls became increasingly popular all over the United States.

    Also in Hawaii tons of new restaurants that serve poke opened over the next few years. But not without a good reason: Poke bowls are just so delicious and super healthy!

    There are many variants of this delicious Hawaiian dish, from traditional to modern. The most popular poke bowl is probably ahi poke. It commonly consists of tuna, red cabbage, sesame oil, green onions, and sea salt.

    Oh and maybe you were wondering what “poke” means. Poke is Hawaiian for “to slice” or “cut crosswise into pieces”. Makes sense, right?

    a vegan poke bowl with marinated watermelon and chop sticks on a wooden counter top

    How to Pronounce Poke

    Okay, so poke is super popular, but how do you pronounce it? I mean you don’t wanna out yourself as a newbie at that cool new poke place in your neighborhood.  Or as a total tourist when you’re on a vacation to Hawaii.

    Poke is pronounced “po-kay”.

    Common mispronunciations are: “po-kee” or even “poke” like in “don’t poke your nose into everything all the time!”

    So, as you can see poke bowls have nothing to do with “Pokemon” or “poke balls” (nerd talk over).

    Two vegan poke bowls on a wooden counter top with limes and chop sticks on the side

    What You Need For This Vegan Poke Bowl:

    I made a vegan version of ahi poke bowl. Instead of raw tuna I used marinated watermelon. This might sound crazy but it’s super delicious!

    For the watermelon “tuna” you need:

    • watermelon
    • soy sauce
    • sesame oil
    • sesame seeds
    • green onions
    • rice vinegar

    For the rest of the vegan poke bowl you need:

    • cooked rice (you can use the rice of your choice. I usually use brown rice)
    • edamame
    • carrot
    • cucumber
    • red cabbage
    • seaweed salad
    • avocado
    • more rice wine vinegar
    • salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
    • vegan mayonnaise
    • sriracha sauce

    How to Make A Vegan Poke Bowl

    One of the main ingredients of my vegan poke bowl is marinated watermelon. It kind of looks like raw tuna and is packed with flavor.

    The preparation of the watermelon is super easy. Just keep in mind that you have to make the watermelon “tuna” the night before as it needs several hours to marinate. 

    A watermelon being sliced with a large knife on a wooden board on top of a marble counter top

    STEP 1: With a sharp knife slice the watermelon into 1 inch slices.

    A watermelon being cut into cubes with a large knife on a wooden board on top of a marble counter top

    STEP 2: Then cut these slices into cubes. You will need about 4 cups of watermelon cubes.

    a bowl of marinated watermelon with green onions and sesame seeds on top

    STEP 3: In a bowl, combine the ingredients for the marinade (soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar). Pour the dressing over the watermelon cubes and carefully stir until well combined. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions cut into rings.

    marinated watermelon cubes in a ziploc bag on a marble counter top

    STEP 4: Transfer everything into a ziploc bag and put it in the fridge. Allow to marinate overnight or for at least 12 hours.

    a vegan poke bowl with chop sticks and lime halves in the background

    STEP 5: Chop up all of the other ingredients. Start with the cucumber by cutting it into thin slices. In a small bowl, then combine 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, salt, and chili flakes. Pour it over the cucumber and let it rest for about 10 minutes.

    In the meanwhile prepare the other ingredients. Cook the edamame (I used frozen edamame). Spiralize the carrots, and cut the avocado and the cabbage into thin stripes.

    For the sauce, combine vegan mayonnaise with sriracha sauce. Use more sriracha sauce for a spicier sauce.

    Serve everything in a big bowl over rice and sprinkle it with green onions and sesame seeds.

    Poke Bowl Recipe Tips

    • When making this vegan poke bowl, keep in mind that you have to make the watermelon the night before as it needs several hours to marinate.
    • For a more convincing vegan version of raw tuna, you could also add wakame flakes to the marinade.
    • For the sauce I combined vegan mayonnaise and sriracha sauce. If you want the sauce to be spicier, just add more sriracha sauce. But go easy on it…
    • I usually use brown rice for my poke bowl because it’s healthier than white rice and I like its taste better. But feel free to use white rice for a more authentic version.
    • You could also substitute the watermelon “tuna” with pan-fried tofu or tempeh if you like.
    • For a gluten-free version, substitute the soy sauce with tamari

    More Healthy Vegan Recipes:

    • Vegan Bibimbap 
    • Vegan Salmon
    • Rice Paper Rolls with Mango and Mint
    • Vegan Burrito Bowl 

    I LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU GUYS!

    I hope you like this vegan poke bowl as much as we do around here.

    If you give it a try, I’d love to know what you think about it. Just leave me a comment and a star rating below. Your comments really make my day!

    You like my recipes and want to see more? Then follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest! 

    Sina – xx

    a vegan poke bowl with chop sticks and lime halves in the background

    Vegan Poke Bowl

    Are you a poke bowl fan looking for a vegan version of this popular Hawaiian dish? Then try this vegan poke bowl with watermelon "tuna" and sriracha mayonnaise. It's super delicious, fresh, and incredibly healthy. You're gonna LOVE it!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 5 minutes mins
    Total Time: 25 minutes mins
    Servings: 2 people
    Calories: 401kcal
    Author: Sina

    Ingredients

    For the marinated watermelon:

    • 4 cups watermelon cubes
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
    • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
    • 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

    For the poke bowl:

    • 1 cup cooked brown rice
    • 1 large carrot
    • 3/4 cup frozen edamame
    • 1/2 cucumber
    • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
    • salt, to taste
    • red pepper flakes, to taste
    • 1 cup store-bought seaweed salad
    • 2 cups red cabbage, finely sliced
    • 1 avocado
    • 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
    • 1 tablespoon sriracha
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
    • 1 pinch salt

    Instructions

    • With a sharp knife slice the watermelon in 1 inch slices.
    • Then cut these slices into cubes. You will need about 4 cups of watermelon cubes.
    • In a bowl, combine the ingredients for the marinade (soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar). Pour the dressing over the watermelon cubes and carefully stir until well combined. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions cut into rings.
    • Transfer everything into a ziploc bag and put it in the fridge. Allow to marinate overnight or for at least 12 hours.
    • Chop up all of the other ingredients. Start with the cucumber by cutting it into thin slices. In a small bowl, then combine 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, salt, and chili flakes. Pour it over the cucumber and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
    • In the meanwhile prepare the other ingredients. Cook the edamame (I used frozen edamame). Spiralize the carrots, and cut the avocado and the cabbage into thin stripes. 
    • For the sauce, combine vegan mayonnaise with sriracha sauce. Use more sriracha sauce for a spicier sauce. Serve everything in a big bowl over rice and sprinkle it with green onions and sesame seeds.

    Notes

    • When making this vegan poke bowl, keep in mind that you have to make the watermelon tuna the night before as it needs several hours to marinate.
    • For an even more convincing vegan version of raw tuna, you could also add wakame flakes to the marinade.
    • For the sauce I combined vegan mayonnaise and sriracha sauce. If you want the sauce to be spicier, just add more sriracha sauce. But go easy on it...
    • I usually use brown rice for my poke bowl because it's healthier than white rice and I like its taste better. But feel free to use white rice for a more authentic version.
    • You could also substitute the watermelon "tuna" with pan-fried tofu or tempeh if you like.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 1012mg | Potassium: 595mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 1785IU | Vitamin C: 27.1mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @_veganheaven_ or tag #veganheaven!
    Rate the recipe!If you like this recipe, please leave a good rating! This will help other readers.

    More Recipes

    • vegetable biryani in a white pan on a wooden board with parsley and mint in the background
      Vegetable Biryani
    • five vegan zucchini bread slices on a marble counter top with more zucchini bread on a wooden board in the background and chocolate chips on the side
      Vegan Zucchini Bread
    • a white bowl with green bean salad with tomatoes and kidney beans on a wooden board
      Green Bean Salad
    • a grey bowl with spinach tomato pasta on a wooden board
      Spinach Tomato Pasta

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Tumblr
    • Twitter
    Sina-Veganheaven

    Hi, I'm Sina and this is my recipe blog where I share heavenly simple and sinfully delicious vegan recipes.

    Popular Recipes

    • Lemon Spaghetti with Spinach
      Lemon Spaghetti with Spinach (One Pot)
    • One Pan Mexican Quinoa in a black pot on a white wooden countertop with limes and parsley on the side
      One Pan Mexican Quinoa
    • a hand eating roasted chickpeas out of a small white bowl on a marble counter top
      Roasted Chickpeas
    • Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe (Vegan)
      Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe (Vegan)
    • Vegan meatballs with Spaghetti
      Vegan Meatballs with Spaghetti
    • Creamy Vegan One Pot Pasta (Asian Style)
      Creamy Vegan One Pot Pasta (Asian Style)

    Grilling

    • six grilled vegetable kabobs on a white plate on a marble countertop sprinkled with fresh herbs
      Vegetable Kabobs
    • Black Bean Patties (Vegan & Grillable)
      Vegan Black Bean Burgers (Grillable!)
    • Vegan Potato Salad with Pickles in a Bowl
      Vegan Potato Salad
    • a hand dipping a piece of bread into a bowl of vegan dip
      Creamy Vegan Dip with Dates
    • two tofu vegetables skewers with pineapple and red bell pepper on a plate with brown rice
      Tofu Vegetable Skewers
    • a stack of lentil burgers on a white plate with a bowl of salad in the background
      Lentil Burgers
    Sina Weber, Blogger

    About Sina

    As a mom of twins, I know how busy life can be. So if you're looking for easy and quick vegan recipes the whole family loves, this is the right place for you!

    Learn more about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Lemon Spaghetti with Spinach
      Lemon Spaghetti with Spinach (One Pot)
    • One Pan Mexican Quinoa in a black pot on a white wooden countertop with limes and parsley on the side
      One Pan Mexican Quinoa
    • a hand eating roasted chickpeas out of a small white bowl on a marble counter top
      Roasted Chickpeas
    • Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe (Vegan)
      Thai Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe (Vegan)
    • Vegan meatballs with Spaghetti
      Vegan Meatballs with Spaghetti
    • Creamy Vegan One Pot Pasta (Asian Style)
      Creamy Vegan One Pot Pasta (Asian Style)

    Healthy Recipes

    • Greek Pasta Salad in a Bowl with a Salad Server
      Greek Pasta Salad with Easy Greek Vinaigrette
    • a white bowl with quinoa black bean salad on a marble countertop with limes in the background
      Quinoa Black Bean Salad
    • a grey bowl with brown rice, lettuce, guacamole, and sofritas with a fork
      Sofritas
    • Chickpea Salad in a white bowl with a wooden spoon and two lemons in the background
      Vegan Chickpea Salad
    • Vegan Pad Thai on a white plate with limes in the background and a hand picking up some noodles with chop sticks
      Vegan Pad Thai
    • Easy Vegan Chickpea Curry with Potatoes
      Easy Vegan Chickpea Curry

    Footer

    Impressum/Legal Notice
    Privacy Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Tumblr
    • Twitter

    Affiliate Disclaimer:

    Some posts may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and actually decide to buy it, I’ll receive a small percentage of the total price - of course this does not cause any extra costs for you. I only recommend products that I personally love and use regularly.

    Copyright © 2025 by Vegan Heaven · Privacy Policy