If you’re in the mood for something fresh, vibrant, and absolutely packed with flavor, you have to try the Tuna Poke Sushi Bowl with Spicy Mayo. This beautiful dish combines silky cubes of sushi-grade tuna, sweet mango, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and a rich, tangy spicy mayo—plus all those crunchy toppings—atop a bed of perfectly cooked rice. Each bite is an irresistible balance of tastes and textures, capturing everything you love about your favorite sushi bar in a big, satisfying bowl you can craft right at home.

Tuna Poke Sushi Bowl with Spicy Mayo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this recipe so wonderful is its simplicity—just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients that each shine in their own way. From the buttery tuna to the punchy spicy mayo, every element plays a starring role, bringing color and excitement to every spoonful.

Sushi Grade Ahi Tuna (12 oz.): The star of the show, bringing a delicate, clean flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture—always buy sushi-grade for safety and taste.
Uncooked Rice (1 cup): The comforting, starchy base that ties everything together; sushi rice is ideal, but jasmine or short-grain also work.
Cucumber (1): Adds crisp, refreshing crunch and a bright contrast to the richness of the tuna and avocado.
Mango (½–1): Gives a juicy burst of sweetness that plays beautifully against the salty, spicy flavors.
Avocado (1): Lends creamy decadence, echoing the texture of the tuna for extra satisfaction.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base for spicy mayo—Japanese Kewpie is fantastic here, but any good-quality mayo works.
Sriracha or Hot Sauce (1½ Tbsp.): Brings the heat to the spicy mayo—adjust more or less to taste!
Lime Juice (1 tsp. or to taste): Brightens the spicy mayo and delivers citrusy zing.
Panko Bread Crumbs (2–3 Tbsp.): Toasted golden, these add irresistible crunch to every bite.
Sesame Seeds (1 Tbsp.): For gentle nuttiness and a touch of classic poke flavor.
Soy Sauce: Salty, umami-rich magic to tie all the flavors together; drizzle lightly for best effect.
Eel Sauce (optional): Adds sweet, savory depth if you love a little sushi bar flair—totally optional but oh-so-good.

How to Make Tuna Poke Sushi Bowl with Spicy Mayo

Step 1: Make the Rice

Start by cooking your rice according to package directions—usually a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio works best for fluffy, sticky grains. If you have leftover rice from yesterday’s takeout, this is a perfect time to use it. Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly while you get everything else ready; it should be warm but not too hot to avoid wilting your other ingredients.

Step 2: Slice and Dice the Fresh Ingredients

Take your time with this part—neat, bite-sized pieces make the bowl both gorgeous and easy to eat. Dice the sushi-grade tuna into medium cubes so every bite showcases its buttery texture. Chop the cucumber into small cubes or matchsticks; dice the mango and avocado the same size, or slice the avocado thinly for visual flair. Working with a sharp knife is key here for best results.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, combine your mayonnaise, Sriracha (or any favorite hot sauce), and a teaspoon of lime juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy, then taste—if you like more kick, add a touch more Sriracha; for tang, squeeze in extra lime. This spicy mayo gives your Tuna Poke Sushi Bowl with Spicy Mayo its addictive kick and lovely orange hue.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Now the fun really starts! Divide the warm rice between bowls, then artfully arrange your tuna, cucumber, mango, and avocado on top. Don’t stress about perfection—just have fun playing with colors and textures. This bowl is as fun to look at as it is to eat!

Step 5: Add Toppings and Sauces

It’s time to finish your Tuna Poke Sushi Bowl with Spicy Mayo in style. Drizzle the spicy mayo generously over each bowl, followed by a splash of soy sauce and eel sauce if using. Sprinkle with toasted panko bread crumbs and sesame seeds for tons of crunch and aroma. That last sprinkle really makes it pop!

How to Serve Tuna Poke Sushi Bowl with Spicy Mayo

Garnishes

Don’t be shy with the garnishes—add a dazzling shower of extra sesame seeds, a touch more crunchy panko, and even thinly sliced green onions or shredded nori for an extra sushi vibe. A few cilantro leaves or microgreens will really make those colors sing, turning an ordinary bowl into restaurant-worthy art.

Side Dishes

Although the Tuna Poke Sushi Bowl with Spicy Mayo is a satisfying meal on its own, you can easily turn dinner into a feast. Pair it with a side of miso soup, a small seaweed salad, or pickled ginger for a bright, balanced spread. Even a few edamame pods sprinkled with sea salt make a fun starter!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining or just feel like treating yourself, try serving the ingredients deconstructed on a platter so guests can build their own bowls. Or, use small mason jars or glass cups to layer the elements for a portable poke parfait. Sushi night has never looked (or tasted) this fun and customizable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The tuna, rice, and veggies will stay at their freshest when not mixed together, and you can quickly assemble a new bowl when hunger strikes again.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Tuna Poke Sushi Bowl with Spicy Mayo, especially with delicate raw tuna and creamy avocado—these textures just don’t hold up well after thawing. To enjoy the best flavor and mouthfeel, stick to refrigerating and eat within a day or two.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat the entire bowl, but if you’d like warm rice, simply microwave that portion separately before rebuilding your bowl. Keep the rest cool and assemble fresh for the ultimate contrast between warm and cold bites.

FAQs

Can I use cooked tuna or another protein instead of raw?

Absolutely! If raw fish isn’t your thing or you want to switch it up, try cooked shrimp, seared salmon, tofu, or even poached chicken. The beauty of this bowl is how flexible and adaptable it is to your tastes and dietary preferences.

How spicy is the spicy mayo, and can I adjust it?

The spicy mayo for the Tuna Poke Sushi Bowl with Spicy Mayo has a lovely little kick that most people enjoy, but it’s super customizable. Feel free to dial up or down the Sriracha (or swap for a different hot sauce), so it’s perfectly suited to your spice level.

What’s the best rice for poke bowls?

Sushi rice gives the most authentic texture—sticky and just slightly chewy—but short-grain or even jasmine rice work if that’s what you have. For a healthier twist, try brown rice or even cauliflower rice as your base!

Can I prep any components ahead of time?

You can definitely cook and cool your rice, mix up the spicy mayo, and chop the veggies ahead of time. Just wait until shortly before serving to dice the tuna and cut the avocado so everything stays super fresh and vibrant.

Where can I find eel sauce, and is it necessary?

Eel sauce, also known as unagi sauce, is a sweet and tangy soy-based finishing drizzle found in many Japanese markets or online. It’s completely optional, but if you love that extra hit of sweet-savory flavor, it’s a fantastic addition to the Tuna Poke Sushi Bowl with Spicy Mayo.

Final Thoughts

There’s honestly nothing more satisfying—or fun—than digging into a homemade Tuna Poke Sushi Bowl with Spicy Mayo. It’s colorful, shareable, and bursting with flavors that make every bite special. Give it a go and see just how easy and rewarding it is to make sushi-inspired magic in your own kitchen—you may never want takeout again!