Tropical Poke Bowl with Tamarind Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant poke bowl featuring marinated shrimp and tuna in a tangy tamarind sauce, topped with tropical vegetables and rice. This Hawaiian-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs shrimp, tuna, tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Hawaiian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tbsp coconut milk until smooth. Add 1 diced jalapeño and stir to incorporate.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 oz shrimp and 6 oz tuna to the glaze, tossing to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes to marinate.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 cups cooked rice, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1/2 cup chopped cucumber, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  4. Step 4: Top the rice with the marinated shrimp and tuna, garnish with additional cilantro, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tropical Poke Bowl with Tamarind Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Tropical Poke Bowl with Tamarind Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tropical Poke Bowl with Tamarind Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Tropical Poke Bowl with Tamarind Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Tropical Poke Bowl with Tamarind Glaze?

Hawaiian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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