Lox Poke Style Bowl with Avocado and Citrus brings together silky slices of cured salmon, creamy avocado, and bright citrus notes in one vibrant dish.
Inspired by classic poke presentation and beloved bagel toppings, this bowl delivers freshness, texture, and balance in every bite.
Tender rice creates a comforting base, while crisp vegetables and briny accents add contrast.
Citrus juice and zest lift the flavors, creating a light yet satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Without further ado, let us talk about this recipe in detail.
Lox Poke Style Bowl with Avocado and Citrus
Equipment
- Medium saucepan with lid for cooking rice
- Fine mesh strainer for rinsing rice
- Mixing bowls assorted sizes
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Small whisk or fork for dressing
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons
- Citrus zester or microplane
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Spoon or rice paddle for fluffing rice
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice, cooked and slightly cooled
- 4 ounces lox, sliced into bite-size pieces
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 radish, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 sheet nori, cut into thin strips
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Zest of half an orange
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Optional Toppings
- Microgreens
- Pickled ginger
- Chili flakes
Instructions
- Cook and Prepare the RiceRinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook with 1¼ cups water in a covered saucepan for 15 minutes. Let sit covered for 10 minutes, then fluff gently and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare the ToppingsDice the avocado, thinly slice the cucumber and radish, finely chop the red onion, and cut the lox into bite-size pieces. Set aside.
- Make the Citrus DressingIn a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil, orange zest, orange juice, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Assemble the BowlDivide the slightly cooled rice between serving bowls. Arrange the lox, avocado, cucumber, radish, and red onion neatly over the rice.
- Finish and ServeSprinkle capers and toasted sesame seeds on top. Drizzle evenly with the citrus dressing. Garnish with nori strips and any optional toppings such as microgreens, pickled ginger, or chili flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Use slightly cooled rice to prevent wilting delicate ingredients.
- Dice avocado just before serving to maintain vibrant color.
- For added flavor depth, mix a teaspoon of rice vinegar into warm rice before cooling.
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes to intensify their nutty aroma.
- If preparing ahead, store dressing separately and add just before serving to maintain freshness.
Are There Any Alternative Ingredients You Can Use?
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Several substitutions can tailor this bowl to suit different tastes or dietary preferences.
For inspiration on fresh seafood choices like wild-caught fish or premium shrimp to pair with your bowl, check out Eaton Street Seafood in Key West, known for its selection of locally caught fish and seafood products.
Now, seriously, smoked trout, seared tuna, or cooked shrimp can step in for lox and still provide a savory seafood element.
Roasted chickpeas add protein and a slight crunch for anyone avoiding fish.
Tofu cubes, marinated tempeh, or even grilled portobello slices create a hearty plant-based option with satisfying texture and flavor.
Base ingredients can shift just as easily. Brown rice adds a nutty bite and extra fiber, while quinoa contributes additional protein and a lighter texture. Cauliflower rice offers a lower-carbohydrate choice without sacrificing volume.
Mixed greens or shredded cabbage can replace rice entirely for a crisp foundation that feels light yet filling.
Variety in the base changes the overall feel of the dish while maintaining structure and color.
Fruit and vegetable swaps open up even more possibilities. Mango, pineapple, or blood orange segments can replace standard citrus for added sweetness and vibrant color.
Thinly sliced fennel introduces a subtle licorice note in place of radish. Shredded carrots or snap peas add crunch and brightness.
Avocado can be exchanged for hummus or a light yogurt sauce mixed with lemon juice to keep a creamy component in place.
Sauces and toppings also allow creative adjustments. Coconut aminos provide a slightly sweet alternative to tamari. A drizzle of spicy mayo made with sriracha and yogurt brings gentle heat.
Fresh herbs such as cilantro, basil, or dill contribute aromatic depth. Flexibility in ingredients encourages creativity while keeping every bowl satisfying and full of contrast.
Perfect Drink Pairings for a Fresh and Vibrant Bowl
Bright flavors and silky textures call for beverages that cleanse the palate and complement lively citrus notes.
Refreshing drinks enhance the delicate saltiness of lox while balancing creamy avocado and crisp vegetables.
Crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio make excellent companions. Their bright acidity cuts through the richness of the fish and avocado, creating a clean finish after each bite.
Subtle mineral notes in these wines pair especially well with capers and sesame.
Albariño is another wonderful option, offering citrus forward character and a touch of salinity that mirrors the seafood beautifully.
Dry rosé also pairs nicely, bringing gentle berry tones and balanced acidity without overpowering lighter ingredients. Its refreshing profile works particularly well for warm weather meals or casual gatherings.
For those who enjoy sake, a chilled dry Junmai or Ginjo style complements the savory notes of soy sauce and nori while maintaining a smooth, refined finish.
Sparkling beverages provide lively contrast and texture. Prosecco adds delicate bubbles and faint fruit notes that brighten each mouthful.
Sparkling mineral water with fresh lemon or lime keeps the experience light and palate cleansing. Effervescence helps reset the taste buds, making every bite feel as vibrant as the first.
Tea lovers can reach for green tea, served hot or iced. Clean vegetal notes harmonize beautifully with sesame and seaweed elements.
Jasmine tea introduces a soft floral aroma that gently lifts the overall flavor profile. Lightly brewed white tea offers a subtle option that will not compete with delicate seafood.
Beer enthusiasts may enjoy a light Japanese lager, pilsner, or wheat beer. Gentle carbonation and mild bitterness contrast nicely with creamy textures while remaining crisp and refreshing.
Avoid heavy or overly hoppy styles, as they can overpower the citrus and seafood components.
Closing Thoughts
@jeff___eats SALMON POKE BOWL 🍣 🥣 280g salmon skin off 4 x Tbls Oyster Sauce 4 x Tbls Soy Sauce 2 x Tbls Honey 2 x Garlic Cloves 4cm Ginger Salt + Pepper 1 x cup Raw Jasmin White Rice Small handful of Cabbage, Corn, Avocado, Pickles, Cucumber, Carrot, Sesame seeds, Pickled Ginger, Fresh Coriander *Air fry the Salmon for 16-18 minutes on 185 degrees. *Rice in the Rice cooker for 20 minutes Servings = 2 Bowls Nutritional Facts (Serving Size 1 bowl) Calories = 681 Total Fat = 24.2g Total Carbohydrates = 83.6g Protein = 37.6g @Jeff ♬ original sound – Jeff Eats
Fresh ingredients, balanced textures, and bright citrus notes come together in a bowl that feels both nourishing and satisfying.
Silky lox, creamy avocado, and crisp vegetables create contrast in every bite, while a simple citrus dressing ties everything together with vibrant flavor.
For those who enjoy seafood variations, a tuna poke bowl recipe follows a similar approach, pairing fresh fish with citrus accents and layered textures for a clean, balanced result.
Flexibility in ingredients makes preparation easy and adaptable to many preferences. Creative serving styles and thoughtful drink pairings can elevate the entire meal experience.
Enjoying this bowl offers a colorful, wholesome option that feels light yet fulfilling any time of day.