Honey Sesame Chicken Poke Bowls with Pineapple Salsa: A Culinary Delight
Dinner time can be more than just a meal; it can be an experience, a moment for family bonding and culinary exploration. The Honey Sesame Chicken Poke Bowls with Pineapple Salsa are the epitome of this idea, offering a playful, interactive, and utterly delightful dish that families will adore.
Inspired by the traditional Hawaiian poke bowls that have captivated food lovers globally, our recipe adds its own twist, drawing on the deep, savoury notes of Asian cuisine. The honey and sesame marinated chicken serves as a sweet and savoury base, while the pineapple salsa dances on the palate with its vibrant and tropical flair. And who can resist the fun of sprinkling those honey-roasted cashews or spooning the luscious salsa onto their bowls?
But it’s not just about the flavours. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and the joy of creation. Families can gather around, customise their bowls, and even introduce new ingredients of their own. Children will relish the chance to ‘build’ their meal, choosing their favourite toppings, and perhaps even venturing out of their comfort zones to try something new.
Perfect for sunny luncheons or cosy family dinners, this poke bowl recipe isn’t just food—it’s fun. It’s a celebration of flavours, colours, and family moments. So, roll up your sleeves, call the family to the kitchen, and dive into a delightful culinary adventure together!
Basic Ingredients for Honey Sesame Chicken Poke Bowls
Chicken Marinade:
Honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness to the chicken marinade and also aids in caramelising when the chicken is grilled. It balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Soy Sauce (Light & Dark): These provide the essential savoury and umami flavour. Dark soy sauce also gives a rich colour to the marinated chicken.
Sushi Seasoning/Rice Vinegar: It adds a tangy flavour that complements the sweetness of honey and gives depth to the marinade.
Lime: Fresh lime juice provides a citrusy tang, which helps to tenderise the chicken and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Chicken Breast: A lean meat that serves as a protein-packed base, which readily absorbs the flavours of the marinade.
Pineapple Salsa:
Pineapple: This tropical fruit adds a juicy sweetness to the salsa, balancing the heat from the chilli.
Red Onion & Chili: They add a sharpness and heat to the salsa, making it vibrant and zesty.
Coriander: Provides a fresh, herby note that lifts the salsa.
Avocado & Green Cabbage: They introduce creaminess and crunch, respectively, enhancing the bowl’s texture.
Poke Bowl Toppings:
Short-Grain Rice: Acts as a soft, neutral base, allowing the flavours of the toppings to shine.
Corn: When charred, corn adds a smoky flavour to the bowl, complementing the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Roasted Honey Sesame Cashews:
Cashews & Sesame Seeds: They give a delightful crunch and nutty flavour, contrasting the soft textures of the other ingredients.
Shredded Cabbage in Miso Dressing:
Preparation Tips for Honey Sesame Chicken Poke Bowls
- Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Soak the corn in water for 10 minutes before charring. This prevents it from drying out.
- Rinse thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.
Serving Tips for Honey Sesame Chicken Poke Bowls
- Presentation: Arrange ingredients in sections or colourful patterns to make the bowl visually appealing.
- Accompaniments: Serve with a side of extra salsa, soy sauce, or even some spicy mayo.
storage tips
- Store individual components separately in airtight containers.
- Pineapple salsa is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Marinated chicken can be refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for longer storage.
- Roasted cashews, once cooled, should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Assembled poke bowls are best consumed immediately, but if storing, avoid adding the salsa and cashews until just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
Honey Sesame Chicken Poke Bowls with Pineapple Salsa
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sushi seasoning or rice vinegar
- 1 fresh lime juice and zest
- 500 g chicken breast fillets
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Pineapple Salsa
- 2 cups diced fresh pineapple
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 1 fresh lime juice and zest
- handful of fresh coriander, finely chopped
- 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 avocado
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Poke Bowl Toppings
- 2 whole corn cubs, cooked
- 1 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 avocados, cut into cubes or slices
- 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups short-grain rice, cooked and cooled
Roasted Honey Sesame Cashew
- 2 cups cashews
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp nigella seeds
- ¼ tsp chilli powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- pinch of salt
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- Season chicken with salt. In a bowl, combine honey, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sushi seasoning (or rice vinegar), and lime zest.
- Marinate the chicken breast fillets in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Prepare the Pineapple Salsa:
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced pineapple, diced red onion, lime juice, lime zest, finely chopped cilantro, chopped red chilli, minced garlic, and sea salt. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.
Roast the Honey Sesame Cashews:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cashews, honey, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. Toss until the cashews are evenly coated.
- Spread the coated cashews on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the cashews are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
Char the Corn:
- Preheat your grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush each boiled corn ear with olive oil or melted butter and place the corn directly on the grill pan. Turn it occasionally until it develops charred, slightly blackened spots on the kernels. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to over-char; you want to add a smoky flavour.
Assemble the Poke Bowls:
- Start with a base of cooked short-grain rice in each serving bowl.
- Add the grilled chicken, charred corn kernels, diced avocado, sliced spring onions, and finely shredded green cabbage on top of the rice.
- Spoon a generous amount of pineapple salsa over the ingredients in each bowl.
- Top with roasted honey sesame cashews over the top of each poke bowl for a delightful crunch and flavour.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Honey Sesame Chicken Poke Bowls with Pineapple Salsa immediately. Enjoy the harmonious blend of sweet, savoury, and spicy flavours in this delicious and satisfying meal!
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