There's something special about a warm day paired with a light, refreshing salad. It instantly brings to mind a picnic setting or a laid-back barbecue with friends. Picture yourself lounging in the sun with a plate of beet poke beside your favorite grilled meats and vibrant veggie skewers.
It’s the kind of dish that steals the show at any gathering, capturing attention and inviting taste buds to indulge. Beet poke, with its beautiful colors and savory marinade, complements grilled chicken beautifully, while also being a TV show star on its own.
Let’s dive into the deliciousness that is beet poke. If you’ve enjoyed a traditional poke bowl loaded with fish or veggies, you’re in for a treat with this vegetarian spin. This dish features tender beets that are marinated to perfection, serving as a fantastic alternative to traditional poke.
Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also a vibrant way to incorporate more nutrients into your meal. You can serve it over rice, greens, or even soba noodles for a satisfying and colorful plate.
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The heart of this beet poke lies in how we prepare the ingredients. I’ve opted for fresh beets, which not only deliver a fantastic pop of color but are also rich in antioxidants. The marinade is what really brings everything together with a beautiful balance of sweet and savory. Scallions and cilantro add brightness, while sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. Lastly, a touch of ginger revives the palate and keeps the dish exciting.
- 3 cups of beets cut into 1/2-inch cubes (washed, rough ends trimmed; no peeling required) – about 1 to 1 1/4 lbs, or roughly two large beets
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup water
- 2-3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Shredded Nori or dulse seaweed flakes (optional)
Poke Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free alternative)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 2-3 teaspoons maple syrup (or honey/sugar to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of lime zest (to enhance the citrusy flavor)
Ingredients From : feastingathome.com
Ready to whip up this vibrant dish? It’s quite simple, and you’ll find that most of the work revolves around prepping the beets and summer-ready marinade. Let’s get started with some straightforward steps that will have your kitchen smelling delightful!
First things first, grab your beets and give them a good wash. Trim the rough ends, and then cut them into bite-sized cubes about 1/2 inch each. This ensures that they cook evenly. In a medium saucepan, add the beet cubes, water, and sea salt.
Now, bring the saucepan over to the stove and set it to a low heat. You want to simmer the beets gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are tender enough to easily poke with a fork. You’ll know they’re done when they’re soft but not mushy.
Once cooked, carefully drain any leftover water from the beets. Place them in a mixing bowl and let them cool a bit. This is essential because you want to mix the warm beets with the marinade for all those incredible flavors to seep in.
While the beets are cooling, let’s move on to the dressing. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, lime juice, maple syrup, and chili flakes (if you’re using them). If you’re feeling zesty, add the lime zest for an added punch of flavor.
With the beets cooled slightly, pour the poke marinade over them while they’re still warm. This step helps the beets absorb the delicious flavors. Give it a gentle toss, so everything is well-coated.
Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to cool down further before folding in the chopped green onions and cilantro. Ensure they're evenly distributed throughout; the herbs add a fresh bite that really makes the dish shine.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the beet poke to a sealed container, and pop it into the fridge to chill. This dish tastes even better once it has had time to marinate. Before serving, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if desired. Sprinkle sesame seeds and the shredded seaweed if using on top for that final touch.
Serve your beet poke over a bed of rice, greens, or even soba noodles. Drizzle some of that flavorful marinade over everything, then top it off with the beet mixture. It’s vibrant, healthy, and absolutely delightful!
- Don’t skip the marinating process. It really boosts the flavor and allows the beets to soak in all the deliciousness.
- Use fresh herbs when possible; they elevate the taste drastically compared to dried versions.
- Adjust sweetness based on your personal preference. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more maple syrup or honey.
- Feel free to add in your favorite crunchy vegetables, like cucumber or bell pepper, for an extra texture.
- Experiment with toppings. Adding sliced avocado or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat can take this to another level.
Keep any leftover beet poke in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 4 to 5 days. You might want to give it a quick stir and taste it again before serving, as the flavors will deepen over time.
- Over Brown Rice: The mild flavor of brown rice pairs beautifully with the beet poke, creating a hearty base.
- On Bed of Greens: Serve it on a crisp bed of arugula or mixed greens for added freshness.
- Topped with Avocado: A few slices of creamy avocado on top make it more indulgent and provide healthy fats.
- With Soba Noodles: Mix it with soba noodles for a whole new texture and flavor profile, perfect for a filling meal.
- As a Wrap Filling: Use it as a filling in wraps along with some grilled chicken or tofu for a convenient lunch.
- Sweet Potatoes: Use roasted sweet potato cubes instead of beets for a different flavor.
- Quinoa: Swap out the rice or noodles for quinoa for a protein-packed option.
- Hummus: Instead of a poke bowl, serve the beet poke like a dip with pita bread or vegetable sticks.
- Cabbage: Shred some cabbage into the mix to add a crunch and extra nutrition.
- Avocado Oil: If you prefer a different oil, use avocado oil instead of sesame oil for a different flavor profile.
Creating your own beet poke is a fun and satisfying cooking adventure. It's colorful, nutritious, and surprisingly easy to whip up. You'll find it to be versatile enough that you can jazz it up depending on your mood or what’s in your pantry.
It makes for an exciting, fresh dish that not only tantalizes taste buds but also nourishes the body. So the next time you're looking for a vibrant addition to your meal repertoire, remember this delicious beet poke recipe—it might just become your new favorite!
Let’s dive into the deliciousness that is beet poke. If you’ve enjoyed a traditional poke bowl loaded with fish or veggies, you’re in for a treat with this vegetarian spin. This dish features tender beets that are marinated to perfection, serving as a fantastic alternative to traditional poke.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Don’t skip the marinating process. It really boosts the flavor and allows the beets to soak in all the deliciousness.
- Use fresh herbs when possible; they elevate the taste drastically compared to dried versions.
- Adjust sweetness based on your personal preference. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more maple syrup or honey.
- Feel free to add in your favorite crunchy vegetables, like cucumber or bell pepper, for an extra texture.
- Experiment with toppings. Adding sliced avocado or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat can take this to another level.
Barbara Brito is a Florida-based registered dietitian and the creator of Great Meal Recipes, where she shares nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-make meals for home cooks of all skill levels. With a passion for creating wholesome dishes that don’t sacrifice flavor, Barbara draws inspiration from her love of family, food, and simple cooking. Her blog focuses on accessible recipes that bring joy and balance to the kitchen.