The Vegetable Add-Ins That Dilute Poke (And Which Ones Actually Improve It)

Poke bowls became highly popular in the North American food scene around 2012, with tiny poke shops popping up across major cities, cashing in on hungry customers. Poke's success may have its healthy and delicious qualities to thank. It's the perfect meal for a lunch rush and has become a diehard favorite for many who eat on the go.

Poke comes from Hawaii and, in the most basic sense, refers to the chunks of meat in the dish. Poke has historically included a few types of protein, but these days the most popular iterations are focused on fresh seafood, with some vegetarian-friendly options as well. While poke might have a base of seafood, the toppings are really where these bowls get interesting. The draw of poke is how you can customize the meal with a variety of vegetables, seeds, edamame, and more. However, not every add-in is created equal — some may even detract from the flavor of the bowl itself.

It seems like a no-brainer to add fresh vegetables to your poke — they're healthy, fresh, and crisp. Yet, not every vegetable is packed with a ton of flavor. Some of them will make your meal less robust and flavorful. Which veggies are the culprit? Anything with high water content.

Ravi Kapur, chef at the Liholiho Yacht Club in California told  Food & Wine that vegetables like cucumbers and radishes "dilute the flavor of the dish and leach out extra moisture." So, next time you're tempted to add in some cucumbers, remember that water will diminish the flavor of the meat and the rest of your poke bowl. Some other vegetables to avoid include jicama, celery, and kohlrabi, as they can contribute to the same issue.

Just because the same vegetables you love in other dishes like ramen or sushi don't work in your poke bowl doesn't mean you have to skip texture or miss out on rich flavors. There are plenty of vegetables and toppings that you can depend on to deliver delicious, satiating poke whenever you want it.

Enough about what doesn't work. Instead, let's talk about what does. Poke is a meal where the classics shine. It can be exciting to load up your bowl with a little bit of everything, but there are clear standouts for best. Some popular options include ginger and scallions. They pack a lot of flavor into their small forms and are typically available at every grocery store.

It doesn't end there. Several other toppings can make your poke bowl extra tasty, like seaweed and shaved onions. Chef Dakota Weiss recommends avocado, highlighting how it offers a nice creaminess to the dish. Avocado is an excellent topping that adds dimension, nutrients, and flavor. Weiss goes on to tell People that "people go bonkers for our crispy onion," giving another example of a perfect addition to your bowl. With so many ways to personalize your next poke dish, there's no reason to waste time on the watery veggies — skip right to the winners.