November might be known to usher in the cooler temps here on the Gulf Coast, but this month’s Dinner’s Ready feature is the perfect throwback to the summer season. Joanna Bass and her family share one of their favorites – seafood poke bowls!
“At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, we had a neighbor who did a lot of commercial fishing for local restaurants. Once many of the restaurants went to take-out only, he had a surplus of fish and was giving all of the neighborhood fresh tuna because he could not sell it,” shared Joanna. “He gave my husband some one afternoon, and I started googling what we should do with it. I came across a random poke bowl recipe, so I just tweaked it to my liking, and it has since been a staple for dinner at our house.”
Joanna has been fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom to her daughters, Anna Katherine (11) and Sadie (8). Her husband of 15 years, Brad, is in the pharmaceutical industry.
“My husband travels a good bit for work, so I try my best to stay organized, plan meals, and manage the busy after-school schedule,” Joanna shared. “I find so much joy in being a mother to my girls, and they keep me on my toes!”
During the day, Joanna is very active in volunteering with the Spanish Fort Elementary PTA and keeping herself physically and mentally healthy. Then, in the afternoon, she shifts gears and makes the girls’ after-school schedule her priority. Anna Katherine is active in basketball, volleyball, and tennis, while Sadie is in dance, cheer, and tumbling.
“I have always felt so fortunate to have the opportunity to stay home with both of my girls. It truly is a gift to have this time with them,” said Joanna.
Keeping the girls healthy is a major priority for Joanna. Not only is it essential for them to stay active, but she also believes that instilling healthy eating habits now will benefit them all their lives.
Joanna said, “I have always taken my children’s health seriously and tried to teach them the importance of eating healthy and taking care of their bodies.”
This poke bowl recipe is a perfect example of how Joanna encourages the girls to eat. It’s a quick and easy meal but still delicious, fresh, and full of vegetables and healthy protein.
Joanna’s Poke Bowls
Ingredients:

- Ahi tuna or shrimp
- Cucumber
- Carrots
- Avocado
- Sesame seeds
- Green onion
- Jasmine rice (cooked)
- Sriracha
- Soy sauce
- Steamed edamame
- Spicy Mayo
- Kinder’s teriyaki sauce
- Optional: Cilantro, lime and panko crumbs
Directions:
- Chop cucumbers, carrots, avocado and green onions. Set aside.
- Season tuna or shrimp with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Add a bit of soy sauce if you like.
- Heat 1-2 tbsp sesame oil in a pan at medium-high heat and sear each side of the tuna to desired temp. I prefer tuna rare, with just a slight sear on the outside. Slice into thin strips. If you opted for shrimp, cook through. Set either protein aside.
- In a bowl, add a scoop of rice and a splash of rice vinegar for flavor. Add tuna or shrimp and then top with veggies, sesame seeds, edamame, soy sauce and any combination of sriracha, spicy mayo and teriyaki. I like a little of each! This is a versatile recipe and can be tweaked any way you choose!