Trader Joe’s Vegan Poke Made with Beets Marinated in a Sesame Soy Sauce is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional poke made with raw fish. This product is perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking for a plant-based protein option.
If you have lived under a rock in the past few years and haven’t had Poke (Pronounced POH-keh (two syllables with the accent on the first), it has become all the rage along with the huge Sushi surge. Having been to Hawaii several times, it always seems to be best there and it’s literally everywhere. I think Costco carries it.
What is Hawaiian Poke?
Hawaiian poke tuna is a traditional dish that originated in Hawaii and has become increasingly popular worldwide. It typically consists of chunks of raw tuna marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and other seasonings.
The word “poke” means “to slice” in Hawaiian, and the dish is traditionally made with raw fish that is sliced into bite-sized pieces. The tuna used in poke is typically high-quality and fresh, and it’s important to use sushi-grade tuna to ensure that it’s safe to consume raw.
Hawaiian poke tuna is a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm weather. The marinated tuna is often served over a bed of rice, with additional toppings such as avocado, cucumber, seaweed, and sesame seeds.
Poke has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many restaurants offering their own unique variations on the traditional dish. It’s also become a popular option for home cooks, who can easily make their own poke at home using fresh tuna and a few simple ingredients.
Overall, Hawaiian poke tuna is a delicious and healthy dish that’s sure to impress seafood lovers and anyone looking for a taste of Hawaii.
But this is not that. So what the hell is Vegan Poke? Well, if you look at the ingredients on the container, the first thing you see is beets. So, basically, they are marinating beets in a poke marinade and calling it “vegan poke”. OK, but how does it taste?
Trader Joe’s Vegan Poke has no meat!
Taste: The taste of this vegan poke meh. The beets are cooked and marinated in a sesame soy sauce that is both sweet and savory. The flavors are well-balanced and complement each other perfectly. The sesame seeds sprinkled on top add a nice crunch and texture to the dish.
Texture: The texture of the beets is similar to that of raw fish used in a traditional poke but not the same. The beets are firm, yet tender and have a nice bite to them. The marinade adds a nice moistness to the beets and makes them even more flavorful. The color of the product is a little offputting. It’s kind of a grayish-yellow color. Not sure what beets they are using but maybe something with more color would be better.
Nutrition: This vegan poke is NOT a great source of plant-based protein and is also low in calories. One serving (4 oz) contains only 100 calories, 2 grams of protein, and 4 grams of sugar. It is also gluten-free and contains no cholesterol. It is, of course, vegan.
Convenience: This product is incredibly convenient and easy to prepare. Simply open the packag and enjoy! It’s perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
Value: The price of this vegan poke is very reasonable and affordable. It costs around $4.99 for a 10 oz package, which is enough for two and 1/2 servings. Considering the quality of the ingredients and the convenience of the product, this is an excellent value.
I think you could easily make your own with some cooked beets (not canned) and some poke sauce which you can find just about anywhere now and let them marinate for at least a couple of hours, and maybe for a day or two.
Final Verdict
Overall, Trader Joe’s Vegan Poke Made with Beets Marinated in a Sesame Soy Sauce is just OK in my opinion and a healthy alternative to traditional poke. The flavors are well-balanced, the texture is a little weird considering the crunch of the beets, and the nutritional value is excellent. It’s also very convenient and affordable. I recommend this product to anyone looking for a tasty and healthy plant-based protein option. The Poke sauce is good but the beets just have a weird texture. I will give Trader Joe’s 6 Bells for effort!
Ingredients
COOKED STRIPED BEETS (BEET, WATER), WATER, TOASTED SESAME OIL, RICE VINEGAR, GREEN ONION, JALAPENO PEPPERS, DRIED CUCUMBER, DEHYDRATED SOY SAUCE (SOY SAUCE [SOYBEANS, WHEAT, SALT], MALTODEXTRIN), SRIRACHA CHILE SAUCE (RED CHILI PEPPERS, DISTILLED VINEGAR, GARLIC POWDER, SUGAR, SALT, SPICE), SESAME SEEDS, GARLIC POWDER, NORI SEAWEED.
- CONTAINS SOY, SESAME, WHEAT.
I would like there to be a little less sesame oil and more vinegar. I added lemon juice.