Summer is finally on it's way in, and that means a change up in my meal prep staples.   I like to try and shop fresh as often as possible, and find things that are naturally in season.  We're lucky here in Australia, our sunny weather year-round gives us lots of great fresh fruit and veggie options - particularly the tropical stuff.  In summer I like to switch up my meals a bit - stepping away from the hot soups, spicy curries and hearty pasta dishes and moving onto lots of fresh salads and raw veggies. 

Eating healthily is SO EASY, and you really have no excuse nowadays with all the easy access and convenient options we have when it comes to fresh fruit and veggies.  However - I know everyone feels like they're time-poor these days, so I'll start posting a series of easy, fresh and healthy 5 Minute Meals in case you're stuck for ideas. 

I first discovered Poké and Poké Bowls on a trip to Hawaii years ago, and instantly loved them.   Kind of like a sashimi salad, bulked out with rice and lots of crunch. 
Here's an easy 5 Minute Meal recipe for my version of Hawaiian Poké Bowls.

POKÉ BOWLS - makes 2-4 servings - depending how hungry you are.

You'll need:

• 200g fresh tuna/salmon/kingfish (preferably sashimi grade), 
• 1 avocado
• 1 small cucumber
• 200-250g cooked brown rice (I buy the little pouches that you can put in the microwave for 2 mins)
• 3 handfuls of Asian salad mix (one with shredded cabbage, mixed salad leaves, shredded carrot etc)
• 2 handfuls cooked edamame, shelled
• 1 handful fresh coriander, chopped
• 1 handful dried shallots
   

Ponzu Sauce/Dressing (makes extra):

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped/minced ginger
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce

You'll want to do the Ponzu first - put all of the ingredients in a small saucepan, heat it until it all comes to a boil (probably about 30 seconds) and then turn off the heat.  Pour into a small container and let it cool slightly in the fridge while you make the rest.

Cube the fish and chop up all of the other ingredients into similar sized pieces for easy eating.  Put it all into a bowl - I usually do rice first, then salad, cucumber, edamame, avocado, coriander, fish, and then top with the fried shallots and a little of the slightly-cooled Ponzu - easy!  

You can layer it or section each ingredient into portions to make it look pretty.   
I usually layer it since I'm going to end up mixing it all together anyway. 

Other yummy things to add according to taste:

• Tofu (sub for the fish if you're vegetarian/vegan)
• Chilli flakes
• Coconut chips
• Seaweed salad
• Nori flakes
• Pineapple
• Sesame seeds
• Radishes
• Shallots
• Nuts
• Quinoa
• Bean shoots
• Kale
• Zucchini
• Squash

You can put them in the fridge and in an airtight container and they'll keep for a day or two, but beware with the raw fish.  I like mine with the rice still a little warm so I eat it straight away :)

ENJOY!  Let me know how you like it by tagging me on your social media @LaurenKVickers #5MINUTEMEALS :)

Lauren xx