Is the Shrimp at Poke Bros Restaurants Cooked or Raw?

Poke Bros is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain known for its build-your-own Hawaiian-style poke bowls. With locations across the U.S, their menu features fresh raw fish and seafood options But when it comes to the shrimp they offer, is it served cooked or raw?

As a seafood-based restaurant, it’s an important question for those with health concerns or who prefer fully cooked proteins. Let’s take a closer look at Poke Bros’ shrimp offerings and preparation methods.

An Overview of Poke Bros

Founded in 2015, Poke Bros aims to bring the flavors of traditional Hawaiian poke to mainland audiences. Their concept lets customers create customized poke bowls by selecting a base, protein, mix-ins, toppings, and sauce.

Raw proteins like salmon, tuna, and marinated tuna are available. But for those who prefer fully cooked seafood, Poke Bros also offers cooked shrimp and chicken.

Their menu highlights several signature bowls featuring shrimp:

• Hula Bowl: Shrimp, crab stick, avocado, masago, green onion, cucumber, coconut ginger sauce

• The Shaka Bowl: Chicken, shrimp, edamame, carrot, avocado, green onion, cucumber, crab stick, sweet soy sauce

• High Tide Bowl: Chicken, shrimp, edamame, carrot, pineapple, green onion, avocado, corn, cucumber, sweet soy sauce

So how exactly is the shrimp prepared?

Is Poke Bros’ Shrimp Raw or Cooked?

According to the Poke Bros website and staff, the shrimp served at their restaurants is fully cooked prior to serving. It is not raw or undercooked.

The specific cooking process involves:

• Carefully inspecting raw shrimp to ensure freshness and quality

• Removing shells, tails, and veins

• Briefly boiling the shrimp until the internal temperature reaches 145°F

• Chilling the cooked shrimp to bring the temperature back down for safety

So while raw proteins make up the bulk of their menu, customers can feel confident that Poke Bros’ shrimp is prepared and served fully cooked.

Benefits of Cooked vs. Raw Shrimp

There are advantages to both raw and cooked shrimp. Here’s an overview:

Benefits of Raw Shrimp

• Contains more vitamin B12, selenium, and antioxidants

• Has a more tender, delicate texture

• Allows for versatile use in sashimi, poke, ceviche, etc.

Benefits of Cooked Shrimp

• Eliminates risks of parasites, viruses, or bacterial contamination

• Provides peace of mind for vulnerable groups like pregnant women, children, and the elderly

• Makes shrimp safe to consume for people with compromised immune systems

• Denatures proteins for those with shellfish allergies, reducing risks of reaction

For chains like Poke Bros catering to the general public, serving cooked shrimp allows them to market to a broader audience. Those seeking raw seafood can still enjoy raw salmon, tuna, and marinated tuna.

How Poke Bros Ensures Shrimp Safety

To serve fully cooked yet still tender and juicy shrimp, Poke Bros has strict protocols in place:

• They source shrimp from reputable, sustainable suppliers with safe practices.

• After boiling, the shrimp’s temperature is quickly reduced for optimal food safety.

• Cooking and cooling logs are diligently maintained and verified.

• Prepared shrimp is stored at below 41°F and discarded if not served within 48 hours.

• Ingredients and finished bowls are frequently tested for quality control.

• Employees undergo training in safe prep, cross-contamination prevention, and allergen procedures.

Through careful monitoring from ingredients to finished product, Poke Bros provides cooked shrimp that is safe yet retains a fresh, appealing texture.

Ordering Shrimp Poke Bowls Safely

Poke Bros clearly states online and on menus that their shrimp is fully cooked. But if you have any concerns, feel free to ask staff when ordering.

Those with shellfish allergies should be aware that poke bowls are prepared in an open kitchen with shared surfaces and utensils. Consider your individual tolerance and opt for cooked chicken or tofu instead if unsure.

In some locations, Poke Bros offers pre-packed takeaway bowls for convenience. Be sure to keep cooked shrimp bowls chilled below 41°F until ready to eat, and consume within 2 hours of purchasing.

While raw seafood lovers have plenty of options with tuna, salmon and more, Poke Bros provides a delicious alternative for those who prefer their shrimp fully cooked and safely handled.

The Verdict on Poke Bros Shrimp

Unlike the raw proteins they’re known for, Poke Bros prepares their shrimp by briefly boiling to an internal temperature of 145°F. This eliminates risks of contamination while retaining a tender bite. The cooked shrimp is then rapidly chilled prior to assembling poke bowls.

This fully cooked preparation allows even the most sensitive diners to enjoy the flavors of poke without worrying about undercooked seafood. By following careful protocols and sourcing quality ingredients, Poke Bros provides tasty cooked shrimp you can eat worry-free.

References:

• https://eatpokebros.com/menu/
• https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/selecting-and-serving-fresh-and-frozen-seafood-safely
• https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/anisakiasis/general-info/faqs.html