Love the viral salmon rice bowl recipe trend? This quick and easy salmon rice recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With tender flakes of salmon and fluffy rice dressed in a savory sauce, this bowl delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe
This salmon rice bowl has become a social media sensation for good reason! It combines the omega-rich goodness of salmon with perfectly cooked rice and a harmony of fresh ingredients. Whether you're looking for a healthy lunch option or a quick dinner solution, this recipe delivers both nutrition and satisfaction in every bite.
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Ingredients
the Base:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (sushi rice preferred)
- 8 oz fresh salmon fillet
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 sheet nori (roasted seaweed), crumbled
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
the Toppings:
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon Kewpie mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon furikake seasoning
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Preparing the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat
- Place the salmon skin-side up in the hot pan
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the bottom
- Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes
Assembling the Bowl
- Place the warm rice in a large bowl
- Flake the cooked salmon over the rice using a fork
- Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil
- Add the crumbled nori
- Mix everything together until well combined
Adding Toppings
- Arrange sliced avocado around the bowl
- Drizzle with sriracha and Kewpie mayonnaise
- Sprinkle furikake seasoning over the top
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds
Helpful Tips
- For the best texture, use day-old rice that's been refrigerated – it prevents the final dish from becoming too mushy
- Don't overcook the salmon; it should be slightly pink in the center for optimal flavor and moisture
- Feel free to adjust the sauce quantities to your taste preferences
- Prep your toppings while the salmon cooks to save time
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
This salmon rice bowl is packed with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon and provides a good balance of nutrients. The recipe is naturally dairy-free and can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Serve this bowl immediately while the rice is warm and the salmon is fresh. For a complete meal, pair it with:
- Miso soup
- Japanese cucumber salad
- Pickled vegetables
- Green tea
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Protein Options: Substitute salmon with tuna, cooked chicken, or tofu for different variations
- Rice Alternatives: Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option
- Sauce Variations: Try ponzu sauce instead of soy sauce for a citrusy twist
- Spice Level: Adjust the sriracha amount or use gochujang for a different kind of heat
Equipment For Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe
- Non-stick pan or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet
- Rice cooker or medium pot with lid
- Sharp knife for slicing ingredients
- Large mixing bowl
- Fish spatula (recommended but not required)
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover salmon and rice separately in airtight containers
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days
- Keep toppings like avocado and fresh vegetables separate
- Reheat the rice with a splash of water in the microwave
- Salmon can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated
Top Tip
The key to an exceptional salmon rice bowl is temperature contrast – keep your rice warm while adding the freshly cooked salmon, but add the cold toppings last. This creates an exciting interplay of temperatures and textures that elevates the entire dish.
FAQ
Yes, salmon and rice is an excellent healthy meal choice. The combination provides a complete protein source from the salmon, along with essential omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, while the rice offers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. This nutritious pairing is both filling and beneficial for overall health.
Salmon and rice are perfect partners because rice's mild flavor allows the rich, buttery taste of salmon to shine. The rice absorbs the flavorful salmon oils and seasonings, while providing a satisfying texture contrast between the flaky fish and tender grains. This combination also offers balanced nutrition with protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
The best way to cook salmon is by pan-searing, which takes just 8-10 minutes total. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown outside and slightly pink inside. This method ensures a crispy exterior while maintaining a moist, tender interior.
Now that you have all the details for this delicious salmon rice recipe, it's time to head to the kitchen! This versatile dish is perfect for anyone looking to add a healthy, flavorful meal to their repertoire. Don't forget to adjust the seasonings to your taste and experiment with different toppings to make it your own.
Share your creations with us in the comments below, and let us know what variations you tried!
If you enjoyed the Easy Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe, the Easy Chicken Cream Cheese Recipe is another simple and delicious dish to try!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe
Easy Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe
Equipment
- Non-stick pan or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet
- Rice cooker or medium pot with lid
- Sharp knife for slicing ingredients
- Large mixing bowl
- Fish spatula (recommended but not required)
Ingredients
the Salmon:
- 1 lb fresh salmon cut into 2-inch cubes
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
the Bowl:
- 2 cups sushi rice cooked
- 1 ripe avocado sliced
- 1 cup edamame shelled
- 1 cucumber sliced
- 2 sheets nori seaweed, cut into strips
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- Black and white sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon:
- Mix soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl
- Marinate salmon cubes for 15-20 minutes
- Heat pan over medium-high heat
- Cook salmon 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized
Assemble the Bowls:
- Place warm rice in bowls
- Arrange glazed salmon pieces
- Add sliced avocado, cucumber, and edamame
Garnish with:
- Nori strips
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Notes
- Use day-old rice for best texture
- Don't overcrowd salmon while cooking
- Adjust sauce sweetness to taste
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