Salmon Rice Bowl

The first time I made this Salmon Rice Bowl, I couldn’t believe how fast and tasty it was. It’s warm, fresh, and so comforting in every bite. I knew right away it would be a regular meal for me.

The soft rice, tender salmon, and simple toppings come together so well. It’s filling but still light, and every bite has that cozy homemade feel. I love how easy it is to mix and match flavors too.

If you want a quick meal that feels healthy and still tastes amazing, this one is perfect. It’s simple, colorful, and always hits the spot. I could eat it every week and never get tired of it.

So grab your salmon, rice, and your favorite toppings, and let’s make this Salmon Rice Bowl together. It’s my go-to for a fast and tasty meal, and I think you’ll love it too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weekdays or meal prepping for the week ahead.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sriracha mayo, sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey creates an irresistible, mouthwatering sauce that enhances the flavor of the salmon.
• Nutritious & Balanced: Packed with healthy fats from the salmon and avocado, and filled with fresh vegetables like cucumber and coleslaw for added crunch.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep – you can cook the salmon and rice in advance, and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.
• Customizable: Add or swap ingredients to suit your preferences. For example, you can use different vegetables, change up the protein, or adjust the spice level.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before diving into the recipe, let’s make sure you have everything you need to prepare this flavorful salmon rice bowl.

• Medium saucepan or rice cooker for cooking the jasmine rice.
• Large mixing bowl to prepare the coleslaw.
• Small bowl for making the sauce.
• Pan or skillet to cook the salmon.
• Sharp knife for chopping vegetables and the salmon.
• Measuring spoons to ensure you get the right proportions for the ingredients.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this tasty, healthy bowl. Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below:

• Jasmine Rice: 1 1/2 cups dry. Jasmine rice is fragrant and light, perfect for the base of this dish.
• Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup. Use regular or light mayo for creaminess.
• Sriracha: 1 1/2 tbsp for a spicy kick. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like it.
• Coleslaw: 4 cups (about 8 oz) pre-made coleslaw mix. This adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the salmon.
• Green Onions: 2, sliced. They give a fresh and sharp flavor to the bowl.
• Rice Vinegar: 1 1/2 tbsp. This adds a tangy note that pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory components.
• Honey: 2 tbsp, divided. Honey sweetens the sauce while adding depth.
• Soy Sauce: 3 tbsp + 1 tsp, divided. It’s the umami base of the dressing that flavors both the salmon and the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: 1 1/2 tsp, divided. Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor that enhances the dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning.
• Mirin: 2 tbsp. A Japanese sweet rice wine that balances the saltiness of soy sauce.
• Fresh Ginger: 1 tbsp, minced. Ginger adds a bit of heat and freshness to the dish.
• Fresh Garlic: 1 tsp, minced. Garlic enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Cornstarch: 3/4 tsp. It helps thicken the sauce to a nice, creamy consistency.
• Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: 2 tsp. For cooking the salmon.
• Salmon Fillet: 1 1/2 lbs., skinless and cut into 1-inch cubes. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon makes for the perfect protein in this dish.
• Cucumber: 1/2 an English cucumber, thinly sliced. Adds crunch and freshness.
• Avocado: 1, diced. Creamy and rich, the avocado complements the other ingredients wonderfully.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: 1 1/2 tsp. A small but important garnish that brings a nutty crunch.

Variations for the Salmon Rice Bowl

While this salmon rice bowl is perfect as is, you can easily adjust it to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

• Substitute with Different Fish: You can swap the salmon for another fish like tuna, tilapia, or even shrimp if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
• Make it Vegan/Vegetarian: Instead of salmon, use tofu or tempeh as your protein. You can also skip the honey for a vegan option and replace it with maple syrup or agave.
• Add More Veggies: Experiment with adding more vegetables like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or spinach. These can either be added to the coleslaw or layered directly into the bowl.
• Add Heat: If you like more heat, increase the amount of sriracha or top your bowl with sliced jalapeños.
• Sweeten it Up: For a sweeter sauce, try adding extra honey or even a small amount of brown sugar in the dressing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get started! Here’s how to create the ultimate salmon rice bowl:

1. Cook the Jasmine Rice

First, prepare your jasmine rice according to the package instructions. This is typically a 1:1.5 ratio of rice to water, which yields perfectly fluffy rice. You can also use a rice cooker for convenience. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey (reserving a bit for the salmon), soy sauce (again, save a little), sesame oil, fresh ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce is what will bring all the flavors together.

3. Make the Coleslaw

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix with the remaining rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Cook the Salmon

Heat olive oil or vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon cubes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-6 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and lightly browned. Be careful not to overcook the salmon – it should still be tender and moist on the inside. Once cooked, drizzle with the reserved honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil for extra flavor.

5. Assemble the Bowl

To assemble the bowls, start with a base of jasmine rice. Then, layer the salmon cubes, coleslaw, cucumber slices, and diced avocado. Drizzle the sriracha mayo sauce generously over the top, and finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish.

How to Serve Salmon Rice Bowls

The Salmon Rice Bowl is a one-bowl meal, but there are plenty of ways you can enjoy it:

• On its own: Serve it with all the components mentioned above for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Add extra sides: Pair with miso soup or a simple side salad for a heartier meal.
• Top with additional sauces: A dash of extra soy sauce or hoisin sauce can take the flavors to the next level.

Storing Salmon Rice Bowls

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store the components separately to maintain their freshness:

• Rice: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Salmon: Keep in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Coleslaw: Store in a separate container for up to 2 days. Be careful not to let it sit for too long as the dressing may wilt the veggies.

Note: It’s best to assemble the bowls fresh, as the texture and flavor are optimal when everything is put together just before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This nutrient-packed Salmon Rice Bowl offers a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbs. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	550
Protein	36g
Carbohydrates	45g
Dietary Fiber	6g
Sugars	14g
Fat	27g
Saturated Fat	4g
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	2.5g
Sodium	700mg

This meal is high in protein from the salmon and full of healthy fats from the avocado and sesame oil. The addition of fresh vegetables helps balance the richness of the dish.

Conclusion

This Salmon Rice Bowl is a delightful, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy days when you want something nourishing yet full of flavor. The combination of fresh ingredients, the spicy-sweet sriracha mayo, and the tender salmon creates a dish that will quickly become a weeknight favorite. The best part is, you can customize it to your liking and make it your own.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or preparing a quick dinner for the family, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy your salmon rice bowl as a delicious, nutritious way to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds!