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Easy Salmon Rice Bowl

Featured in The Stars of the Table.

This Salmon Rice Bowl offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures in one complete meal. The salmon is quickly seared and glazed with a savory-sweet sauce featuring soy, mirin, and honey. A fresh coleslaw adds crunch, while cucumber and avocado provide cool, creamy elements. The bowl is brought together with perfectly cooked jasmine rice and a drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo. What makes this recipe special is its versatility - components can be prepared ahead, and toppings can be customized while maintaining the essential flavor profile. It's a healthy, satisfying meal that's both restaurant-worthy and easy to make at home.
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Updated on Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:04:45 GMT
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Flavorful salmon rice bowl with tender salmon, fresh veggies, and a savory sauce. Pin it
Flavorful salmon rice bowl with tender salmon, fresh veggies, and a savory sauce. | tasteofcook.com

A symphony of colors and textures awaits in this vibrant rice bowl, where tender glazed salmon meets crisp vegetables and creamy avocado. This Japanese-inspired creation brings together perfectly seasoned fish, fluffy rice, and fresh ingredients, all unified by a drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo that adds the perfect finishing touch.

The inspiration for this recipe came during a busy week when I needed something nutritious yet exciting. After experimenting with different combinations, this bowl emerged as the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's now become our favorite "healthy takeout at home" meal.

Essential Ingredients

  • Fresh salmon: Should have a vibrant color and firm texture
  • Jasmine rice: Brings subtle floral notes that complement the fish
  • English cucumber: Adds essential crunch and freshness
  • Ripe avocado: Provides creamy richness
  • Fresh ginger and garlic: Create an aromatic base
  • Quality soy sauce: Forms the foundation of the sauce

Creating Your Masterpiece

Rice Foundation:
Begin with perfectly cooked jasmine rice. Rinse the grains until the water runs clear, then cook using the absorption method for fluffy, individual grains that will support your toppings beautifully.
Slaw Creation:
Combine crisp cabbage and carrots with a balanced dressing of rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil. The slaw should be bright and crunchy with just enough dressing to coat but not overwhelm.
Salmon Preparation:
Pat the salmon completely dry and cut into uniform cubes for even cooking. Season lightly, remembering that the sauce will add significant flavor.
Sauce Magic:
Whisk together your sauce ingredients until the cornstarch is completely incorporated. This sauce will thicken quickly when heated, creating a glossy coating for the salmon.
Perfect Assembly:
Layer your components thoughtfully, starting with rice and arranging toppings in sections for both visual appeal and easy mixing.
Healthy salmon rice bowl topped with avocado, sesame seeds, and a tasty glaze. Pin it
Healthy salmon rice bowl topped with avocado, sesame seeds, and a tasty glaze. | tasteofcook.com

I learned the importance of mise en place with this recipe after a hectic evening when my sauce thickened too quickly while I was still cutting vegetables. Now I prepare everything in advance, making the assembly as peaceful as the finished dish looks. My family especially loves customizing their bowls with different amounts of sriracha mayo.

Perfect Pairings

Transform this bowl into an even more memorable meal by serving with hot green tea or a chilled Jasmine tea. For entertaining, start with miso soup and end with fresh mango slices. Consider setting up a "bowl bar" where guests can customize their toppings from an array of fresh vegetables, different sauces, and garnishes.

Creative Variations

Make this recipe your own by exploring different combinations. Try black rice for added nutrition and dramatic presentation, or quinoa for extra protein. Swap the slaw for quick-pickled vegetables, or add edamame for more plant-based protein. Create a spicier version by adding gochujang to the sauce, or go tropical with mango and pineapple additions.

Keep It Fresh

Store components separately in airtight containers for maximum freshness. Rice can be refrigerated for up to three days and reheated with a splash of water. Prepare extra sauce to refresh leftovers, and always add fresh avocado just before serving.

Delicious salmon rice bowl with perfectly cooked salmon and fluffy rice. Pin it
Delicious salmon rice bowl with perfectly cooked salmon and fluffy rice. | tasteofcook.com

After years of creating rice bowls, this combination stands out for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The way the tender salmon mingles with crisp vegetables while the creamy avocado and spicy mayo bring everything together creates a bowl that's both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you're looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal prep option, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep components ahead of time?
Yes, the slaw, sriracha mayo, and rice can be made ahead. Cook the salmon just before serving for best results.
→ What can I substitute for mirin?
If you don't have mirin, use rice wine with a pinch of sugar, or sweet white wine as alternatives.
→ Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, brown rice works well but requires longer cooking time. Adjust timing accordingly.
→ How spicy is this dish?
The spice level comes mainly from the sriracha mayo, which you can adjust to taste or serve on the side.
→ Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, but store components separately and add avocado fresh. Reheat salmon and rice gently before assembling.

Fresh Salmon Rice Bowl

This fresh salmon rice bowl combines glazed salmon, crunchy vegetables, and spicy sriracha mayo over fluffy jasmine rice for a balanced meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base

01 Jasmine rice (1½ cups, dry)
02 Skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes (1½ pounds)

→ Sriracha Mayo

03 Mayonnaise (¼ cup)
04 Sriracha sauce (1½ tablespoons)

→ Slaw

05 Coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage blend (4 cups/8 ounces)
06 Green onions, sliced (2)
07 Rice vinegar (1½ tablespoons)
08 Honey (1 tablespoon)
09 Soy sauce (1 teaspoon)
10 Sesame oil (½ teaspoon)

→ Salmon Sauce

11 Soy sauce (3 tablespoons)
12 Mirin (2 tablespoons)
13 Honey (1 tablespoon)
14 Sesame oil (½ teaspoon)
15 Fresh ginger, minced (1 tablespoon)
16 Fresh garlic, minced (1 teaspoon)
17 Cornstarch (¾ teaspoon)
18 Olive or vegetable oil (2 teaspoons)

→ Toppings

19 English cucumber, thinly sliced (½)
20 Ripe avocado, diced (1)
21 Toasted sesame seeds (1½ teaspoons)

Instructions

Step 01

Cook jasmine rice according to package directions.

Step 02

Combine mayonnaise and sriracha in small bowl. Transfer to piping bag and set aside.

Step 03

Mix coleslaw, green onions, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Season with salt and set aside.

Step 04

Whisk together soy sauce, mirin, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch until well blended.

Step 05

Pat salmon dry and season with pepper. Sear in hot oil for 2-3 minutes on one side. Add sauce mixture and cook until thickened, about 30 seconds.

Step 06

Layer rice in bowls, top with salmon, slaw, avocado, and cucumber. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and drizzle with sriracha mayo.

Notes

  1. Can use store-bought or homemade coleslaw mix
  2. Sriracha mayo can be adjusted for spice preference
  3. Components can be prepared ahead and assembled to serve

Tools You'll Need

  • 12-inch non-stick skillet
  • Rice cooker or pot for rice
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small piping bag
  • Sharp knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish (contains salmon)
  • Eggs (contains mayonnaise)
  • Soy (contains soy sauce)
  • Sesame