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3 Best Salmon Rice Bowl Recipes for Quick and Healthy Meals

3 Best Salmon Rice Bowl Recipes for Quick and Healthy Meals

These 3 Best Salmon Rice Bowl Recipes combine fresh salmon, vibrant vegetables, and wholesome short-grain rice to create quick, healthy, and satisfying meals. Packed with protein and omega-3s, they offer bold flavors, colorful textures, and customizable options—perfect for busy days or nourishing lunches and dinners.

Ingredients

Salmon and Protein

  • Fresh salmon fillets (wild-caught or sustainably farmed), 4 fillets (about 6 oz each)

Rice

  • Short-grain rice, 1 1/2 cups
  • Water, as needed to cook rice

Vegetables

  • Cucumber, thinly sliced, 1 medium
  • Avocado, sliced, 1 ripe
  • Shredded carrots, 1 cup
  • Radishes, thinly sliced, 4 small

Sauces and Seasonings

  • Soy sauce or tamari, 3 tablespoons
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional marinade or spices for salmon, as desired
  • Sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for spicy variation), 1 teaspoon
  • Lime or lemon juice, 1-2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
  • Toasted sesame oil (optional), 1 teaspoon

Garnishes

  • Sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon
  • Fresh herbs (cilantro or green onions), 2 tablespoons chopped
  • Nori flakes (optional), 1 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice according to package instructions, typically simmering in water for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly sticky. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Cook the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and your choice of marinade or spices. Pan-sear over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until the exterior is golden and the salmon is cooked through but still moist. Let the salmon rest before flaking into large chunks.
  3. Prepare the Vegetables: While the salmon cooks, slice or shred the vegetables. Keep the cucumber thinly sliced for crunch, avocado sliced for creaminess, and grate the carrots. Slice radishes thinly for added texture and bright color.
  4. Assemble the Bowls: Begin with a generous bed of the cooked rice. Layer on the prepared vegetables and top with the flaked salmon chunks. Drizzle with your chosen sauce such as soy sauce, tamari, ponzu, or a spicy mayo. Sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh herbs evenly over the top for texture and freshness.
  5. Add Final Flavors: Finish each bowl with a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice to brighten flavors. Optionally, add a small drizzle of toasted sesame oil to add extra depth and nuttiness.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to keep textures perfect and avoid sogginess.
  • Don’t overcook the salmon; aim for medium to medium-rare for tender, moist flakes.
  • Balance salty, sweet, spicy, and acidic elements for a harmonious flavor profile.
  • Prep components like rice and veggies ahead of time to save on cooking during busy days.
  • Fresh herbs are essential to add brightness and lift the overall flavor.

Nutrition

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