Salmon rice bowl is one of those meals that makes weeknight cooking feel easy and rewarding. When my family gathers around the table, this dish always gets smiles because it has everything in one bowl. There is fluffy jasmine rice, juicy salmon bites glazed in a savory soy mirin sauce, crunchy cabbage slaw, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber. A drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo pulls it all together into a meal that tastes fresh and comforting at the same time. This recipe shows you how to build a salmon rice bowl that works every single time.
While this salmon rice bowl is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, you can also try my Miso Salmon Recipe for a sweet-savory glaze that pairs beautifully with rice.
Table of Contents
Building the Base for a Salmon Rice Bowl
A great salmon rice bowl begins with balance. The rice provides the comfort, while the salmon brings flavor and protein. When you get these two elements right, everything else falls into place.
Best Rice for a Salmon Rice Bowl
The rice you use sets the tone for the whole dish. Each option brings a different texture and flavor.
- Jasmine rice: Fluffy with a light fragrance, slightly sticky, and perfect for holding toppings.
- Short grain rice: Ideal for a sushi-style bowl with a softer, chewier bite.
- Brown jasmine rice: Adds fiber and a nutty flavor while keeping the bowl hearty.
- Microwave rice pouches: Great for busy nights, they save time without losing flavor.
- Pro tip: Always rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and create light, separate grains.
Cooking Salmon for Flavor and Texture
The salmon is the highlight of the bowl, so it needs to be cooked just right. Small details make a big difference.
- Cut skinless salmon into cubes for even cooking and easy bites.
- Pat salmon dry with a paper towel to help it sear instead of steam.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper before cooking to let the glaze shine.
- Make a quick glaze with soy sauce, mirin, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
- Sear salmon on one side in a hot skillet with olive oil, then pour in the glaze.
- Toss gently until the sauce thickens and coats each piece with a glossy finish.
The result is salmon that’s crisp on the outside, tender inside, and full of sweet-savory flavor that pairs perfectly with warm rice. If you love classic comfort food, these Old Fashioned Salmon Patties are another must-try recipe that never disappoints.
Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe
Equipment
- rice cooker or pot
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- skillet
- spatula
- serving bowls
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dry jasmine rice
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 Tbsp sriracha
- 4 cups coleslaw (8 oz)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 1/2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp honey, divided
- 3 Tbsp + 1 tsp soy sauce, divided
- 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil, divided
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 Tbsp mirin
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tsp minced fresh garlic
- 3/4 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 lbs skinless salmon fillet, cubed
- 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- Mix mayonnaise and sriracha to make spicy mayo, set aside.
- Combine coleslaw mix, onions, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt.
- Whisk soy sauce, mirin, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch.
- Pat salmon dry, season with pepper, sear in skillet with oil.
- Pour glaze over salmon, toss gently until thickened.
- Assemble bowls with rice, salmon, slaw, avocado, and cucumber.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and drizzle with spicy mayo.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade coleslaw mix.
- Rinse rice before cooking for the best texture.
- Store rice, salmon, and slaw separately for meal prep.
- Calories: 652
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 905mg
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 34g
Sauces, Slaw, and Toppings for a Salmon Rice Bowl
A salmon rice bowl recipe is more than rice and salmon. The toppings and sauces bring freshness, crunch, and a kick of flavor. With the right mix, every bite feels balanced and exciting.
Fresh and Crunchy Slaw
Adding slaw gives the bowl brightness and crunch. It balances the richness of the salmon and avocado.
- Coleslaw mix: Use a bagged mix of green and red cabbage with carrots for convenience.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a light tang that cuts through the salmon’s richness.
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness for balance.
- Green onions: Add freshness and mild sharpness.
- Sesame oil: A small drizzle deepens the flavor with a nutty note.
- Tip: Toss the slaw just before serving to keep it crisp.
The Perfect Salmon Rice Bowl Sauce
The sauce ties everything together. This quick glaze makes the salmon shine while complementing the rice.
- Soy sauce: Savory and salty, the base of the glaze.
- Mirin: Adds a gentle sweetness with a touch of acidity.
- Honey: Caramelizes with heat and balances soy’s saltiness.
- Fresh ginger and garlic: Bright aromatics that lift the flavor.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce into a glossy glaze.
- Tip: Whisk the glaze again before adding it to the pan so the cornstarch dissolves fully.
These sauces and toppings transform a simple salmon rice bowl into a layered meal that feels both refreshing and satisfying. For a richer spin, you might also enjoy my Marry Me Salmon, made with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or pasta.
Variations and Flavor Twists for a Salmon Rice Bowl
One of the best things about a salmon rice bowl recipe is how flexible it can be. With a few small changes, you can create new flavors that keep dinner exciting. Here are some of the most popular variations.
Spicy, Teriyaki, and Japanese Salmon Rice Bowl Ideas
Each variation changes the character of the bowl without adding extra work.
- Spicy Salmon Rice Bowl: Add extra sriracha or mix chili paste into the mayo for more heat. Topping with pickled jalapeños or kimchi adds even more spice.
- Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl: Swap the honey glaze for a teriyaki sauce made with soy, mirin, and sugar. Add steamed broccoli for a true takeout-style favorite.
- Japanese Salmon Rice Bowl: Use short-grain sushi rice as the base and top with sliced nori, sesame seeds, and pickled ginger. A drizzle of ponzu instead of sriracha mayo brings citrusy brightness.
Extra Toppings and Flavor Boosters
Customizing toppings lets you adjust the bowl for the season or your cravings.
- Vegetables: Cucumber, avocado, and slaw are classics, but roasted broccoli, edamame, or sautéed mushrooms work beautifully.
- Fruit: Diced mango, pineapple, or even orange segments add sweetness that balances the savory salmon.
- Crunch: Toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or crispy onions give texture.
- Seaweed: Roasted seaweed snacks or shredded nori bring a salty, umami punch.
- Sauces: Beyond sriracha mayo, try gochujang mayo, yuzu dressing, or even a creamy miso sauce.
These flavor twists keep your salmon rice bowls fun, versatile, and tailored to your own taste.
Viral and Meal Prep Salmon Rice Bowl Ideas
The rise of the viral salmon rice bowl on TikTok showed just how simple and comforting this dish can be. Beyond the trend, it is also a smart option for meal prep, making busy weeknights or packed lunches much easier.
TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl
The viral version became famous for a reason. It turns leftovers into something new and satisfying.
- Flake cooked salmon: Use leftover salmon or even canned salmon for speed.
- Add cold rice: Place leftover rice on top of the salmon.
- Use the ice cube trick: Nestle an ice cube in the rice, cover with parchment paper, and microwave. The ice gently steams the rice and salmon.
- Mix and top: Stir in soy sauce, kewpie mayo, and sriracha. Finish with avocado, kimchi, and roasted seaweed.
- Why it works: The method creates a moist, flavorful bowl in minutes with minimal effort.
Nutrition, Meal Prep, and Make-Ahead Tips
A salmon rice bowl can be prepped ahead and stored without losing flavor. It is also loaded with nutrients.
- Meal prep tip: Store cooked rice, salmon, and slaw in separate containers. Combine right before eating to keep textures fresh.
- Storage: Keep salmon and rice refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave before serving.
- Freezer option: Freeze cooked salmon cubes for up to a month, then thaw overnight and reheat.
- Nutrition benefits: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and B vitamins. Combined with fiber from slaw and avocado, the bowl makes a balanced meal.
- Smart add-ins: Add edamame, spinach, or kale to boost protein and vitamins even further.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 652 |
| Fat | 27g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 905mg |
| Carbohydrates | 63g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 11g |
| Protein | 34g |
With both the viral method and make-ahead options, salmon rice bowls can fit into any lifestyle, from quick snacks to healthy meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Rice Bowls
What sauce goes well with a salmon rice bowl?
The most popular choice is sriracha mayo, which balances creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors. Other great options include teriyaki sauce, ponzu, miso dressing, or a sesame ginger vinaigrette.
Can you make salmon rice bowls ahead of time?
Yes, salmon rice bowls work well for meal prep. Store salmon, rice, and slaw separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.
Is a salmon rice bowl healthy?
Absolutely. Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and essential vitamins. When combined with fresh vegetables, whole-grain rice, and light sauces, it makes a nutrient-rich and balanced meal.
What is the best way to reheat a salmon rice bowl?
For best results, reheat rice and salmon together in the microwave with a small splash of water to prevent drying out. Add fresh toppings like cucumber, avocado, or slaw afterward.
A salmon rice bowl recipe is the kind of meal that feels fresh, comforting, and satisfying all at once. It brings together fluffy rice, tender salmon, crunchy slaw, and creamy toppings in one complete dish. With endless variations and even a viral TikTok version to try, there is always a way to keep it exciting. Whether you are cooking for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something hearty and flavorful, salmon rice bowls deliver every time.
These look absolutely mouthwatering! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside — the perfect comfort food. Definitely adding this to my must-try recipes!