A salmon rice bowl is one of those meals that feels both nourishing and indulgent, bringing together wholesome ingredients in a way that is satisfying without being heavy. At its heart, it is a simple concept: a base of fluffy rice topped with salmon, vegetables, and flavorful garnishes. Yet the beauty of this dish lies in the endless ways you can customize it, making it fit for a quick weekday lunch or a colorful dinner that looks restaurant-worthy.
The star of the bowl, of course, is the salmon. Whether grilled, roasted, pan-seared, or even flaked from leftovers, salmon adds a rich, buttery taste that pairs perfectly with rice. The warm grains soak up the salmon’s juices, creating a foundation that ties the entire bowl together. Choosing white rice keeps it classic, but switching to brown rice or quinoa gives it an earthy depth and a boost of nutrition.
Freshness is key to a great salmon rice bowl. Crisp vegetables like cucumber, radish, carrots, or avocado bring brightness and crunch, balancing the richness of the fish. Pickled elements such as ginger or quick-pickled onions add a tangy bite, while a drizzle of soy sauce, sesame oil, or spicy mayo pulls all the flavors into harmony. Herbs like cilantro or scallions lift the bowl with a final burst of freshness.
What makes this dish so appealing is its versatility. It can lean toward Japanese-inspired flavors with miso glaze and seaweed, take on a Korean edge with kimchi and gochujang sauce, or stay light and Mediterranean with lemon, olive oil, and fresh greens. It is essentially a blank canvas, allowing you to adjust the seasonings and toppings to match your mood.
Salmon rice bowls are also practical. They are quick to assemble, perfect for meal prep, and naturally well-balanced with protein, healthy fats, and carbs. Packed in a container, they make an easy work lunch, while served in a large bowl at home, they can feel like a special dinner without much effort.
In many ways, this dish shows how a simple idea, salmon, rice, and toppings, can become something vibrant and comforting. A salmon rice bowl is proof that wholesome eating can also be colorful, customizable, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- 200 g salmon fillet skinless
- 1 cup jasmine rice cooked
- ½ cup cucumber sliced
- ½ cup carrot julienned
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice fresh
- 2 tablespoons green onions chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted
Instructions
- Marinate the salmon: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and lime juice. Place the salmon fillet in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Cook the rice: While the salmon is marinating, cook the jasmine rice according to the package instructions and set aside.
- Cook the salmon: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Remove the salmon from the marinade and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked to your liking.
- Assemble the bowl: In a serving bowl, add cooked rice, cucumber slices, and julienned carrot. Place the cooked salmon on top.
- Garnish the bowl: Sprinkle with green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition
This salmon rice bowl is amazing! So easy to make and packed with flavor. My family loved it!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! It’s super easy and a great recipe for busy weeknights. 😊
Took me like 30 minutes to make this, and my salmon stuck to the pan. 😩
Sorry to hear that! Make sure to use a good non-stick pan next time. 🥺
Yum!!! I added avocado too 😂. Super good, definitely making this again.
I think you should grill the salmon instead. Pan frying is for noobs.
Too much fuss for a lunch… I’ll stick to my sandwiches.
I didn’t really like the taste. The honey and soy sauce together tasted weird to me. Not my cup of tea.
salmon soooo g00d! 🐟
Is sesame oil really necessary? I feel like it can just work fine without it. My sister makes it without it and it tastes good.
Way too much honey for me! I mean… who puts honey in a fish dish?🤔
Easy recipe, but what’s jasmine rice?? Is it rice that’s fancy or something?
Yum! This dish made me feel fancy and I’m just a regular cook! Thanks!
Salt on salmon is better. Your recipe is missing that!
Salmon? Gross. Why would you eat fish when chicken tastes better?
I think salmon is a lot healthier than chicken! Plus, it’s super tasty when cooked right. You should give it a try!
But chicken can be boring sometimes! Salmon has a different flavor. You shouldn’t knock it ’til you try it!
Super easy recipe! But, where’s the recipe for the rice? I cooked mine wrong.
You should follow the instructions for cooking rice. It’s pretty foolproof! Just check the package for timing.
I didn’t have sesame oil, so I used olive oil instead. Still turned out good, but I think it would be better as original.
I don’t think it would be the same, tho. Sesame oil is like the star of the show! But glad you made it work, I guess.
Nice to hear it still worked out! Olive oil can be a good substitute, but sesame oil really does add that extra flavor. 😊
Just wow! Best salmon I’ve made at home. Will definitely make again!
What’s the point of the honey? I skipped it and it tasted just fine without it!
The salmon was overcooked. Should’ve watched it more closely. 🥴
This recipe is super easy and delicious! My family loved it.
I didn’t have lime juice so I used lemon. Still good tho!
I followed all the steps, but my salmon turned out dry. Not sure what went wrong.
But I thought salmon was supposed to be moist! Did you use the same temp? Cooking can be tricky.
Sorry to hear that! Maybe try cooking it for less time next time? Salmon can dry out quick.
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine? Trying to be healthy…
This is sooo easy! I made it for my friends and they were impressed. Thanks!
Way too salty for me. Cut down on the soy sauce next time!
Too salty? I love salt! More flavor is better, right? Just my opinion.
I think the soy sauce is essential for flavor. Maybe try using a lower sodium version next time?
Changed it up a bit and added some avocado. Best idea ever!
What a simple and delicious recipe! My family loved it!!!
Tastes great but I don’t like carrots. Could I use bell peppers instead?
Really easy to follow! I burned the salmon a bit but it was still yum!
Yum! Tried it for dinner last night. My kids loved it too! Will make again.
This was delicious! The marinade made the salmon so tasty, will definitely make again.
This is the best salmon rice bowl I’ve ever made! The marinade is to die for!
Salmon’s not good for you, too much mercury or somthing. Be careful making this!
Best salmon bowlee, love the crunchy veggies! 🌟
Not sure about the honey in my salmon… seems strange. 🤔 Where’s the spice? Just feels plain to me.
Totally agree! The crunchiness adds such a nice texture. I’m making this again this weekend!
I don’t know, I thought the honey was too sweet with the soy sauce. Maybe add less honey?
Eh, it was good but kinda plain. Wish there were more flavors.
I dunno, it seemed fine to me. Salmon and rice is classic! Don’t think you need to complicate it more.
I get what you mean, it could use a punch! Maybe add some sriracha or avocado next time? It’s alright but needs that kick.
Honestly, I don’t see the fuss. The rice was just rice and I thought the salmon was overcooked.
Yum! I added extra honey for sweetness and it was perfect. Daughters loved it too!
This recipe is real good, but can you subsitute the salmon with chicken? Someone tell me.
tasty!!, but I skipped the cucumber (gross), and still loved it!
My fam not too into salmon, but this recipe was easy and they ate it all! Good!