Looking for a quick and nutritious dinner idea? This Easy and Healthy Salmon Rice Bowl has you covered. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, it’s a go-to meal that satisfies without the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something tasty and light, this recipe brings together tender salmon, fresh veggies, and fluffy rice in one delightful bowl.
Steps
- Make Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the ingredients for the teriyaki sauce and heat over medium until it begins to boil. Stir continuously for about a minute until the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon. Once thickened, set aside to cool, and store in the refrigerator if made ahead.
- Marinate Salmon and Cook Rice: Pour ¼ cup of the prepared teriyaki sauce over the raw salmon fillets to marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight. Meanwhile, cook the rice following the instructions on the package.
- Cook Salmon: Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF and spray the basket with non-stick spray. Place the marinated salmon fillets in the basket and air fry for 5-7 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 125-135 degrees.
- Assemble Salmon Bowls: Distribute the cooked rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each bowl with a piece of the cooked teriyaki salmon, adding avocado, edamame, mango, and cucumber.
- Serve: Drizzle additional teriyaki sauce and optional sriracha mayo over the assembled bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving.
Ingredients
- 5 salmon fillets, each weighing 4-6 ounces
- 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice (alternatives: white rice, sushi rice, brown rice, or coconut rice)
- 1 1/2 cups shelled edamame
- 1 English cucumber, sliced
- 6 green onions, chopped
- 2 mangos, peeled and cubed
- 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and cubed
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Teriyaki sauce (as prepared in the recipe)
- Sriracha mayo (optional), made by mixing 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1.5 tablespoons Sriracha
FAQ
- How can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
- You can prepare the teriyaki sauce a few days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
- What are the best cooking methods for the salmon?
- You can cook the salmon using an air fryer, oven, or grill. Each method provides a slightly different texture, with the air fryer giving a crispy exterior and the oven and grill offering more traditional results.
- Can I prepare parts of the salmon bowl ahead of time?
- Yes, you can marinate the salmon for up to overnight and chop the vegetables in advance to streamline the process when you’re ready to assemble the bowls.
- What are some alternative ingredients for variations on this recipe?
- For a low-carb version, substitute cauliflower rice. Vegetarians can replace the salmon with tofu, and you can include additional vegetables like bell peppers, steamed broccolini, or sautéed zucchini.
- Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
- Absolutely, just use gluten-free soy sauce to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.
- How do I make sriracha mayo for topping?
- Mix ¼ cup of mayonnaise with 1.5 tablespoons of Sriracha. For a more authentic taste, try using Kewpie Japanese mayo.
Tips
- Prepare in Advance: Make the teriyaki sauce a few days ahead and store it in the fridge. This will save you time on the day you plan to cook. You can also marinate the salmon overnight for enhanced flavor and chop the vegetables beforehand to streamline your dinner preparation.
- Cooking Method Options: While the air fryer is recommended for a crispy exterior, you can also bake or grill the salmon. Baking offers a simple hands-off approach, while grilling adds a smoky flavor. Adjust the cooking method based on your preference and available appliances.
- Customize Your Bowls: Feel free to personalize the bowls by adding more vegetables like bell peppers, steamed broccolini, or sautéed zucchini. You can also substitute cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or use tofu instead of salmon for a vegetarian twist.
- Perfect Garnish: Drizzle sriracha mayo over the salmon bowls for an extra kick of flavor, and finish with fresh green onions and cilantro for a vibrant and aromatic garnish.
Equipment
- Air Fryer: Essential for cooking the salmon with a crispy texture.
- Instant-Read Thermometer: Useful for ensuring the salmon is cooked to the right temperature.
- Non-Stick Spray: Required for preparing the air fryer basket.
- Small Saucepan: Needed for making the teriyaki sauce.
- Baking Sheet (if baking): Necessary if opting to bake the salmon instead of using an air fryer.
- Grill (if grilling): Needed if choosing to grill the salmon.
