Salmon Bowl (Easy Healthy Dinner in 20 Minutes)

Name: Salmon Bowl (Easy Healthy Dinner in 20 Minutes)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 12oz / 340g salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons soy sauce - I've used low sodium soy sauce; 2 teaspoons honey; 1 tsp rice vinegar; ½ tsp toasted sesame oil; 1 garlic clove; Small cube fresh ginger; 1 cup cooked white rice or quinoa; 1 medium cucumber; 1 medium carrot; ½ cup frozen edamame beans; ½ avocado; Optional garnish, spicy mayo, sriracha aioli, sesame seeds or green onions

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This easy Salmon Bowl is delicious, nutritious and bursting with flavor! Made with caramelized salmon bites served on a bed of rice with veggies and creamy avocado. All ready in 20 minutes for a perfect weeknight dinner.

Salmon bowl with cucumber, carrots, rice, avocado and edamame beans

As a food blogger I spend most of the day cooking and working with food, so I always opt for quick and easy meals. After spending all day in the kitchen, the last thing I want to do is spend hours cooking dinner. I love making bowls like this, where I can meal prep the ingredients to make a simple and satisfying meal.

I always have cooked rice or quinoa prepared in the fridge, so this salmon bowl is ready to eat in less than 20 minutes. Another favorite is my Greek bowl which has the same concept and is also crazy delish.

Once you try this salmon bowl, it's guaranteed to be a regular staple in your home. Made with deliciously tender salmon bites in a sweet and savory soy marinade that tastes like a simplified homemade teriyaki sauce. Here I've served it with rice, fresh veggies, avocado and edamame beans to make a wholesome meal. Think of it as a poke bowl without the raw fish 🙂

It's healthy, tasty and crazy easy to make! The salmon can also be pan fried or made in the air fryer, both are equally delicious and take no time at all.

Salmon has been my favorite fish for many years. Whilst I now eat a predominantly vegetarian and plant based diet, I still like to incorporate seafood and fish occasionally. This salmon bowl is definitely a dish I love to eat. I especially love it in the warmer months, when it's too hot to cook, as there's barely any cooking. It's still great in the cooler seasons, where I usually swap the fresh veggies for steamed or roasted vegetables instead.

Some other must try salmon recipes are my teriyaki salmon and air fryer salmon bites.

Table of Contents

Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredients and Substitutions
How to make a Salmon Bowl
Tips and Tricks
Storage Instructions
FAQs
Pairing
More Easy Dinners
Recipe
Comments

Close up of salmon in a bowl topped with sriracha aioli

Why you'll love this recipe

Quick & Easy: Made in 20 minutes with easy steps anyone can make
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein, healthy fats, essential vitamins and minerals, this bowl is not only delicious but also good for you
Flavorful & Satisfying: The combination of tender salmon bites in a sweet and savory sauce pairs so well with the fresh veggies and rice
Customizable: Feel free to substitute with your favorite ingredients, toppings or sauces. You can also serve with steamed vegetables rather than fresh veggies

Ingredients and Substitutions

Salmon is the star of this dish with a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Here I've sliced it into cubes and made air fryer salmon bites. However you can serve it as a salmon fillet if you prefer
Marinade for the salmon is a simplified teriyaki sauce, made with a blend of soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, rice wine vinegar and sesame oil. I've used low sodium soy sauce with reduced salt, you can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option
Edamame beans are a nutritious and protein-packed legume that adds a satisfying crunch
White rice is my preferred grain for this salmon bowl as I always have some in the fridge for meal prep. Sushi rice, brown rice, farro, or cooked quinoa work great too. Cauliflower rice can be used for a low-carb option
Cucumber and carrots are refreshing vegetables that add color and texture. Bell pepper and cabbage work great too. I also love serving with steamed veggies such as broccoli, asparagus or green beans in the cooler months
Avocado adds creaminess and tastes so good in the salmon rice bowl along with adding nutritious healthy fats
Garnishes including toasted sesame seeds, green onions and sriracha aioli or spicy mayonnaise adds a finishing touch of flavor and makes a spicy salmon bowl. You can also make a double batch of the soy marinade and drizzle on top as a sauce

How to make a Salmon Bowl

This is an easy dinner that will be on your weekly rotation for sure. The best part, it comes together in no time at all. Follow my simple steps below.

Slice salmon into 1 inch / 2.5 cms cubes. Remove skin and any bones as well

Sweet and salt marinade prepared in a glass container

Add marinade ingredients in a container - soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil and grate in the garlic and ginger. Whisk to combine

Put salmon in the marinade and toss to combine. Leave to marinate for 10 minutes or if you have the time for a few hours in the fridge

Prepare bowl ingredients - slice cucumber, shred the carrot and dice avocado into cubes. Defrost the edamame beans by running under water in a colander

Salmon cubes being cooked in the air fryer

If pan frying (refer to recipe card below for instructions). For the air fryer, spray the basket with olive oil and put salmon in a single layer

Marinade being brushed over salmon at half way point

Air fry for 5 - 8 minutes. Flip halfway and brush over leftover marinade

Once the salmon is caramelized, its ready to serve!

Final placement of ingredients to make a salmon bowl

Place salmon and ingredients in a bowl in its own section. Sprinkle over sesame seeds and drizzle the salmon with some sriracha aioli. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

Marinate the salmon for 10 minutes or for as long as you can for optimal flavor. You can also prepare in advance and leave it to marinate in the fridge for a few hours before cooking
Here I've used my air fryer to cook the salmon bites but you can also pan fry them for a few minutes on each side until cooked to your liking
Make in advance by preparing the rice, quinoa and other ingredients as part of your meal prep to save time during the week
Make a double batch of the salmon marinade and drizzle it on top as a sauce for extra flavor

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat leftovers of the salmon in the microwave or air fryer until heated through
You can freeze prepared uncooked salmon for up to 1 month. I would then recommend to cook it fresh when ready to eat for the best flavor and texture

Close up of piece of salmon held in chopsticks

FAQs

Are salmon bowls healthy?

These salmon bowls are high in protein, healthy fats and include a variety of veggies and grains

How to meal prep salmon bowls?

To save time, I love to meal prep the cooked rice or quinoa and even slice up the fresh veggies. Then all you need to do is cook the salmon and assemble your salmon bowls

What do you put on salmon?

You can either add your favorite spices, fresh or dried herbs, lemon or my simple homemade teriyaki marinade which is one of my favorites

What to pair with salmon?

Salmon pairs well with many dishes such as simple grains and rice, salads such as my edamame salad, fresh steamed and roasted veggies to name a few

Chopsticks picking up a piece of salmon from the bowl

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with a Salmon Bowl:

More Easy Dinners

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to rate the recipe, comment and share your Salmon Bowl photo on Instagram so I can share the love!

Salmon Bowl