I love making these flaked salmon rice bowls when I want something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender, marinated salmon sits over warm rice and is topped with creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and a drizzle of sauce for the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the salmon:
2 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp grated ginger (optional)
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the bowl:
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
1/2 avocado, sliced
1/2 cucumber, sliced or julienned
Shredded carrots or edamame (optional)
Green onions and sesame seeds for topping
Sriracha mayo or soy sauce drizzle
Directions
I start by marinating the salmon in soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger. I let it sit for about 15 to 30 minutes so the flavors soak in.
Next, I cook the salmon. I either pan-sear it over medium heat, bake it at 400°F for about 12 minutes, or air-fry it until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Once done, I gently flake it into large chunks.
To assemble the bowls, I add warm rice as the base, then top it with the flaked salmon. I arrange sliced avocado, cucumber, and any extra toppings I like such as carrots or edamame.
Finally, I drizzle sriracha mayo (which I make by mixing mayo, sriracha, and a squeeze of lime juice) or simply add a splash of soy sauce. I finish everything with green onions and sesame seeds.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 generous servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 15–30 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: About 30–45 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap white rice for brown rice or jasmine rice depending on what I am craving. When I want a lower-carb option, I use cauliflower rice.
For extra crunch, I add shredded cabbage or radishes. If I want more heat, I mix extra sriracha into the mayo or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
I also enjoy turning this into a spicy salmon bowl by adding a little chili crisp or a drizzle of spicy teriyaki sauce.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover salmon, rice, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping everything separate helps maintain the best texture.
When reheating, I warm the rice and salmon gently in the microwave until heated through. I prefer adding fresh avocado and cucumber after reheating so they stay fresh and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
I can use frozen salmon as long as I thaw it completely in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking.
What type of rice works best?
I like jasmine rice for its fragrance, but brown rice or even sushi rice works beautifully in this bowl.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
I check that the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I often prepare the rice and salmon in advance and assemble the bowls just before serving for the freshest taste.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
I find it excellent for meal prep. I portion the rice and salmon into containers and keep toppings separate until ready to eat.
Conclusion
I find these flaked salmon rice bowls to be one of the easiest ways to enjoy a balanced, flavorful meal at home. With tender salmon, warm rice, and fresh toppings, I always end up with a bowl that feels nourishing and satisfying. I love how simple it is to customize, making it a recipe I come back to again and again.
📖 Recipe:
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Flaked Salmon Rice Bowls
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- Author: Sophia
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
These flaked salmon rice bowls feature tender marinated salmon over warm rice with fresh avocado, crisp cucumber, and a flavorful drizzle. A wholesome, colorful meal that is perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp grated ginger (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
1/2 avocado, sliced
1/2 cucumber, sliced or julienned
Shredded carrots or edamame (optional)
Green onions and sesame seeds for topping
Sriracha mayo or soy sauce drizzle
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the salmon and marinate for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Cook the salmon by pan-searing over medium heat, baking at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or air-frying until cooked through and it flakes easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, gently flake the salmon into large chunks.
- Divide warm rice between two bowls and top with flaked salmon.
- Add sliced avocado, cucumber, and optional toppings such as shredded carrots or edamame.
- Drizzle with sriracha mayo or soy sauce and finish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Swap white rice with brown, jasmine, sushi, or cauliflower rice for variation.
Add shredded cabbage, radishes, or chili crisp for extra crunch and heat.
Store salmon, rice, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat rice and salmon gently before assembling with fresh toppings.
Ensure salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared, Baked, or Air-Fried
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
