Fresh salmon bowl with vibrant vegetables and grains

Salmon Bowl

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Why Make This Recipe

Salmon Bowl is not only delicious but also a healthy meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. This dish is packed with nutrients, thanks to the salmon, fresh vegetables, and optional toppings. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart, brain, and overall health. Adding vegetables like cucumber, carrot, and avocado boosts the fiber content, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal. Plus, the simple marinade gives the salmon an incredible flavor, making this dish enjoyable for everyone.

Making a Salmon Bowl at home allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Whether you prefer quinoa or rice as your base, feel free to add or replace veggies based on what you have on hand. This dish is also quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy days, yet it feels special enough for dinner guests.

How to Make Salmon Bowl

Ingredients

  • 12 oz (340g) salmon fillets (skin removed)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons honey (for sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (adds tang)
  • ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil (for flavor)
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • Small piece of fresh ginger (grated)
  • 1 cup cooked white rice or quinoa (choose your preferred base)
  • 1 medium cucumber (sliced)
  • 1 medium carrot (shredded)
  • ½ cup frozen edamame beans (defrosted)
  • ½ avocado (diced)
  • Optional garnishes: spicy mayo (sriracha aioli), sesame seeds, green onions

Salmon Bowl

Directions

  1. Prepare the Salmon:

    • Start by slicing the salmon into cubes about 1-inch in size. Make sure to remove the skin and any bones. This step ensures that you have bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat.

  2. Make the Marinade:

    • In a bowl, combine the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to ensure everything is combined. This marinade will give the salmon a rich flavor.

  3. Optional Additional Marinade:

    • If you want to have extra sauce to drizzle on top later, prepare a double batch of the marinade and set it aside.

  4. Marinate the Salmon:

    • Add the salmon cubes to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes. If you have more time, you can let it marinate for a few hours in the fridge for more flavor.

  5. Prepare the Vegetables:

    • While the salmon is marinating, you can prepare the vegetables. Slice the cucumber, shred the carrot, and dice the avocado. Take the frozen edamame beans and defrost them by running cold water over them in a colander.

  6. Cooking the Salmon:

    • You can cook the salmon using either a skillet or an air fryer, depending on your preference.

    • For the Skillet Method:

      1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with oil.
      2. Place the salmon cubes in a single layer in the skillet. Make sure they do not touch each other for even cooking.
      3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
      4. If you have any leftover marinade, pour it over the salmon while it cooks to enhance the flavor.

    • For the Air Fryer Method:

      1. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and spray the basket with olive oil.
      2. Place the salmon cubes in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch.
      3. Air fry for about 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
      4. Brush the cooked salmon with the leftover marinade before serving.

  7. Assemble the Bowls:

    • Start by using the cooked rice or quinoa as the base of your bowl.
    • Arrange the cucumber slices, shredded carrot, diced avocado, and defrosted edamame around the rice or quinoa.
    • Finally, top the bowl with the cooked salmon.
    • Add any optional garnishes like spicy mayo, sesame seeds, or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.

How to Serve Salmon Bowl

Serving a Salmon Bowl is simple and straightforward. You can present it in individual bowls or on a large platter for sharing. If you opt for individual bowls, arrange each ingredient neatly for a colorful and appealing look. Drizzle additional sauce or garnishes just before serving. This dish can be enjoyed warm or chilled, and pairs well with a refreshing drink or a light salad.

How to Store Salmon Bowl

If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the ingredients fresh, it’s best to store each component separately, if possible. Place the cooked salmon in an airtight container, and keep the rice or quinoa, vegetables, and garnishes in separate bags or containers. When ready to eat, you can reheat the salmon and rice in the microwave or enjoy everything cold straight from the fridge.

Tips to Make Salmon Bowl

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better the flavor of your Salmon Bowl. Look for bright-colored vegetables and fresh salmon for the best outcome.
  • Marinating Time: Longer marinating can enhance the flavor of the salmon. If you have time, consider marinating for at least 30 minutes to a couple of hours.
  • Cooking Techniques: Experiment with both skillet and air fryer methods to see which you prefer. For a crispy salmon texture, the air fryer can sometimes offer a better finish.
  • Garnish: Don’t skip the garnishes! Optional toppings like spicy mayo or sesame seeds can elevate the dish and add depth to the flavor.
  • Batch Cooking: Make a larger batch of rice or quinoa and veggies to have on hand for quick meal prep during the week.

Variation

The Salmon Bowl is highly customizable. Here are a few variations you might like:

  • Different Proteins: Substitute salmon with other proteins such as grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for different flavors and textures.
  • Grain Options: Instead of rice, try brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to switch up the vegetables. Add bell peppers, radishes, or spinach to increase the nutrient content and add color.
  • Flavor Profiles: Change the sauce to a teriyaki glaze or a citrus vinaigrette for a different taste experience.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

    • Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking. A good method is to place it in the refrigerator overnight or submerge the sealed package in cold water for quicker thawing.

  2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

    • You can make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) instead of regular soy sauce.

  3. What can I use instead of avocado if I’m allergic?

    • If you are allergic to avocado or simply don’t like it, you can replace it with sliced radishes or some sliced bell pepper for crunch.

  4. Can I meal prep this Salmon Bowl?

    • Yes, the Salmon Bowl can be meal-prepped. Just store the components in separate containers, and assemble when you’re ready to eat for freshness.

  5. How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

    • Properly cooked salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an opaque color. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. Use a food thermometer for the best accuracy.

Making a Salmon Bowl is a fun and healthy way to enjoy a balanced meal. With its fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and rich flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy creating it, experimenting with flavors, and making it your own!

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Salmon Bowl

  • Author: zoubirlahcen
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free
Print Recipe

Description

A healthy and customizable Salmon Bowl packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and flavorful salmon, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340g) salmon fillets (skin removed)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • Small piece of fresh ginger (grated)
  • 1 cup cooked white rice or quinoa
  • 1 medium cucumber (sliced)
  • 1 medium carrot (shredded)
  • ½ cup frozen edamame beans (defrosted)
  • ½ avocado (diced)
  • Optional garnishes: spicy mayo, sesame seeds, green onions

Instructions

  1. Slice the salmon into 1-inch cubes and ensure there are no bones.
  2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the marinade.
  3. Coat the salmon cubes in the marinade and let marinate for 10 minutes (or longer for more flavor).
  4. Prepare the vegetables: slice cucumber, shred carrot, dice avocado, and defrost edamame.
  5. Cook the salmon using your preferred method (skillet or air fryer):
  6. For skillet: heat oil, cook salmon for 5-7 minutes while flipping halfway.
  7. For air fryer: preheat to 390°F, cook salmon for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
  8. Assemble the bowls with the rice or quinoa as a base, followed by the cooked salmon and arranged vegetables.
  9. Top the bowl with optional garnishes before serving.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. You can also meal prep by storing components separately.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: salmon bowl, healthy recipe, quick meal, customizable bowl, omega-3

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