Teriyaki Salmon Bowl

Looking for a nutritious and delicious dinner that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but still feels like a restaurant-quality meal? Enter the Teriyaki Salmon Bowl. This dish is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and healthy. Flaky, tender salmon is glazed with a homemade teriyaki sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice, and accompanied by vibrant vegetables. It’s packed with omega-3s, protein, and fiber, making it a well-balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Teriyaki salmon bowls are incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite vegetables, change up the grain base, or even make them low-carb by serving them over cauliflower rice. Plus, everything comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a quick go-to meal when you want something tasty but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce, perfectly sear the salmon, and assemble a colorful, nutritious bowl that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins, making this bowl a wholesome choice. Add the fiber from the veggies and grains, and it’s a balanced meal.
• Quick and Easy: You can have this delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Swap out the veggies, use a different grain, or adjust the sauce to your liking—it’s easy to make this recipe your own.
• Sweet and Savory Flavor: The homemade teriyaki sauce adds a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and umami, making the salmon extra flavorful.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Teriyaki salmon bowls can be made ahead of time and are great for meal prepping, giving you delicious lunches or dinners for the week.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Active Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 bowls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• ¼ cup mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine)
• ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (for mixing with cornstarch)

For the Bowl Base:

• 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, to season the rice)

For the Vegetables:

• 1 large carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 cup edamame (shelled, cooked)
• 1 cup broccoli florets (steamed or roasted)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for sautéing or drizzling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir well to combine.
2. Simmer and Thicken: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it starts to simmer, lower the heat and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
3. Thicken with Cornstarch: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the teriyaki sauce. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Set Aside: Remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside. This sauce will glaze the salmon and can also be drizzled over the entire bowl.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

1. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Salmon: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if your salmon has skin) in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side until the skin is crispy and the salmon is cooked halfway through.
3. Glaze and Flip: Brush the top of each salmon fillet generously with the homemade teriyaki sauce. Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and the glaze has caramelized slightly.
4. Rest the Salmon: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before assembling the bowls.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Steam or Sauté the Broccoli: You can steam the broccoli florets until tender (about 4-5 minutes) or sauté them in a tablespoon of sesame oil for a slightly charred, nutty flavor.
2. Cook the Edamame: If using frozen edamame, cook it according to the package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes in boiling water) and drain.
3. Slice the Vegetables: While the salmon cooks, prepare the remaining vegetables. Thinly slice the carrots, cucumber, and avocado.
4. Optional Veggie Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for more variety in your bowl.

Step 4: Assemble the Teriyaki Salmon Bowls

1. Start with the Base: Spoon about ½ cup of cooked rice (or your chosen grain) into each bowl. If you like, season the rice with a splash of rice vinegar for a bit of tang.
2. Add the Salmon: Place a teriyaki-glazed salmon fillet on top of the rice in each bowl.
3. Arrange the Vegetables: Arrange the cooked broccoli, edamame, carrots, cucumber, and avocado slices around the salmon to create a colorful, balanced presentation.
4. Drizzle with Sauce: Drizzle some of the reserved teriyaki sauce over the salmon and vegetables. This adds extra flavor and ties everything together.
5. Garnish: For added flavor and texture, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top of each bowl.

How to Serve

These Teriyaki Salmon Bowls are best served immediately, while the salmon is warm, and the vegetables are fresh and crisp. However, they’re also great for meal prep! Store the components separately in airtight containers, and when you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the bowls and reheat the salmon if desired.

• For a Complete Meal: Serve with a side of miso soup or a simple green salad to round out your meal.
• As a Lighter Option: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or zoodles for a lower-carb version without sacrificing flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Let each family member customize their bowl with their favorite veggies and toppings.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon can go from perfectly tender to dry very quickly, so keep an eye on it while cooking. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.
2. Use High-Quality Salmon: Since the salmon is the star of this dish, using fresh, high-quality salmon will make a noticeable difference in taste. Wild-caught salmon has a richer flavor and is a healthier option than farmed varieties.
3. Make Extra Teriyaki Sauce: The homemade teriyaki sauce can be used on more than just salmon. Make a little extra to drizzle over vegetables, chicken, or even stir-fries during the week.
4. Customize the Bowl: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bok choy, spinach, bell peppers, and snap peas all work well in these bowls.
5. Searing vs. Baking: If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can bake the salmon instead of searing it. Simply preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes, brushing it with teriyaki sauce halfway through.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Teriyaki Salmon Bowl: Add a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
• Ginger-Soy Salmon Bowl: For a lighter version, skip the teriyaki sauce and marinate the salmon in a mix of soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, and sesame oil before searing or baking.
• Mango Avocado Salmon Bowl: For a tropical twist, add diced mango and swap the teriyaki sauce for a lighter, citrusy dressing made with lime juice, honey, and soy sauce.
• Tofu Teriyaki Bowl: For a vegetarian version, replace the salmon with crispy tofu. Press and cube firm tofu, then pan-fry until golden and drizzle with the teriyaki sauce.

Freezing and Storage

To Store: Teriyaki salmon bowls can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salmon, rice, and vegetables separate for easy reheating and assembly.

To Reheat: Reheat the salmon gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. You can also eat the salmon cold for a refreshing meal, especially during warmer months.

To Freeze: While it’s best to enjoy the salmon fresh, you can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
A: Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought teriyaki sauce. However, making it from scratch is easy and allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness.

Q: Can I make this recipe with frozen salmon?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture before seasoning and searing.

Q: What other grains can I use for the base?
A: You can substitute the white rice with brown rice, quinoa, farro, or even a blend of grains. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Q: How do I know when the salmon is done?
A: The salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Q: Can I make the teriyaki sauce gluten-free?
A: Yes! To make the sauce gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Conclusion

A Teriyaki Salmon Bowl is the perfect combination of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. With tender, juicy salmon glazed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, paired with vibrant vegetables and fluffy rice, it’s a meal that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep option, or something a bit more special, these bowls are sure to satisfy.

The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility—you can customize it to your tastes, make it as light or indulgent as you like, and even swap out the salmon for tofu or chicken. So next time you’re craving a flavorful, healthy dinner, give this Teriyaki Salmon Bowl a try. I promise it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!

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