Salmon Rice Bowl

Sharing is caring!

This Salmon Rice Bowl is an easy, healthy recipe perfect for meal prep and leftovers. Tender, flaky salmon is paired with rice, black beans, and fresh green vegetables, then drizzled with a homemade spicy cream sauce for ultimate flavor.

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.

If you love bowls, you will love my Fish and Grits!

What Type of Salmon to Use

This recipe works well with leftover salmon. I love to use my Salmon Bites recipe for this dish.

The most common types of salmon include:

• Wild and/or Sockeye: Known for its deep red color and rich, oily flavor. It is considered one of the most flavorful types of salmon.
• Atlantic: It is farm raised and has a milder flavor than wild-caught salmon.
• Pink: It is the smallest of the Pacific salmon and has a mild, delicate flavor.

Ultimately, the best type of fresh salmon to use will depend on your personal taste preferences.

Salmon that is sourced from the Atlantic is usually farmed. Farmed means antibiotics and food coloring (to give it a pink color) are used. Wild-caught salmon is known for its high nutritional value and delicious flavor. It is also generally higher in beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, due to its natural diet and lifestyle.

What Type of Rice to Use

I use jasmine rice along with my Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice recipe. Here are some options:

• White rice – This is a classic option that is mild in flavor and has a soft, fluffy texture. It’s a good option if you prefer mild-tasting rice. It will come in short grain (sticky and sweet), medium grain (not as sticky, more pronounced flavor), and long grain (the least sticky).
• Sushi rice – A short-grain rice that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It has a sticky texture that makes it easy to form into bowls and holds toppings in place.
• Jasmine rice – This is a fragrant rice that has a floral aroma and a soft, slightly sticky texture. It’s a good option if you want to add some extra flavor to your bowl.
• Basmati rice: A long-grain rice that has a nutty flavor.
• Wild rice: Wild rice is a type of grass that is not actually a type of rice. It has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture. It is a good choice for rice bowls because it is a more unique and flavorful option.

How to Season the Fish

I love to use fresh lemon juice along with my Homemade Cajun Seasoning and Rub or my Homemade Blackened Fish and Salmon Seasoning. Here are more options:

• Lemon Pepper Seasoning
• Creole Seasoning
• Homemade BBQ Rub
• Homemade Ranch Seasoning

What Vegetables to Add

You can’t go wrong with what you choose. Add in your favorite vegetables. Switch it up so you can make the bowls often! Here are some suggestions:

• Traeger Smoked Corn on the Cob
• Black Beans
• Avocado
• Cucumbers
• Bell Peppers
• Green Onions
• Spinach
• Shaved Brussel Sprouts
• Mixed Greens
• Romaine Lettuce
• Edamame
• Tomatoes
• Cabbage Slaw
• Mushrooms
• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Snow Peas

How to Make Salmon Rice Bowls

Full detailed instructions are below in the recipe card.

1. Allow the salmon to come to room temperature and dry the salmon completely using paper towels.
2. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salmon and then sprinkle the spices throughout. Rub the spices into the salmon and along the edges of the salmon.
3. Air fry, bake, or pan sear.
4. Add the cooked salmon and the toppings to a bowl and serve.

Canned Salmon

You can use canned salmon if you wish. You will save some time because it doesn’t need to be cooked.

Smoked Salmon

If you plan to use smoky salmon, check out my Traeger Smoked Salmon recipe. You can also find smoked salmon at many grocery stores including Trader Joe’s and Costco.

How to Tell When Salmon Has Finished Cooking

• Temperature: Use a meat thermometer and ensure the fish has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Check the temperature in the thickest part of the fish.
• Appearance and Touch: Perfectly cooked salmon will have a light pink color and will be opaque throughout. The flesh will also start to flake when pressed with a fork.
• It’s important to note that salmon can be cooked to varying degrees of doneness, some people prefer it cooked through while others prefer it medium-rare at 135 degrees. Decide what works for you.

Dry and Overcooked Fish

Overcooked salmon is dry and has little flavor. Fish (along with meat) will continue to cook when you remove it from heat. This is why it’s important to pay attention to how long the fish cooks.

When the fish is done, it will be a translucent pink in the middle. It should also look flaky. You can check out more tips on How to Tell if Salmon is Overcooked here.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezer Tips

Leftovers can be frozen tightly sealed for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.

How to Reheat

I recommend you use the air fryer or oven. If using the oven, place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the salmon with foil and place it in the oven at 275 degrees until warm.

If using the air fryer, reheat it on 200 degrees for 5-7 minutes or until warm.

If you use the microwave, be swift! Don’t leave it in too long. It will dry out the fish.

More Salmon and Fish Recipes

Baked Salmon Stuffed with Crab Meat
Maple Glazed Salmon
Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon
Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict
Salmon Fried Rice with Vegetables
Blackened Catfish
Crispy Fish Sandwich
Smoked Fish Dip

Drizzle this in our Creamy Southwest Salad Dressing, Creamy Dill Sauce for Salmon, or with our Pineapple Mango Salsa.

Be sure to check out our guide on What Goes Well with Salmon and Best Side Dishes.

Salmon Rice Bowl

This Salmon Rice Bowl is an easy, healthy recipe perfect for meal prep and leftovers. Tender, flaky salmon is paired with rice, black beans, and fresh green vegetables, then drizzled with a homemade spicy cream sauce for ultimate flavor.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course dinner, lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 2 servings

Calories 596 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 8 oz raw salmon 2 salmon fillets or salmon diced into chunks.
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1-2 teaspoons Cajun Seasoning, Lemon Pepper, or your favorite rub I used Cajun Seasoning

Toppings

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked or canned black beans Drained.
• 2 cups fresh, chopped spinach
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 2-3 tablespoons cooked corn kernels
• 1/4 cup chopped red peppers
• Southwest Dressing

Instructions

 

• Allow the salmon to come to room temperature and dry the salmon completely using paper towels.
• Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salmon and then sprinkle the spices throughout. Rub the spices into the salmon and along the edges of the salmon.

Air Fryer Salmon

• Air fry the salmon for 10-12 minutes at 370 degrees. Mine was ready right at 10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer and test that the inside of the salmon has reached 145 degrees. Cool before serving.

Pan Seared Salmon

• Place a cast iron or stainless steel skillet on medium-high heat. Spray or drizzle the skillet with olive oil. Be sure the skillet is nicely coated. This will prevent the salmon from sticking to the pan. When the pan is hot, add the salmon to the pan with the skin side up.
• Allow the salmon to cook for 4 minutes. Do not move the salmon after you have placed it in the skillet. Monitor the sides of the salmon to determine the perfect time to flip. When the color of the side of the salmon has lightened about 3/4ths of the way up, it’s time to flip. This usually only takes 3-4 minutes. Flip the salmon.
• Cook skin side down for 4 minutes. Remove the salmon from the pan. Cool before serving.

Baked Salmon

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• Line a baking sheet (mine was 9×13) with parchment paper and add the salmon. Cover with another piece of parchment paper. Bake for 8 minutes.
• Remove the parchment paper and bake for another 2-5 minutes. Use a meat thermometer and ensure the fish has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Check the temperature in the thickest part of the fish. Allow the salmon to cool before serving.

Bowl Assembly

• Add the cooked salmon and the toppings to a bowl and serve.

Notes

Use enough spices to fully coat the fish. Add more if necessary.

Season the fish with any of your favorite rubs or spices.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 596kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 41gFat: 19g

Keyword healthy salmon bowl, rice dish with salmon, salmon bowl air fryer, salmon rice and vegetables, salmon rice bowl

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!