Sticky Salmon Rice Bowl

This recipe for Sticky Salmon Rice Bowl is a delicious and easy meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. It features succulent pieces of salmon that are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then pan-fried to perfection and served on a bed of fluffy white rice. Topped with a variety of fresh and colorful vegetables, this dish is as beautiful as it is tasty. With a simple and easy-to-follow recipe, you can make this dish in no time and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients.

Why this recipe works

I love Sticky Salmon Rice Bowl for the combinations of textures and flavours. The salmon fillets are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ketchup, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and maple syrup, allowing the flavors to infuse and create a moist and tender texture that’s bursting with flavor.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. While I’ve provided a list of suggested vegetables, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Swap in your favorite veggies, or use what’s in season for a fresh and nutritious meal. The options are endless, so you can make this recipe again and again without getting bored.

What is Sticky Salmon Rice Bowl

Sticky Salmon Rice Bowl is a dish made up of succulent salmon fillets that are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, and served on a bed of rice alongside a variety of fresh and colorful vegetables.

The marinade for the salmon typically includes ingredients such as soy sauce, ketchup, maple syrup or honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, which are combined to create a rich and flavorful sauce that infuses the salmon with flavor and moisture.

The rice used in the dish can be any type of white rice, such as short-grain or long-grain, and is typically cooked until tender in salted water. Once the rice is cooked, it’s divided into bowls and topped with marinated salmon, along with your choice of veggies.

The vegetables used in the dish can vary, depending on your preferences or what’s in season. Some popular options include avocado, cucumber, green onions, carrots, green beans, and broccoli. Once the veggies are added, the dish is garnished with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, which add a touch of color and crunch.

Best ingredients for Sticky Salmon Rice Bowl

• Salmon: When it comes to selecting salmon for this dish, it’s best to choose high-quality, fresh fillets that are firm to the touch and have a bright color. Wild-caught salmon is generally considered to be the most flavorful and nutritious option, but farm-raised salmon can also work well.
• Rice: For the rice, you can use any type of white rice that you prefer, such as short-grain or long-grain. Make sure to rinse the rice well before cooking, and use a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water.
• Soy sauce: Soy sauce is a key ingredient in the marinade for the salmon, providing a rich and salty flavor that complements the sweetness of the maple syrup or honey.
• Ketchup: While it may seem unusual to include ketchup in a marinade, it actually adds a nice tangy flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
• Maple syrup or honey: These natural sweeteners provide a touch of sweetness to the marinade, helping to balance out the salty and savory flavors.
• Sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty, toasted flavor to the marinade, and also helps to keep the salmon moist and tender.
• Garlic and ginger: These aromatic spices add depth and complexity to the marinade, and also provide a range of health benefits.
• Vegetables: The veggies you choose will depend on your personal preferences and what’s in season, but some popular options include avocado, cucumber, green onions, carrots, green beans, and broccoli.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds make a great garnish for this dish, adding a nice crunch and nutty flavor.

How to make Sticky Salmon Rice Bowl

Please note: This is just an overview – the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Cook the rice

• Rinse 1 cup (190g) of white rice in cold water and drain well.
• Cook the rice in salted water according to the package instructions, until tender.

Step 2: Prep the salmon

• While the rice is cooking, prepare the salmon marinade.
• In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce, 2 tablespoons (30ml) ketchup, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons (30ml) of maple syrup or honey until well combined.
• Pat 2 salmon fillets (around 6oz/170g each) dry with paper towels, remove the skin, then cut into bite-size pieces and place them in a shallow dish.
• Pour the marinade over the salmon and turn to coat evenly.
• Marinate for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the salmon

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Place the marinated salmon in the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes or until browned, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

Step 4: Assemble the bowl

• To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice between two bowls.
• Top each bowl with salmon pieces.
• Add veggies of your choice.
• Garnish sticky salmon rice bowl with toasted sesame seeds.

Storing and freezing tips

Store any leftover salmon and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat the rice and salmon in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. When ready to eat, assemble the bowl and reheat as needed.

Unfortunately, rice doesn’t freeze very well, so I don’t recommend freezing the entire dish. You can freeze the cooked salmon for up to 2-3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a skillet or oven.

Top tips for the best Sticky Salmon Rice Bowl

• Use high-quality salmon: The star of this dish is the salmon, so it’s important to use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets. Look for salmon that is firm and shiny, with no signs of discoloration or smell.
• Marinate the salmon: Marinating the salmon in the soy sauce, ketchup, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and maple syrup or honey helps to infuse the fish with flavor and tenderize it.
• Cook the salmon just right: When cooking the salmon in the skillet, be careful not to overcook it. Overcooked salmon can become dry and tough. The salmon should be cooked until browned on the outside and opaque on the inside.
• Customize with your favorite veggies: The great thing about this recipe is that it’s customizable. Feel free to add any of your favorite veggies to the bowl. Some great options include avocado, cucumber, green onions, carrots, green beans, and broccoli.
• Toast the sesame seeds: To bring out the nutty flavor of the sesame seeds, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden brown.

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