Salmon Bowls are one of our favorite weeknight meals because they're endlessly customizable, high in protein, and perfect for using up whatever veggies you've got in the fridge. Whether you're into sweet and spicy, crave something tangy and tropical, or love a classic sushi-inspired bowl, you'll love this recipe.
Why This Recipe is the Best
This is the best salmon bowl recipe because it checks all the boxes: easy, flavorful, and flexible. It can be made with baked, grilled, air fryer, or pan-seared salmon, and you can use cooked, smoked, or even canned salmon depending on what you have on hand. The sauce options-from spicy mayo to honey sriracha to sesame soy-are deliciously addictive, and the base is totally customizable: rice, quinoa, farro, cauliflower rice, or soba noodles all work.
We especially love the tropical combo of mango, cucumber, avocado, and a spicy mayo drizzle. And if you're a fan of TikTok bowls or Sweetgreen-style power bowls, this one is for you.
Make this recipe with our Sushi Rice, Teriyaki Salmon, and our homemade teriyaki sauce.
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Key Ingredients
Here are a few ingredients to keep in mind.
- Salmon - Use fresh or thawed cooked salmon. Baked, air-fried, grilled, or pan-seared all work. You can even use canned salmon in a pinch.
- Base - Classic white rice is always a hit, but you can also use brown rice, quinoa, farro, couscous, or cauliflower rice. We love it with sticky sushi rice or even soba noodles.
- Veggies - Think sushi bowl style! Use sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, chopped avocado, thinly sliced red cabbage, edamame, and green onions.
- Fruits - Mango or pineapple adds the perfect sweet contrast to the savory salmon and spicy sauce.
- Sauces - Spicy mayo, honey sriracha, bang bang sauce, or a sesame soy dressing are all perfect here. Tzatziki or miso ginger dressing works for a Greek or Asian-inspired twist.
- Toppings - Sesame seeds, nori strips, chopped cilantro, kimchi, pickled ginger, crispy onions, or a soft boiled egg are great toppings.
How to Make Salmon Bowls
Use these step-by-step instructions as a guide to get the best results.
- Marinate the salmon and bake, air fry, or pan-sear. See recipe card below for various method instructions.
- Assemble the bowl by adding your base to the bottom, rice, greens, or quinoa. Then layer your vegetables on top of the base.
- Add the cooked salmon, and then flavor the bowl with your favorite sauce; we love Bang Bang Sauce. Add toppings like cilantro, green onion, or sesame seeds.
Helpful Hints
For crispy salmon, pan-sear skin-on fillets over medium-high heat, then remove the skin before serving.
If using canned salmon, drain and flake it with a fork, then toss it with your favorite sauce.
To make this bowl high-protein and low-carb, use cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens as your base.
Top Tip
Make a batch of salmon bites or cooked salmon ahead of time and store them in the fridge. That way, you can throw together a salmon bowl anytime for an easy lunch or meal prep option.
Recipe
Salmon Bowls Recipe
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 24 oz salmon
- 1 cup **teriyaki sauce**
For the Bowls:
- 6 cups cooked rice try our sushi rice! See note 1
- 1 english cucumber sliced
- 1 ½ cups carrots shredded
- 1 cup edamame
- 2 avocados chopped
- 4 green onions sliced
- ½ cup cilantro chopped
- ¾ cup bang bang sauce or sriracha mayo
- also try: steamed brocolli, sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, cabbage etc.
Instructions
For The Salmon:
- Cut salmon into 1" cubes and place in a mixing bowl, or place the filets directly in. Pour about ¾ cup teriyaki sauce over top and combine until well coated. See photos above for a visual guide if desired.
- To air fry: preheat air fryer to 400°. Place salmon cubes/ filets in air fryer so they aren't touching each other (it may take more than 1 batch to cook them all). Cook for 5-7 minutes for cubes, 6-8 for filets, or until they reach 140°F. No need to flip these halfway through. For more information on air frying salmon check out our **Air Fryer Salmon Bites**. After cooking, spread salmon with the remaining teriyaki.
- To bake: Preheat oven to 400° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place coated salmon cubes or filets on the sheet, making sure they aren't touching each other. Bake for 10-13 minutes for cubes or 12-16 minutes until cooked through and flaky. Salmon is done at 140°F. Remove from the oven and brush remaining teriyaki on top.
For The Bowls:
- Slice cucumbers, cabbage and green onions and grate the carrots. Start with a bowl of rice, then add the vegetables. Top with the salmon and drizzle with **bang bang sauce** or sriracha mayo. Garnish with green onions, cilantro and sesame seeds. Enjoy!!
Notes
- Use our Bang Bang Sauce Recipe.
- We love this with sushi rice! Feel free to use a different grain here if desired, such as quinoa or brown rice.
- The beauty of this bowl is that you can use whatever veggies you have on hand. We highly recommend including the cucumber for that refreshing crunch that pairs so well with the salmon, but otherwise use what you have on hand and create your own!
- We love serving this with mango and pineapple on the side- we find they compliment the meal very nicely.
Nutrition
Air Fryer Directions
To make air fryer salmon bites, cut salmon into 1-inch cubes, season or marinate, then cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes. For filets, cook 7-9 minutes, depending on thickness.
Storing Salmon Bowls
Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the salmon gently in a skillet or microwave. Keep sauces in small containers and add fresh toppings before serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Chop veggies, cook your grain base, and make any sauces or marinades up to 2-3 days ahead. Cook and flake your salmon for easy assembly during the week.
Substitutions and Variations
- Sweet & Spicy - Toss salmon in hot honey glaze or bang bang sauce.
- Sushi-Inspired - Use sticky sushi rice, cucumber, avocado, and spicy mayo. Add seaweed and sesame.
- Greek-Inspired - Use farro or quinoa as your base, top with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and tzatziki.
- Viral TikTok Version - Air fryer salmon bites, rice, avocado, sriracha, mayo, soy sauce, and seaweed sheets.
- Buddha Bowl Style - Add roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and a miso ginger dressing.
Toppings
Don't skip the toppings-they make all the difference!
- Crunch- crispy onions, sesame seeds, nori strips
- Creaminess- spicy mayo, avocado, creamy dressings
- Freshness- cilantro, lime juice, green onions
- Fun Flavor- kimchi, pickled ginger, or jalapeños
Andrea says
Love this quick and easy Salmon Bowl recipe.