Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl

Name: Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon minced ginger; 2 salmon fillets; 2 cups cooked white rice; 1 cup steamed broccoli florets; 1/2 cucumber, sliced; Sesame seeds for garnish; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Taste the World Recipes

I absolutely love making Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowls because they are a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The rich, savory taste of the teriyaki sauce complements the tender salmon perfectly, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s one of my go-to dishes for a quick weeknight meal or a fancy dinner. Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it's also packed with nutrients. Every time I prepare this bowl, I feel like I’m indulging in a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-07T18:17:28.735Z

When I first tried making Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowls at home, I was amazed by how simple yet flavorful they turned out. The key is to marinate the salmon in a homemade teriyaki sauce, which allows the fish to absorb all those incredible flavors. I discovered that a quick broil in the oven leaves the salmon perfectly flaky and slightly caramelized, enhancing the taste even more.

Another detail I love is adding fresh veggies to the bowl, which not only elevates the presentation but also adds a crunch that pairs perfectly with the rice. I usually go for sliced cucumbers and steamed broccoli, but feel free to mix it up with whatever veggies you have on hand. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite
Quick to prepare, making it a fantastic weeknight meal
Customizable with your favorite vegetables and toppings

Mastering the Teriyaki Sauce

The teriyaki sauce for this dish is the star of the show, and making it from scratch allows you to control the flavors perfectly. The combination of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil creates a beautiful balance of sweetness and umami. As you whisk the ingredients together, aim for a glossy consistency that indicates the honey has fully dissolved. If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider simmering over low heat for a few minutes until it reduces slightly, which will enhance its flavor and texture.

Another way to personalize the teriyaki sauce is by adjusting the sweetness or tanginess. If you like it sweeter, add an extra teaspoon of honey, or for more acidity, a splash of rice vinegar will do the trick. Keeping the garlic and ginger fresh is crucial—freshly minced garlic brings a sharp bite, while fresh ginger adds warmth and complexity. These ingredients contribute not just flavor, but also health benefits, making your meal even more nutritious.

Choosing the Perfect Salmon

Selecting high-quality salmon will significantly enhance the overall taste of your teriyaki rice bowl. Look for fillets that are bright in color with firm flesh. If possible, opt for wild-caught salmon, as it tends to have a richer flavor compared to farmed varieties. For cooking, I recommend skin-on fillets—they not only hold together better during cooking but also provide added fat, which keeps the salmon moist. If skin is not your preference, simply remove it after cooking, as it will easily peel away once the fish is done.

When marinating, ensure that the salmon fillets are evenly coated in the teriyaki sauce. This step is essential for flavor penetration. If you have time, consider marinating for a longer period, up to 30 minutes, in the refrigerator. Just be cautious not to over-marinate, as the soy sauce can begin to cure the fish if left too long. Remember, cooking times can vary based on the thickness of your salmon; aim for an internal temperature of 145°F, at which point the flesh should flake easily with a fork.

Serving Tips and Variations

Serving the Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl is the fun part! Feel free to get creative with the toppings—adding pickled vegetables, like daikon or carrots, can introduce a tangy crunch that complements the rich salmon. For a spicy kick, drizzle a little sriracha or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top. You can also substitute the vegetables; snap peas, edamame, or bell peppers work beautifully and provide added nutrition and color to your bowl.

If you're looking to prepare this dish in advance, you can make the teriyaki sauce and cook the salmon ahead of time. Store the cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The rice can be made ahead too; simply reheat it before serving. To take it a step further, you could turn this dish into a meal prep favorite by dividing it into individual containers for lunches. Just be sure to keep the salmon separate from the sauce until you're ready to eat to avoid sogginess.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl:

For the Teriyaki Sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced ginger

For the Bowl

2 salmon fillets
2 cups cooked white rice
1 cup steamed broccoli florets
1/2 cucumber, sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish
Chopped green onions for garnish

Once you have everything ready, you can start cooking your Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your delicious bowl:

Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.

Marinate the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour half of the teriyaki sauce over them. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

Cook the Salmon

Preheat your oven's broiler. Place the marinated salmon on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for about 10 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and slightly caramelized.

Assemble the Bowl

While the salmon is cooking, prepare the bowls. Divide the cooked rice between two bowls, top with steamed broccoli and cucumber slices.

Serve and Enjoy

Carefully place the broiled salmon on top of the rice and veggies. Drizzle with the remaining teriyaki sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Now your Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of nori flakes or pickled ginger to your bowl. You can also substitute salmon with chicken or tofu for a different protein source.

Storage and Reheating

Storing leftovers of your Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl is easy. Place any uneaten salmon, rice, and vegetables into separate airtight containers to maintain freshness and texture. This meal can be refrigerated for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until the salmon is warmed through. To preserve the best quality, avoid reheating more than once, as this can lead to dryness in the salmon.

If you're dealing with leftover teriyaki sauce, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag to use later in stir-fries or as a marinade for other proteins.

Dietary Variations

For those following a gluten-free diet, swap the soy sauce for tamari, which offers the same rich flavor without the gluten. Additionally, agave syrup can be used in place of honey for a vegan alternative to the teriyaki sauce, making this dish accessible to a wider audience. You can also try using other fish like tilapia or trout if salmon isn't available; just keep in mind that cooking times might differ depending on the fish used.

For a low-carb version, consider substituting the rice with cauliflower rice. Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains and sauté them lightly in sesame oil to serve as a healthy base for your salmon. This helps maintain the ingredient balance while accommodating dietary preferences.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling is an excellent technique for cooking salmon, as it allows for even exposure to heat from above, giving the fish a lovely caramelization along the top. When broiling, position the rack about 6 inches from the heat source and monitor closely to avoid burning. If you're looking for an alternative method, grilling the salmon over medium-high heat can also achieve delicious results and lend a smoky flavor.

Using a thermometer to check the doneness of your salmon is highly recommended. If you don’t have one on hand, another visual cue is the color; it should be opaque and easily flake apart with a fork. If your salmon is still translucent in the center, give it a few more minutes under the broiler to ensure it's cooked thoroughly. This will ensure safety and enhance the overall enjoyment of your meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ What types of rice work best?

While white rice is traditional, you can also use jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make the teriyaki sauce gluten-free.

→ What else can I add to the bowl?

Feel free to customize the bowl with other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas, as well as avocado for creaminess.