If you’re looking for a dinner that is equal parts nourishing, vibrant, and full of flavor, the Teriyaki Salmon Bowl is about to become a star in your kitchen lineup. This dish effortlessly brings together succulent seared salmon, fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s just the right balance of tangy, sweet, and savory. A Teriyaki Salmon Bowl is not only beautiful to look at, but so satisfying and easy, it’s destined to be a new weeknight winner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These building blocks are as simple as they are important, each bringing something special to your Teriyaki Salmon Bowl—from the salmon’s buttery texture to the crunchy, colorful veggies and velvety sauce. Trust me, a handful of top-notch ingredients makes all the difference.
- Salmon fillets: Wild-caught if possible—rich, flaky, and perfect for soaking up the glossy teriyaki glaze.
- Salt and pepper: Just a sprinkle helps enhance every layer of flavor in the bowl.
- Olive oil: Ensures a crisp, beautifully golden sear on your salmon fillets.
- Jasmine or brown rice: The hearty, comforting base that soaks up those lovely juices and sauce.
- Steamed broccoli: Adds crunch, color, and plenty of green goodness.
- Shredded carrots: Sweet and fresh, these bring a gorgeous pop of orange.
- Avocado: Creamy slices lend the bowl richness and a buttery finish.
- Sesame seeds and green onions: Bright and toasty garnishes that deliver flavor and a touch of drama on top.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The savory, umami backbone for your homemade teriyaki sauce.
- Honey or maple syrup: A natural sweetener for that signature teriyaki shine and balance.
- Rice vinegar: Gives the sauce its mild tanginess—don’t skip this!
- Sesame oil: A dash adds deep, nutty aroma that tastes like your favorite takeout but better.
- Cornstarch (plus water): Mixed together, this thickens your teriyaki sauce to just the right glossy consistency.
- Minced garlic: A punch of aromatic warmth to keep the sauce lively.
- Fresh grated ginger: The secret to that authentic, lively teriyaki flavor.
How to Make Teriyaki Salmon Bowl
Step 1: Whip Up the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
This is where the magic starts! In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, your sweetener of choice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger over medium heat. Let it come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Pour in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and turns beautifully glossy—just a couple of minutes. Take a moment to taste it; this homemade sauce will instantly up the wow-factor in your Teriyaki Salmon Bowl.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Salmon
Now for the star of the show. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high; once it’s shimmering, add the salmon skin side down (if you have it). Let it cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes so it gets that irresistible golden crust, then flip and finish for another few minutes until flaky. Brushing on a bit of teriyaki sauce during the last minute adds glaze and extra flavor straight into the fish.
Step 3: Prep the Bowls with Rice and Vegetables
While your salmon cooks, get your bowls ready. Scoop in your favorite steamed jasmine or brown rice, layer in the steamed broccoli and shredded carrots for texture and color, and fan out those slices of creamy avocado for a restaurant-worthy look. It’s a feast for the eyes before a single bite has even been taken.
Step 4: Assemble and Finish with Garnishes
Gently transfer the seared salmon on top of each bowl. Generously drizzle with more of that homemade teriyaki sauce, making sure some hits the veggies. A sprinkling of sesame seeds and sliced green onions is more than just a finishing touch—they offer crunch, freshness, and an extra pop of flavor that make the Teriyaki Salmon Bowl complete.
How to Serve Teriyaki Salmon Bowl
Garnishes
The right garnish transforms your Teriyaki Salmon Bowl from home-cooked to absolutely stunning. I love a cascade of toasted sesame seeds alongside a shower of fresh green onions. For a little extra kick, you might even try a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha—totally optional but always appreciated by spice lovers!
Side Dishes
While this bowl is a meal in itself, you can easily round it out with a side of miso soup, some crisp seaweed salad, or even steamed edamame sprinkled with flaky salt. A simple cucumber salad with a splash of rice vinegar also pairs beautifully, keeping things light and letting each element shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be shy about having fun with presentation! Serve your Teriyaki Salmon Bowl in shallow bowls for a modern look, or arrange everything tray-style for a casual, build-your-own evening with friends. For a party, turn these into cute mini bowls or even sushi-style wraps using nori sheets—the options are as limitless as your creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extras? Lucky you! Store leftover Teriyaki Salmon Bowl components in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For best results, keep the salmon, rice, veggies, and sauce separate so each can be reheated or enjoyed cold without losing its color or texture. Most elements will stay fresh for up to two days.
Freezing
While the vegetables and rice don’t always freeze well, the cooked salmon and even the teriyaki sauce are freezer-friendly. Let them cool before sealing in freezer-safe bags or containers. Avoid freezing the avocado and garnishes, as their texture doesn’t hold up after thawing. Use your frozen salmon within a month for best results.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the salmon and sauce in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50 percent power to keep everything moist and tender. Rice can be microwaved with a damp paper towel to bring back its fluffiness. As always, add a little fresh garnish and maybe a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime just before serving to wake everything up.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce instead of homemade?
Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, store-bought teriyaki sauce works fine. However, making your own at home gives you more control over sweetness and sodium, and the flavor is just so much fresher.
What can I use instead of salmon?
For a twist on your Teriyaki Salmon Bowl, try swapping in grilled shrimp, chicken breast, or firm tofu. Each takes well to the teriyaki glaze and works beautifully with the other bowl components.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, your Teriyaki Salmon Bowl is entirely gluten-free and perfect for sharing with anyone sensitive to gluten.
Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
Certainly! Prep the rice, veggies, and teriyaki sauce a day ahead, then cook the salmon right before serving for the tastiest results. Assemble everything fresh for a quick, stress-free dinner.
Are there low-carb options for this bowl?
If you’re looking to cut down on carbs, just swap the rice for cauliflower rice or even a bed of leafy greens. The bowl is still hearty and bursting with flavor!
Final Thoughts
If you love big flavors and vibrant, healthy meals, the Teriyaki Salmon Bowl is a must-try. Treat yourself to this restaurant-worthy dinner and get creative with your own favorite veggies or grains—the possibilities are endless, and every version is sure to be a hit at your table!
Print
Teriyaki Salmon Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal with this Teriyaki Salmon Bowl recipe. Tender salmon fillets glazed with homemade teriyaki sauce served over a bed of rice and colorful vegetables.
Ingredients
Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), salt and pepper to taste, 1 tablespoon olive oil,
Bowl Components:
2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice, 1 cup steamed broccoli, 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 avocado (sliced), sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish,
Teriyaki Sauce:
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
Instructions
- Prepare Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer over medium heat. Thicken with cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Cook Salmon: Season salmon with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until cooked through. Brush with teriyaki sauce.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide rice into 4 bowls. Top with salmon, broccoli, carrots, and avocado. Drizzle with teriyaki sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve warm.
Notes
- Swap quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Homemade teriyaki sauce has fresher flavor and less sugar compared to store-bought versions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
