Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl

Name: Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets; 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 2 cups cooked jasmine rice; 1 cup steamed broccoli; 1 cup sautéed bok choy; Sesame seeds for garnish; Sliced scallions for garnish

Highlighted under: Simple & Tasty Meals

I absolutely love making this Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl for dinner! It’s quick, flavorful, and feels like a little taste of Japan in my kitchen. The combination of perfectly seared salmon with a rich teriyaki glaze is simply irresistible. Serving it over a bed of fluffy rice and crisp vegetables adds both texture and freshness to the dish. Plus, it's a healthy option that satisfies my cravings without feeling heavy. Whether it's a weeknight meal or a special weekend treat, this bowl always hits the spot.

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-02-07T14:44:24.028Z

When I first tried making a Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl at home, I was blown away by how simple yet impressive it turned out. The key is to marinate the salmon in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This infuses the fish with a deep flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the sauce. I learned that the right pan temperature is essential—I sear the salmon skin-side down to achieve a crispy finish that enhances each bite.

As I experimented with different garnishes, I found that topping the bowl with sesame seeds and sliced scallions adds an extra crunch and pop of color, making it visually appealing. I often include sautéed bok choy or steamed broccoli as my go-to vegetables for added nutrition and a splash of vibrancy. Trust me, you won’t want to skip these details—each one elevates the dish to a new level!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich teriyaki flavor that perfectly complements tender salmon
Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
Customizable with your favorite vegetables for added nutrition

The Importance of Marinating

Marinating the salmon is crucial for infusing flavor deep into the fish. The combination of teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil not only enhances the taste but also helps to keep the salmon moist during cooking. For best results, allow the salmon to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it marinade for up to two hours in the refrigerator can yield even better flavor penetration and tenderness.

During marination, the salmon absorbs the umami from the soy sauce and the sweetness from the teriyaki sauce. This helps balance the natural richness of the salmon, resulting in a perfectly harmonized dish. Remember, if you're short on teriyaki sauce, you can substitute with a mixture of honey and soy sauce to keep that sweet-savory profile intact.

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

Searing the salmon skin-side down in a hot non-stick skillet is a key technique that gives it a beautiful, crispy exterior. Start by preheating your skillet over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes before adding the salmon. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles upon contact. Cooking the salmon for about 4-5 minutes before flipping allows the skin to crisp up nicely and develop a golden color, which not only adds flavor but also texture.

If you're finding that the salmon sticks to the pan, it may not be hot enough. Alternatively, using a little oil or butter in the pan can help create a non-stick surface. After flipping, watch closely as it cooks for an additional 3-4 minutes; the salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done for perfect doneness.

Serving and Storing Your Rice Bowl

When assembling your Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl, layering is key. Start with a generous scoop of jasmine rice, which provides a fragrant base and absorbs the flavors from the salmon and veggies beautifully. You can also utilize sushi rice for added chewiness or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. Top it with steamed broccoli and sautéed bok choy, which add vibrant colors and crunch, enhancing not just flavor but visual appeal, making each bowl delightful.

If you have leftovers, store the components separately to maintain texture. The cooked salmon will keep well in the refrigerator for up to two days, but it’s best consumed fresh. When reheating, consider using a microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist and avoid drying. You can also enjoy the salmon in salads or wraps for an entirely different meal experience!

Ingredients

Ingredients for Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl

For the Salmon and Marinade

2 salmon fillets
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil

For the Bowl

2 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 cup steamed broccoli
1 cup sautéed bok choy
Sesame seeds for garnish
Sliced scallions for garnish

Instructions

Instructions

How to Make Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Rice

Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Sear the Salmon

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove salmon from marinade and place skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.

Assemble the Bowl

In serving bowls, place a scoop of jasmine rice. Top with steamed broccoli and sautéed bok choy. Add a seared salmon fillet on top and drizzle with any remaining marinade. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding pickled ginger or wasabi on the side. Also, using high-quality soy sauce will make a noticeable difference in the taste of your teriyaki sauce.

Customizing Your Bowl

This recipe is very flexible, allowing you to add a variety of vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability. Try adding snap peas, bell peppers, or even a small handful of edamame for added protein and color. For a zingy twist, consider pickling some ginger or carrots to place on top, which can elevate the flavor and also add a delightful crunch to your bowl.

For a spicy kick, drizzle some sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving. If you’re looking to incorporate more nutritional variety, switch the jasmine rice for quinoa or brown rice. These options provide added fiber and protein and create a heartier bowl, perfect for meal prep or filling up after an active day.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your salmon is overcooked, it can become dry, so it’s best to monitor closely during the last minutes of cooking. One trick to prevent this is to use a thermometer; salmon is perfectly cooked at an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F, allowing it to finish cooking with residual heat after it’s removed from the skillet.

Another common issue is if the teriyaki sauce becomes too thick while cooking. If this happens, you can loosen it with a teaspoon of water or vegetable stock to keep it from overpowering the dish. Likewise, if you find the dish lacking flavor, a quick drizzle of soy sauce or a light squeeze of lemon before serving can brighten up the entire bowl.

Make-Ahead Tips

To streamline prep on busy nights, you can pre-make the marinade and store it in the refrigerator. Additionally, cooking and refrigerating the jasmine rice ahead of time cuts down on preparation. Just reheat with a splash of water to make it fluffy again. Prepping your vegetables, like washing and chopping the bok choy and steaming the broccoli, will also save valuable time when assembling the bowls at dinner.

For those interested in meal prep, consider making extra salmon and rice to incorporate into future meals. The seared salmon can be added to salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week for quick lunches. Just remember to store components separately to maintain freshness and texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fish instead of salmon?

Yes! This recipe works well with other fish like tuna or tilapia.

→ How long can I marinate the salmon?

You can marinate the salmon for up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy, like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.