These Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The rich, savory teriyaki-glazed salmon pairs beautifully with the fluffy jasmine rice and crisp, steamed vegetables, creating a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Ideal for meal prepping or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or grains. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors makes it a standout choice for any occasion.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 salmon fillets (5-6 oz each)
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1 cup jasmine rice
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2 cups water
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1/2 cup shredded carrots
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2 green onions, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cook the Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
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Prepare the Salmon: While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place the salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy. Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
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Add Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the salmon fillets in the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the salmon to glaze it evenly.
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Steam the Vegetables: While the salmon cooks, steam the broccoli florets until bright green and tender, about 4-5 minutes. In the last minute of steaming, add the shredded carrots to the steamer basket to soften them slightly.
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Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top each with a salmon fillet, steamed broccoli, and carrots. Drizzle with the remaining teriyaki sauce from the skillet. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
A Delicious Journey: Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls
The Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl is more than just a meal—it’s a well-balanced fusion of taste, nutrition, and culinary tradition. This dish has found its way into modern kitchens thanks to its simplicity, bold flavors, and customizable nature. Originating from Japanese-inspired cuisine, teriyaki-style cooking has become a global favorite due to its characteristic sweet-and-savory glaze that enhances everything from vegetables to proteins like chicken and salmon.
When paired with fluffy jasmine rice and crisp, lightly steamed vegetables, teriyaki-glazed salmon transforms into a nourishing, wholesome meal that satisfies both your taste buds and dietary goals. Its visual appeal is undeniable—the glossy salmon fillet sitting atop a bed of steaming rice, flanked by vibrant greens and sprinkled with sesame seeds and scallions. This is the kind of meal that looks restaurant-quality, yet is easy to replicate in the comfort of your own home.
Why Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls Are a Must-Try
What makes this recipe so irresistible is its balance of flavors and textures. The umami-rich teriyaki glaze enhances the buttery, slightly flaky texture of the salmon, while the rice provides a neutral base that soaks up all the delicious juices. Add in vegetables like steamed broccoli and shredded carrots for crunch, color, and nutrition, and you have a complete meal that checks all the boxes—flavor, satisfaction, and health.
Another compelling reason to love this dish is its adaptability. Whether you prefer brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice, you can adjust the base to suit your preferences or dietary needs. The salmon can also be swapped for tofu or chicken for a different protein source, and the vegetables can vary depending on what’s in season or what’s in your fridge. It’s a flexible recipe that welcomes creativity.
Nutritional Benefits of Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
From a nutritional standpoint, this dish is a powerhouse. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function. It’s also a great source of high-quality protein, vitamin D, and B vitamins. The rice offers carbohydrates that provide energy, while the vegetables bring fiber, antioxidants, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals to the mix.
Teriyaki sauce, typically made with soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and ginger, adds flavor without requiring heavy use of oils or fats. Opting for a homemade teriyaki sauce allows you to control the sodium and sugar levels, making the dish even more health-conscious. Garnishing with sesame seeds adds healthy fats and a nutty crunch, while green onions offer a fresh, aromatic bite.
Meal Prep and Leftover Friendly
One of the best aspects of this dish is how well it lends itself to meal prepping. You can easily prepare several servings in advance, store them in airtight containers, and enjoy them throughout the week. The rice and vegetables hold up well when refrigerated, and the salmon retains its flavor when reheated properly—just make sure not to overcook it during reheating to avoid dryness.
This is a perfect lunch solution for workdays, or even for busy evenings when cooking from scratch isn’t an option. Having a few of these bowls ready to go in the fridge means you’ll always have a nutritious, home-cooked meal on hand that beats takeout every time.
Cultural Inspiration and Global Appeal
Teriyaki is a traditional Japanese cooking technique that involves broiling or grilling food with a glaze made from soy sauce, sake or mirin, and sugar. Over time, the technique has been adapted globally and is now commonly associated with the sweet and sticky sauce that coats meats and vegetables in countless recipes.
In the case of this salmon bowl, the teriyaki technique is used in a skillet to create a glaze that caramelizes and clings beautifully to the fish. Though adapted to suit Western kitchens, the essence of teriyaki remains intact—celebrating flavor through minimal ingredients and clean techniques. This global fusion is what makes the teriyaki salmon bowl so universally loved.
Tips for Perfecting Your Salmon Bowl
To elevate your dish from good to great, consider these expert tips:
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Use fresh salmon if possible. The quality of your fish makes a huge difference in both flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry to avoid steaming.
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Marinate the salmon in the teriyaki sauce for 15–30 minutes before cooking to deepen the flavor.
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Cook the rice properly. Rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which leads to fluffier grains.
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Don’t overcook the vegetables. Light steaming retains nutrients and keeps them crisp-tender for better texture and presentation.
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Finish with flair. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions adds flavor and aesthetic appeal that brings the whole dish together.
Serving Suggestions and Custom Variations
This bowl stands alone beautifully, but it can also be paired with complementary side dishes or drinks. A simple miso soup or a cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil makes an excellent starter. You can also serve with a light Japanese beer or chilled green tea to enhance the dining experience.
Want to make it low-carb? Swap out the jasmine rice for cauliflower rice. Need a vegetarian version? Replace the salmon with grilled tofu or tempeh. If you’re a spice lover, drizzle with sriracha or add sliced jalapeños for a kick.
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Another reason this dish is so popular is that it appeals to both adults and kids alike. The sweetness of the teriyaki sauce makes it more approachable for picky eaters, while the customizable nature means everyone can build their own bowl with their favorite ingredients. It’s also a great meal for hosting—you can lay out the components buffet-style and let guests build their own bowls.
Environmentally Conscious Choices
When selecting salmon, opt for sustainably sourced fish to reduce environmental impact. Wild-caught or responsibly farmed salmon ensures that you’re making a choice that’s better for the oceans and fish populations. You can also go organic with your vegetables and rice to further align with eco-friendly eating habits.
Conclusion
Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls represent the ideal modern meal: quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and deeply nourishing. Its roots in Japanese culinary tradition bring authenticity, while its adaptability allows it to evolve with your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a casual dinner, or just craving something delicious and comforting, this bowl delivers on all fronts.
Embrace the versatility of this dish and make it your own—whether by switching up the veggies, adjusting the sauce, or serving it with a unique twist. With every bite, you’re not just enjoying a flavorful meal; you’re experiencing a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation, health and indulgence, simplicity and sophistication.