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Crispy salmon bowls with glazed salmon, avocado, cucumbers, and sushi rice topped with sesame seeds

Crispy Salmon Bowls

Sweet and tangy crispy salmon bowls with fresh vegetables, sushi rice, and customizable toppings. Ready in 45 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 686

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds salmon fillets skin removed, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tablespoon corn starch or arrowroot powder
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 0.5 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 cups cooked white rice preferably sushi rice
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 large avocado cubed
  • 2-3 Persian cucumbers sliced
  • 1 carrot shredded
  • 3 green onions diced
  • Optional toppings: spicy mayo, chopped nori paper, white and black sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Large 13-inch skillet
  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Start by cooking your rice according to package directions (typically 15-18 minutes for white rice). Once done, gently fold in the rice wine vinegar and sea salt while the rice is still warm. Set aside and keep covered.
  2. While the rice cooks, prepare your sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, ginger powder, and sesame seeds in a small bowl until the honey dissolves completely. Set aside.
  3. Remove the skin from the salmon fillets by gently pulling it away with your fingers (skip this if using skinless). Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch over top, tossing gently until each piece is lightly coated. Shake off any excess.
  4. Heat the sesame oil in a large 13-inch skillet over medium-high heat until very hot and shimmering. Add the salmon pieces in a single layer without crowding. Let them cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip and continue cooking, turning occasionally (2-3 more flips) until all sides are crispy and golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes total. The salmon should be opaque throughout.
  5. Pour the prepared sauce directly into the skillet with the crispy salmon. Toss gently to coat each piece. Let everything cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the salmon.
  6. Divide the seasoned rice among four bowls. Top each with equal portions of the glazed salmon, cubed avocado, sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and diced green onions. Finish with optional toppings like spicy mayo, torn nori pieces, and extra sesame seeds.

Notes

Make sure sesame oil is very hot before adding salmon for best crispiness. Can use fresh or frozen salmon (defrost fully first and pat dry). For lower carb option, substitute cauliflower rice. Air fryer method: Cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes. Rice can be prepared a day ahead for easier meal prep.