Skillet Salmon Rice Bowl: Easy Weeknight Dinner

skillet salmon rice bowl, a humble yet utterly satisfying dish, has become a regular in my kitchen. This isn't just a meal; it's a flavorful journey inspired by my grandmother's resourceful cooking and those late night cravings for something both healthy and deeply comforting. The beauty of a skillet salmon rice bowl lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It is one of the recipes I have found myself turning to even when I lack the inspiration to cook.

This recipe evolved, as many of my best recipes do, from countless tweaks and experimentations based on what ingredients I could find in my fridge. It is now an everyday favorite. The journey behind this skillet salmon rice bowl started with a salmon fillet, a hungry stomach, and pantry staples that magically transformed into a delicious rice bowl.

Why You Will Love This skillet salmon rice bowl Recipe

This skillet salmon rice bowl recipe is perfect whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch. It is a warm and flavorful meal that will fill you up and still keep your body healthy. It's comfort in a bowl, ready to be devoured in under 30 minutes. The perfectly cooked salmon boasts crispy skin and flaky flesh, while the rice provides a hearty base. I remember one evening when I had a friend over who was going through a bad time. She took a bite and immediately said, "This is a warm hug in a bowl!" Ever since then, this skillet salmon rice bowl has been my favorite go-to when I need some comfort.

The beauty of this recipe also lies in its flexibility. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables, sauces or toppings. Need a spicier punch? Add sriracha. Craving something fresh? Sprinkle some chopped cilantro. The possibilities are endless! And if you are a big fan of bowls like this one, you can try my Skillet Tuna Rice Bowl or Grilled Cod Rice Bowl as well.

Ingredients Needed for This skillet salmon rice bowl Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own skillet salmon rice bowl:

• For the Salmon:
  • 2 salmon fillets, skin on
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Rice:
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
• Toppings (optional):
  • Avocado slices
  • Green onions, chopped
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sriracha or other hot sauce
  • Edamame

How to Make This skillet salmon rice bowl Recipe

Making this skillet salmon rice bowl is easier than ordering takeout! Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant quality meal in your kitchen.

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin. Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin side down in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

3. Flip and Finish: Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork.

4. Prepare the Rice: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Toss to coat evenly.

5. Flake the Salmon: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and gently flake it with a fork.

6. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the seasoned rice between two bowls. Top with the flaked salmon.

7. Add Toppings: Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as avocado slices, green onions, sesame seeds, and sriracha.

8. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your delicious and healthy skillet salmon rice bowl!

How to Serve This skillet salmon rice bowl Recipe

The beauty of the skillet salmon rice bowl lies in its versatility. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, for a comforting and satisfying meal. Or, for a refreshing twist, enjoy it at room temperature.

For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side of steamed edamame or a crisp cucumber salad. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors of the dish. When it comes to toppings, I suggest using fresh, seasonal ingredients like shredded carrots or pickled ginger.

If you are looking to be inspired, Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe ideas!

How to Store This skillet salmon rice bowl Recipe

Leftover skillet salmon rice bowl can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the salmon and rice separately to prevent the rice from becoming soggy.

To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet or microwave. Reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. Freezing is not recommended as the salmon can become dry and the rice texture can change.

Tips to Make This skillet salmon rice bowl Recipe

• For extra crispy salmon skin, make sure the skillet is hot before adding the salmon.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet, cook the salmon in batches if necessary.
• Use high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with lemon juice.
• Experiment with different sauces and toppings to customize the bowl to your liking. A spicy mayo or teriyaki sauce are both great additions.

Helpful Notes for This skillet salmon rice bowl Recipe

This recipe works well with both white and brown rice. I personally prefer brown rice for its nutty flavor and added fiber. You can also use quinoa or couscous as a substitute for rice.

When shopping for salmon, look for fillets that are bright in color and have a fresh, clean smell. Avoid salmon that looks dull or has a fishy odor. You can use fresh or frozen salmon for this recipe. If using frozen salmon, thaw it completely before cooking.

Variation of This skillet salmon rice bowl Recipe

This skillet salmon rice bowl is a great starting point to customize different versions. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salmon seasoning or drizzle a generous amount of sriracha over the finished bowl. For a more savory bowl, try marinating the salmon in teriyaki sauce before cooking.

During the summer months, grilled corn and fresh tomatoes add a seasonal twist to this dish. In the fall, roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes make a delicious addition. If you are a big fan of bowls, try my Skillet Salmon Rice Bowl for another salmon version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This skillet salmon rice bowl is a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little creativity, can create a deeply satisfying meal. It's a dish I often turn to when I crave something comforting, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Ready to try it for yourself? I promise you won't be disappointed and would love to know in the comments whether you enjoyed this skillet salmon rice bowl recipe!

Skillet Salmon Rice Bowl: Easy Weeknight Dinner

A quick and easy skillet salmon rice bowl recipe perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Flaky salmon, flavorful rice, and your favorite toppings combine for a restaurant quality meal at home.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian Inspired
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition:

Calories: 550
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 30g

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets, skin on
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
• Avocado slices
• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds
• Sriracha or other hot sauce
• Edamame

Instructions

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin side down in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
3. Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and gently flake it with a fork.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Toss to coat evenly.
5. Divide the seasoned rice between two bowls. Top with the flaked salmon.
6. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as avocado slices, green onions, sesame seeds, and sriracha.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes