TERIYAKI SALMON BOWLS RECIPE IN 30 MINUTES OR LESS ⏱️

Okayyy, listen up. If you thought salmon was boring, you’ve clearly never had my Teriyaki Salmon Bowls recipe. 🤯 This dish is like a mic drop in your mouth — the kind of flavor explosion that makes you wanna start a mariachi band and serenade your food. 🎶 Tender, flaky salmon coated in a sweet, sticky teriyaki glaze, served over fluffy rice and crunchy veggies. It’s a fiesta for your tastebuds, my friend. 🔥 Comfort food that’s fancy enough for date night, but still easy enough for a weeknight meal. Just promise me you’ll make extra, ’cause this one’s gonna go fast. 😋

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Salmon Bowls Recipe

Okay, let’s break down why this recipe is about to become your new bestie:

  1. It’s got big, bold teriyaki flavor — the kind that makes your taste buds do a little happy dance. 💃
  2. The salmon is cooked to tender, flaky perfection. No dried-out fish here, folks.
  3. You get all the fun of an eye-catching, Instagram-worthy meal… with barely any effort. 📸
  4. It’s a complete, balanced meal in one bowl. Protein, veggies, carbs — it’s all there.
  5. The leftovers are just as good (if not better) the next day. Meal prepping just got a whole lot more delicious. 👌

And if you’re curious about getting perfectly flaky fish every time, this guide to cooking salmon perfectly from Serious Eats has some super useful tips.

Basically, this recipe is the culinary equivalent of your coolest friend — effortlessly impressive and fun as heck. 🤩 Time to make some new memories in the kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Okay, gather round because it’s time to talk ingredients. For the salmon, you’ll need fillets (obviously), plus a simple teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. 👌 Then we’ve got your classic bowl fixings: fluffy white rice, crunchy broccoli, juicy pineapple, and sliced green onions for a pop of color. 🌈 The best part? This whole thing comes together with just 10 minutes of hands-on time. It’s like having a personal chef, but with none of the attitude. 😏

  • 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets — skin-on or skinless
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

Ingredient Swaps (No Panic Allowed)

  • Pineapple → Mango or diced apple (still delicious, promise) ✅
  • Broccoli → Roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed spinach (easy dietary swap) 👍

How to Make Teriyaki Salmon Bowls (Step-by-Step)

Alright, home chefs, let’s do this! First up, we’re gonna make that sweet and sticky teriyaki sauce. 💁‍♀️ Just whisk together some soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. That’s it — no complicated steps here.

Step 1: Prep Work

While the sauce is coming together, go ahead and prep the rest of your ingredients. Slice the salmon into individual portions, trim and chop the broccoli, slice the green onions, and dice up that sweet pineapple. 🍍 It’s like a party in your cutting board! 🥳 Once everything’s prepped, it’s time to get cookin’.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process

Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then nestle those salmon fillets in there. 👇 Let ’em sizzle for 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re perfectly golden-brown. 😍 Then, pour in that luscious teriyaki sauce and let it bubble and thicken up for 2-3 minutes. Spoon that sauce over the salmon as it cooks to keep everything moist and flavorful. 💦

Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly

Time to build those bowls! Start with a bed of fluffy white rice, then top it with the saucy teriyaki salmon. 🍚 Scatter on the broccoli, pineapple, and green onions. 🥦🍍🟢 The final touch? A sprinkle of sesame seeds for a little crunch. 😋 And voila — restaurant-quality comfort food, straight from your own kitchen. 👩‍🍳

Step 4: Finishing Touches

If you’ve got a little extra time, try topping each bowl with a runny fried egg. 🍳 The yolk will mix with the teriyaki sauce for an extra creamy, indulgent bite. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, serve it with a side of steamed edamame for some added greenery. 🌱 Either way, this meal is about to become your new weeknight go-to. 💯

How to Know It’s Done (No Guessing)

Alright, let’s talk doneness. With this teriyaki salmon, you’ll know it’s ready when:

Look for

  • The salmon flakes easily with a fork 🍴
  • The edges are beautifully browned and caramelized 🟠
  • The teriyaki sauce has thickened to a nice, sticky glaze 🍯

Avoid

  • Don’t let the salmon overcook and dry out. 😩 That’s a salmon sin we just can’t have.
  • The sauce shouldn’t be so thin that it just drips right off the fish. 💦

If it’s too… here’s the fix

  • Too dry — Drizzle on a little more teriyaki sauce or melted butter to keep that salmon nice and moist.
  • Too runny — Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two longer to thicken it up. The power of reduction, baby!

Optional temp note (only if it makes sense): Not needed here — visual cues are enough.

What to Do If It Goes Wrong (Fix-It Guide)

Uh-oh, looks like someone’s salmon is in trouble! 😬 But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Here are a few quick fixes:

  • Too salty — Just add a splash of water or broth to the sauce to dilute the saltiness.
  • Too dry — Drizzle on a little more teriyaki sauce or melted butter to keep that salmon nice and moist.
  • Too runny — Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two longer to thicken it up. The power of reduction, baby!
  • Not browning — Crank up the heat and let those fillets sear for a bit longer. You want that gorgeous caramelization!

Good news: almost everything is fixable. Panic is optional. 😌

Recipe Variations & Tips (Tiny Checklist, Big Energy)

Before you freestyle: run this quick checklist like a kitchen boss.

  • Marinate the salmon — Marinate the salmon in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking for even more flavor. ✅
  • Use skinless fillets — Opt for skinless salmon fillets to keep things nice and tidy. ✅
  • Top with a fried egg — Add a runny fried egg to each bowl for extra richness and creaminess. 🎉
  • Swap the rice — Try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb twist. Or serve it over creamy mashed potatoes for an extra indulgent version. 🚀

Warning: This may cause sudden happiness and suspicious silence at the dinner table. Proceed responsibly. 😅

Serving & Storage

TopicNotes
Best serving ideasServe the teriyaki salmon bowls immediately for maximum freshness and flavor. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a nice finishing touch.
Fridge storageStore any leftover salmon and fixings separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice may dry out a bit, but you can easily revive it by fluffing it with a fork and microwaving briefly before serving.
Freezer storageThe cooked salmon fillets freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The other components don’t freeze as well, so it’s best to assemble fresh when ready to serve.
ReheatingFor best results, reheat the salmon in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, but be careful not to dry it out.

Nutrition Notes

Alright, let’s talk about the good stuff. This teriyaki salmon bowl recipe is a total nutrition powerhouse! 💪 You’ve got heart-healthy omega-3s from the salmon, fiber and vitamins from the veggies, and energizing carbs from the rice. Plus, the teriyaki sauce provides a tasty boost of flavor without too much added sugar.

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 486 kcal
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Carbs: 47 g
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Sodium: 1,039 mg
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Teriyaki Salmon Bowls Recipe

Teriyaki Salmon Bowls Recipe

Delicious teriyaki salmon served over rice with fresh vegetables. A quick and healthy meal option!

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)

1 cup jasmine rice

1 cup broccoli florets

1 bell pepper, sliced

1 carrot, julienned

1/4 cup teriyaki sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a pot, combine the rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
  3. While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  4. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the pan.
  5. Cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy.
  6. Flip the salmon and pour teriyaki sauce over it. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, basting with the sauce.
  7. In the last few minutes, add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot to the pan to steam with the salmon.
  8. Serve the salmon over rice and top with vegetables. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Notes

For extra crunch, add some chopped green onions or crushed peanuts on top. Adjust the teriyaki sauce to your taste preference.

  • Author: Astrid
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Burgers, Melts & Sandwiches 🍔
  • Method: Pan-Seared
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: salmon, teriyaki, rice, healthy

Quick Questions People Always Ask

How long should I cook the salmon?

The key is to cook the salmon just until it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork, about 3-4 minutes per side. You don’t want to overcook it and end up with dry, tough fish. Keep a close eye on it and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Absolutely! Frozen salmon works great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way is to transfer the frozen fillets to the fridge the night before you plan to cook. That way, they’ll be ready to go when you need ’em.

What side dishes pair well with teriyaki salmon bowls?

The possibilities are endless! Some tasty options include roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, a fresh green salad, steamed edamame, or even a simple side of miso soup. You really can’t go wrong — this dish is super versatile.

How do I make the sauce less sweet?

If you find the teriyaki sauce is a bit too sweet for your liking, just add a splash of rice vinegar or freshly squeezed lime juice. That little hit of acidity will help balance out the sweetness. You can also reduce the brown sugar in the recipe by a tablespoon or two.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! The salmon and sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, just reheat the salmon and sauce, then assemble the bowls with the fresh veggies and rice. It’s a great meal prep option for busy weeknights.

Try These Next

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating