Ginger Soy Salmon Rice Bowls
Sticky ginger soy salmon over rice with crisp cucumbers and quick sesame scallions.
Prep: 15 · Cook: 15 · Total: 30 · Serves: 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (402 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
A simple soy, honey, and ginger pan glaze inspired by weeknight salmon bowls and teriyaki-style flavors.
Story
On busy nights I like dinners that can be served in bowls, everyone can build their own and it feels easy but still special. The glaze comes together in one little bowl and perfumes the whole kitchen as soon as it hits the hot pan. I always add something cool and crunchy, cucumbers are perfect, so the salmon does not feel heavy. Keep extra lime wedges on the table, that final squeeze makes it taste like you really planned ahead.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, warm
- 1 1/2 lb salmon fillet, cut into 4 portions
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl to make the glaze.
- Pat salmon dry. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add salmon skin-side up and cook 3 to 4 minutes until nicely browned.
- Flip salmon and cook 2 minutes, then pour in the glaze. Reduce heat to medium and spoon the bubbling glaze over the fish.
- Cook 2 to 4 minutes more, basting, until salmon flakes easily and the glaze looks syrupy.
- Build bowls with warm rice, salmon, and any extra glaze from the pan. Add cucumbers and scallions on top.
- Finish with sesame seeds and a squeeze of lime. Serve right away while the salmon is glossy and hot.
Chef Tips
- If your salmon has skin, keep it on for easier flipping and extra flavor.
- Do not crowd the pan, use two skillets if needed so the salmon browns instead of steaming.
- Leftovers are great cold, turn them into a lunch bowl with extra cucumber.
- Swap in brown rice or quinoa if that is what you have.
Cook's Notes
- **Doneness:** Pull salmon when it flakes and still looks slightly glossy in the center.
- **Glaze thickness:** If it reduces too fast, add 1 to 2 tablespoons water and keep basting.
- **Rice shortcut:** Microwave rice is totally fine for a weeknight bowl.
- **Veg options:** Shredded carrots or quick pickled radishes fit right in.