These spicy salmon bowls are a healthy, flavorful, and vibrant meal perfect for any occasion. The broiled salmon is coated with a flavorful mix of soy sauce, garlic powder, and a touch of ginger, paired with coconut rice that adds a subtle sweetness. Topped with a spicy mayo, pickled cucumber, and avocado, this bowl brings a balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the rice:

• 1 ⅓ cups jasmine rice, rinsed & drained
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (canned)
• ½ cup water, plus 2 tbsp
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp coconut sugar

For the cucumber:

• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 2 small cucumbers, thinly sliced

For the salmon:

• 1 lb salmon (skin removed, cubed)
• 3 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tbsp low sodium tamari (or soy sauce)
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ¾ tsp ginger powder
• 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
• 1 tsp nanami togarashi (optional)

For the spicy mayo:

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tsp sriracha
• 1 tsp lime juice

For garnish:

• Avocado (sliced)
• furikake
• Fresh chives, chopped

Directions

1. For the rice: In a rice cooker, combine rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar. Mix and set to cook. Once cooked, fluff the rice and set it aside.
2. For the cucumber: Mix rice vinegar and sugar in a shallow dish. Add cucumbers, toss to coat, and let sit while preparing the salmon.
3. For the salmon: Preheat the oven to broil on high (550°F). Toss cubed salmon with avocado oil, tamari, brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger powder, and nanami togarashi (if using). Spread salmon on a baking sheet and broil for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
4. For the spicy mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice.
5. To assemble: Divide rice into bowls, then top with pickled cucumber and salmon. Add sliced avocado, garnish with furikake and chives. Drizzle with spicy mayo and serve!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 560
Total Fat: 33g
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 36g

Why Choose Spicy Salmon Bowls?

These spicy salmon bowls are not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart-healthy benefits and their role in reducing inflammation. Coupled with the health benefits of avocado, pickled cucumber, and coconut rice, this meal is a powerhouse of nutrients. Salmon provides high-quality protein, while avocado adds healthy fats and fiber, and pickled cucumbers contribute a refreshing crunch to balance the richness of the other ingredients.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its versatility. You can adjust the level of spice with the sriracha in the spicy mayo or opt for milder flavors by skipping it altogether. You also have the flexibility to swap out ingredients based on your dietary preferences or what you have available. For instance, you can use brown rice instead of jasmine rice for a more fibrous base, or opt for a different fish like tuna or trout if you prefer. This flexibility makes the spicy salmon bowl a great choice for various tastes.

A Vibrant and Flavorful Combination

At the heart of this dish is the perfectly broiled salmon. Coated in a mix of tamari (or soy sauce), garlic powder, ginger powder, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, the salmon becomes beautifully golden, slightly crisp on the edges, and packed with umami. The sweet and savory marinade is balanced by the gentle heat from the ginger and the depth of flavor from the garlic powder. Broiling the salmon ensures it cooks quickly while retaining moisture, resulting in a tender and flaky texture.

The coconut rice provides a creamy, aromatic base for the salmon and toppings. The subtle sweetness of the coconut milk blends beautifully with the richness of the fish and the spice from the mayo. The rice also adds a comforting, hearty texture that complements the other light, fresh elements of the dish.

Pickled cucumber adds an essential contrast to the richness of the salmon and the creamy rice. The acidity from the rice vinegar and the sweetness from the sugar balance the spiciness of the mayo, bringing a refreshing note to the bowl. Meanwhile, the avocado slices provide creaminess and a buttery texture that enhances the dish’s overall flavor profile.

Finally, the spicy mayo ties everything together, adding a kick of heat and tang that enhances the flavors of the salmon and complements the other ingredients. The mayo-based sauce has a nice balance of creamy, spicy, and zesty flavors, elevating the entire bowl into something truly special.

Customization and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. Here are some ways to make the spicy salmon bowls even more adaptable:

• Rice Alternatives: While coconut rice adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess, you can also swap it out for other rice types like brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Quinoa or farro can also work well as nutritious alternatives.

• Add More Vegetables: If you love vegetables, feel free to add more toppings to your bowl. Roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed spinach, or even edamame can be added for extra nutrients and texture.

• Adjust the Spice: The sriracha in the spicy mayo gives this dish its heat, but you can control the spice level by adding more or less sriracha. If you prefer a milder dish, you can even substitute the spicy mayo with a creamy dressing or yogurt-based sauce.

• Swap the Salmon: While salmon is rich and flavorful, this recipe can also be adapted to other protein sources. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can all make great substitutions, allowing you to tailor the dish to your preferences or dietary restrictions.

• Add Extra Garnishes: For added flavor and visual appeal, consider adding extra garnishes like chopped fresh cilantro, thinly sliced red onions, or a drizzle of sesame oil.

Health Benefits of Spicy Salmon Bowls

These spicy salmon bowls are packed with health benefits, making them not only a tasty but also a nutritious meal. Here’s a breakdown of the key health benefits from the ingredients:

• Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, improving brain function, and reducing inflammation. Salmon is also a great source of high-quality protein, which helps with muscle building and repair.

• Avocado: Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, avocado contributes to healthy skin, improved digestion, and overall well-being.

• Coconut Milk: Known for its antimicrobial properties, coconut milk is a good source of healthy fats and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which have been linked to better brain health and improved metabolism.

• Cucumbers: Low in calories but high in water content, cucumbers are hydrating and help promote skin health. They are also a source of vitamin K, which plays a role in bone health.

• Sriracha: Aside from adding a spicy kick, sriracha contains capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to boost metabolism and support fat loss.

Quick, Easy, and Perfect for Meal Prep

The spicy salmon bowls are not only a flavor-packed treat, but they are also incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal hands-on time and just a few simple steps, this dish comes together quickly. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need something nutritious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. You can even make extra portions for meal prep, as the ingredients hold up well in the fridge for a couple of days.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile, which means you can make it your own. Add more vegetables, adjust the spice level, or swap out the protein to suit your preferences. It’s a great way to enjoy a balanced, hearty meal without the need for complex recipes or ingredients.

Conclusion: A Vibrant and Satisfying Meal

In conclusion, these Spicy Salmon Bowls are a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the richness of salmon with the refreshing crunch of cucumber, the creaminess of avocado, and the zesty kick of spicy mayo. With its balanced combination of textures and flavors, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a healthy lunch or even a meal prep option. The versatility of the recipe allows you to adjust it to your liking, and the health benefits of the ingredients make it a nutritious choice for anyone looking to eat well while enjoying a delicious meal. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking for a new way to enjoy salmon, these bowls are sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.