Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl

Featured in: Smart Weeknight Meals

This crispy salmon rice bowl blends Asian-inspired flavors and textures for a vibrant, satisfying meal. Skin-on salmon fillets are pan-seared to golden perfection, paired with fluffy rice crisped in a hot skillet. Spicy mayo, tangy kimchi, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumbers add layers of flavor, while scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and nori finish each bowl. Quick and easy to prepare, it offers a balanced mix of richness, spice, and freshness, ideal for a pescatarian option. Customize with whole grains like brown rice or add extra crunch using shredded carrots or radish. Enjoy hot and fresh for the best texture.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:08:00 GMT
A colorful Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl topped with spicy mayo and fresh avocado.  Pin it
A colorful Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl topped with spicy mayo and fresh avocado. | smartyskitchen.com

A vibrant, flavor-packed bowl featuring crispy salmon, fluffy rice, spicy mayo, tangy kimchi, and savory garlic for a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

The first time I made this salmon bowl, I was amazed at how the combination of crispy rice and flaky fish could impress even my pickiest eaters. It quickly became a go-to when I needed something fast but wanted bold flavors.

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Ingredients

  • Salmon: 2 salmon fillets (about 150 g each), skin-on, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Rice: 2 cups cooked short-grain white rice (leftover/cold preferred)
  • Spicy Mayo: 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Sriracha or other hot sauce, 1 tsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • Toppings & Additions: 1/2 cup kimchi roughly chopped, 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced, 1 small cucumber thinly sliced, 1 avocado sliced, 2 tbsp scallions finely chopped, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 1 sheet nori cut into strips (optional)

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Instructions

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Prep and Season Salmon:
Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Crisp Salmon:
Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes until skin is crispy. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and let rest.
Crisp Garlic:
In the same skillet, add garlic slices and sauté until golden and crisp, about 1 minute. Remove and drain on paper towel.
Crisp Rice:
Wipe skillet clean, then add a touch more oil if needed. Add cold rice, pressing down to form an even layer. Cook undisturbed over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes until bottom is golden and crispy.
Spicy Mayo:
While rice crisps, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, lime juice, and sesame oil.
Assemble Bowls:
Divide crispy rice between two bowls. Top with salmon (break into large chunks), kimchi, cucumber, avocado, and scallions. Drizzle with spicy mayo. Garnish with crispy garlic, sesame seeds, and nori strips if using. Serve immediately.
Delicious Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl with crispy skin, fluffy rice, and tangy kimchi.  Pin it
Delicious Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl with crispy skin, fluffy rice, and tangy kimchi. | smartyskitchen.com

This is our favorite recipe on busy nights when everyone is craving something nourishing but full of punchy flavors. The kids love arranging their own toppings and the crispy bits always disappear first.

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Required Tools

Non-stick skillet, spatula, small mixing bowl, knife and cutting board ensure everything comes together with ease.

Allergen Information

Contains fish, egg, sesame, and likely soy. Ingredient labels matter for gluten-sensitive diners.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 610, Total Fat: 32 g, Carbohydrates: 52 g, Protein: 33 g.

Savory Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl garnished with garlic, scallions, and toasted sesame seeds. Pin it
Savory Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl garnished with garlic, scallions, and toasted sesame seeds. | smartyskitchen.com
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Chop vegetables, slice meats, and prep ingredients easily for everyday cooking and homemade recipes.
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Enjoy your crispy salmon rice bowl hot and fresh for maximum crunch. Every bite delivers comfort and excitement in equal measure.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I achieve perfectly crispy salmon skin?

Pat the salmon dry, season well, and cook skin-side down in hot oil without moving for several minutes to ensure crispiness.

Can I substitute the rice with another grain?

Yes, brown rice or quinoa can be used for a whole-grain base; ensure grains are cooled for best crisping texture.

What’s an alternative for spicy mayo?

You can use plain mayo, Greek yogurt, or mashed avocado if looking for a milder or dairy-free option.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Try crispy tofu in place of salmon for a completely vegetarian bowl, maintaining dynamic flavor and texture.

Tips for extra crunch in the bowl?

Add shredded carrots or radish with veggies and toast the rice a bit longer for deeper golden crispiness.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep components separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat salmon and rice before assembling.

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Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl

Savor crispy salmon atop rice, spicy mayo, kimchi, avocado, and fresh toppings for a flavorful bowl.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
15 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots Asian Fusion

Makes 2 Portions

Diet Details None specified

What You'll Need

Salmon

01 2 skin-on salmon fillets (approximately 5.3 ounces each)
02 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Rice

01 2 cups cooked short-grain white rice, chilled or leftover

Spicy Mayo

01 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
02 1 tablespoon Sriracha or other hot sauce
03 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
04 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Toppings & Additions

01 1/2 cup kimchi, coarsely chopped
02 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
03 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
04 1 ripe avocado, sliced
05 2 tablespoons scallions, finely chopped
06 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
07 1 sheet nori, cut into strips (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Season Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Crisp Salmon: Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until skin is crispy. Flip fillets and continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the flesh is opaque and cooked through. Transfer salmon to a plate and allow to rest.

Step 03

Fry Garlic: In the same skillet, add garlic slices and sauté for about 1 minute until golden and crisp. Remove garlic and drain on paper towel.

Step 04

Crisp Rice: Wipe skillet clean and add a small amount of oil if required. Press cold rice into an even layer in the skillet. Cook undisturbed over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the bottom forms a golden, crispy crust.

Step 05

Prepare Spicy Mayo: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, lime juice, and toasted sesame oil until fully blended.

Step 06

Assemble Bowls: Divide crispy rice between two bowls. Break rested salmon into large chunks and layer on top. Arrange kimchi, cucumber, avocado, and scallions over each serving. Drizzle generously with spicy mayo.

Step 07

Garnish and Serve: Top each bowl with crispy garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and nori strips if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

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Tools You'll Need

  • Non-stick skillet
  • Spatula
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains fish (salmon), egg (mayonnaise), sesame, and soy (commonly present in kimchi and nori).
  • May contain gluten depending on kimchi and sauces—verify all packaged ingredients if gluten-sensitive.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 610
  • Fats: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Proteins: 33 g

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