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Crispy salmon bowls with glazed soy honey salmon, sushi rice, avocado, cucumber, and sesame seeds in white bowls

Crispy Salmon Bowls

Sweet and tangy crispy salmon bowls with golden glazed salmon, seasoned sushi rice, fresh vegetables, and customizable toppings. Protein-packed and ready in 45 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Calories: 686

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs salmon fillets skin removed, cut into 1-inch bite-size pieces, patted very dry
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil toasted sesame oil preferred
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 0.5 tsp ginger powder
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 cups cooked white rice sushi rice preferred
  • 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 0.5 tsp sea salt
  • 1 large avocado cubed, add fresh at serving time
  • 2-3 Persian cucumbers sliced
  • 1 carrot shredded
  • 3 green onions diced
  • spicy mayo, nori, sesame seeds optional toppings

Equipment

  • Large 13-inch skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Cook rice according to package directions, about 15 to 18 minutes for white rice. While still warm, fold in rice wine vinegar and sea salt with a fork. Cover and set aside.
  2. While rice cooks, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ginger powder, and sesame seeds in a small bowl until honey fully dissolves. Set aside.
  3. If salmon has skin, peel it away gently before cutting. Pat salmon pieces completely dry with paper towels. Sprinkle cornstarch over the salmon and toss gently until each piece is lightly coated. Shake off any excess.
  4. Heat sesame oil in a large 13-inch skillet over medium-high heat until very hot and shimmering. Add salmon in a single layer without crowding. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to develop a golden crust, then flip and continue turning every couple of minutes until all sides are crispy and golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes total. Cook in two batches if your skillet is smaller than 13 inches. Salmon should be opaque throughout.
  5. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet over the salmon. Toss gently to coat each piece. Cook together for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the salmon. Watch closely as the honey can burn quickly at this stage.
  6. Divide seasoned rice among four bowls. Top with glazed salmon, cubed avocado, sliced cucumbers, shredded carrot, and green onions. Add optional toppings like spicy mayo, torn nori, and extra sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat salmon very dry before coating with cornstarch for best crispiness. Cook in batches if skillet is smaller than 13 inches. Air fryer method: 400 degrees F for 5 to 7 minutes. Rice can be made a day ahead. Store salmon and rice separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add fresh avocado and cucumbers at serving time only.