This Teriyaki Salmon Bowl is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, all packed into one nourishing meal. The salmon is baked to perfection with a homemade teriyaki sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a rich glaze that enhances its natural flavor. Served over a bed of fluffy rice and complemented by fresh, crisp vegetables, this bowl is as satisfying as it is nutritious.
Ideal for busy weeknights or a wholesome weekend meal, this dish is easy to prepare yet feels gourmet. The contrast of textures—from the tender salmon to the crunchy carrots and cabbage—makes every bite an exciting experience. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this bowl is a true showstopper that will impress anyone at your table!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 small clove garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
- 1 (6-ounce) salmon fillet
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/4 cup grated carrots
- 2 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
- Place the salmon fillet skin-side down in the prepared baking dish and pour the teriyaki sauce over it.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- To assemble the bowl, place the cooked rice at the base.
- Add the baked salmon on top, spooning extra teriyaki sauce over it.
- Arrange the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and radishes around the salmon.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 780 kcal | Servings: 1 serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor – The homemade teriyaki sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami, infusing the salmon with a deep, rich glaze.
- Nutritious & Balanced – High in lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this bowl offers a wholesome mix of salmon, rice, and fresh vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Customizable – You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have available! Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa, or add more veggies like avocado, cucumber, or edamame for extra freshness.
- Great for Meal Prep – Cook the salmon and prep the ingredients in advance to assemble quick meals throughout the week.
A Brief History of Teriyaki
The word “teriyaki” comes from Japanese cuisine, where “teri” refers to the shiny glaze produced by the sweet soy-based sauce, and “yaki” means grilling or broiling. While traditional Japanese teriyaki uses simple ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, and sake, the Westernized version often incorporates brown sugar, honey, or garlic for added sweetness and depth. This recipe brings those flavors together for a perfect East-meets-West fusion dish.
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions
- Salmon – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is not only flavorful but also great for heart health. You can also use tofu, shrimp, or chicken as an alternative.
- Soy Sauce – A low-sodium soy sauce keeps this dish flavorful without too much salt. If you need a gluten-free option, swap it for tamari or coconut aminos.
- Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the teriyaki glaze. You can substitute with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a natural alternative.
- Garlic & Ginger – Essential for that authentic teriyaki taste. Use fresh for the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, ground ginger and garlic powder can work.
- Rice – A classic base, but feel free to substitute with brown rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a different twist.
- Vegetables – This recipe uses shredded cabbage, carrots, and radishes, but you can also add avocado, edamame, bell peppers, or cucumbers for more color and texture.
- Sesame Seeds & Green Onion – Optional garnishes that enhance flavor and presentation.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of miso soup for an authentic Japanese-inspired meal.
- Top with sliced avocado or a soft-boiled egg for added creaminess.
- Make it a poke-style bowl by serving the salmon raw or lightly seared instead of baked.
- Add a drizzle of spicy mayo for a delicious contrast to the sweet teriyaki sauce.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Warm the salmon in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Meal Prep Tip – Keep the rice, salmon, and veggies stored separately to maintain the best texture when reheating.
Common Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce to make this dish completely gluten-free.
2. Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking for the best texture.
3. Can I cook the salmon on the stovetop instead?
Yes! Sear it in a pan over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, then pour the sauce over and let it reduce slightly.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil to give it a spicy kick!
5. What other protein can I use?
This recipe works well with chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even beef strips for a different variation.
The Teriyaki Salmon Bowl is more than just a meal—it’s a perfect combination of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner or a healthy meal prep option, this dish delivers on all fronts. With its rich, caramelized teriyaki glaze, flaky salmon, and vibrant, crunchy vegetables, it offers a well-balanced and satisfying experience in every bite.
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated cooking techniques. In just 25 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal that feels gourmet without requiring extensive effort. The homemade teriyaki sauce is a game-changer, elevating the dish with its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Unlike store-bought sauces, this version is fresh, preservative-free, and completely customizable to suit your taste.
From a nutritional standpoint, this dish is a powerhouse. Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. Paired with fiber-rich vegetables and wholesome rice or grain alternatives, this bowl provides the perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to keep you feeling full and energized. Whether you’re following a balanced diet, a high-protein meal plan, or simply looking to incorporate more seafood into your routine, this dish is a great option.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. The teriyaki glaze works beautifully with other proteins, such as chicken, tofu, shrimp, or beef, making it easy to adapt to different dietary preferences. The base can also be customized—swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even soba noodles for a creative twist. If you enjoy extra spice, adding a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil can take this dish to the next level. You can also include additional toppings like avocado, edamame, pickled ginger, or a soft-boiled egg for more variety and texture.
Aside from its incredible taste and nutrition, the Teriyaki Salmon Bowl is also a fantastic meal prep option. The individual components—salmon, rice, and vegetables—can be stored separately in airtight containers and quickly assembled when needed. This makes it an excellent choice for busy professionals, students, or families looking to save time while still enjoying homemade, nutritious meals throughout the week. Simply reheat the salmon and rice, add fresh veggies, and enjoy a delicious meal in minutes!
In today’s fast-paced world, finding meals that are quick, healthy, and satisfying can be a challenge. This Teriyaki Salmon Bowl proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or time-consuming. With its bold flavors, simple preparation, and nourishing ingredients, it’s a dish that you’ll want to keep in your regular meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or even impressing guests, this bowl is a surefire hit.
So, why not give it a try? A delicious, homemade, and nutritious meal is just 25 minutes away!