High Protein Salmon Rice Bowl

Name: High Protein Salmon Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup brown rice; 2 salmon fillets; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 avocado, sliced; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Highlighted under: Fresh Flavors Studio

I love preparing a High Protein Salmon Rice Bowl for a quick meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. This dish combines fresh salmon with fluffy rice, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, making it perfect for any time of day. I've experimented with various ingredients, and this combination never fails to deliver on taste and protein content. It's also super easy to make, which is essential for me when I’m short on time but still want something healthy. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become a staple in your meal rotation!

Created by

Celeste Morgan

Last updated on 2026-02-16T12:33:37.302Z

When I first tried making a salmon rice bowl, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. I chose to opt for brown rice rather than white for added fiber and nutrients, and I couldn’t believe how much depth it added to the dish. Pairing the salmon with a sesame soy dressing brought a delightful umami flavor that complemented the freshness of the veggies perfectly. I also love that this meal is easily customizable with whatever toppings I have on hand!

One of my favorite tips is to let the salmon marinate for a few minutes before cooking. This not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the fish moist and tender. I usually add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top just before serving, which gives a nice crunch and a touch of elegance. Trust me, this bowl is not just good food—it's a delicious experience you’ll want to repeat!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Packed with protein to keep you energized throughout the day
Fresh and vibrant flavors that awaken your taste buds
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights

Crafting the Perfect Rice

Brown rice is the perfect base for this High Protein Salmon Rice Bowl. When cooked properly, it adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture that complements the tender salmon. Ensure you rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water before cooking; this removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming gummy. For a firmer bite, you may want to slightly reduce the cooking time to 35 minutes, allowing the rice to retain more of its natural texture.

To elevate the flavor of your rice, consider altering the cooking liquid. Swapping half of the water with vegetable or chicken broth can introduce a subtle yet delightful depth. If you're short on time, a rice cooker can be used, and it often includes a function that keeps the rice warm until you’re ready to serve, making it a convenient option for busy evenings.

Getting the Salmon Just Right

Marinating the salmon not only enhances its flavor but also helps to tenderize the fish, making every bite succulent. When marinating, be careful not to exceed 15 minutes, as the soy sauce can overly season the fish if left too long. For those who prefer a different protein, chicken breast or tofu can be substituted; however, adjust marination time as they may require longer to infuse similar flavors.

When cooking the salmon, aim for a medium heat to prevent burning. You want to sear the salmon until it achieves a golden crust without overcooking the interior. If it flakes easily when tested with a fork, it’s done—this usually occurs around the 3-to-5-minute mark per side. If you prefer, adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving brightens the entire dish beautifully.

Serving and Storing Your Bowl

For an impressive presentation, layer your rice bowl with careful attention. Start with the fluffy brown rice, followed by the vibrant vegetables, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed for aesthetic appeal. Top with sliced avocado and salmon, then drizzle with the remaining sauce. This not only enhances flavor but adds a glossy finish that makes the dish visually appealing. Consider garnishing with sesame seeds or a sprinkle of chili flakes for added texture and spice.

If you're meal prepping, this dish stores well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. To avoid soggy rice, keep the sauce separate until ready to eat. When reheating, gently microwave in short bursts or use a skillet over low heat to maintain the integrity of the salmon and vegetables. Adding a splash of water in the microwave can also help steam the rice back to its original fluffiness.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

For the Rice Bowl

1 cup brown rice
2 salmon fillets
1 cup broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 avocado, sliced
2 green onions, chopped

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions:

Instructions

Steps:

Cook the Rice

In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of brown rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.

Prepare the Salmon

While the rice is cooking, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, and grated ginger in a bowl. Marinate the salmon fillets in this sauce for 10 minutes.

Cook the Vegetables

In a steamer or microwave, steam the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper until tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Cook the Salmon

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated salmon fillets for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

Assemble the Bowl

In bowls, fluff the cooked rice and layer it with steamed vegetables, sliced avocado, and cooked salmon. Drizzle with remaining sauce and top with chopped green onions.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize your bowl by adding other vegetables like carrots or snap peas. You can also replace salmon with tofu for a plant-based option.

Ingredient Comments and Tips

The choice of vegetables can be flexible in this recipe. While broccoli and red bell pepper work wonderfully, feel free to substitute with snap peas, carrots, or zucchini, depending on your preference or what's in season. Just ensure they are cut to similar sizes for even cooking. If you want added crunch, you might consider topping your bowl with some toasted nuts or seeds.

Avocado adds a creamy texture, but if you're looking for a lighter alternative, consider a dollop of Greek yogurt seasoned with a pinch of salt and lemon juice. This would provide a different but delicious tang that complements the dish's overall flavor profile. Additionally, using frozen vegetables can save preparation time; simply follow the cooking instructions on the package for best results.

Variations and Customization

This High Protein Salmon Rice Bowl lends itself well to various international flavor profiles. For an Asian twist, consider adding edamame and a sprinkle of furikake on top. Alternatively, for a Mediterranean touch, replace the soy sauce with tahini and add sun-dried tomatoes alongside spinach. Each variation can give you a new experience while keeping the core nutritious elements intact.

If you're cooking for a crowd, simply double the ingredient amounts to serve more without complicating the cooking process significantly. The timing remains largely the same, but consider cooking the salmon in batches if needed to maintain even cooking, as overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than searing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for white rice.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

→ Can I prepare this bowl in advance?

Yes, you can meal prep this bowl by cooking the rice and salmon ahead of time, just keep everything stored separately until ready to serve.

→ How can I make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute salmon with marinated tofu or chickpeas for a vegan option.