Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl

Featured in: Quick Family Meals

This vibrant bowl brings together crispy salmon, perfectly golden rice, spicy mayo, and tangy kimchi for a delicious blend of textures and flavors. Flaky salmon is pan-seared until the skin is crackling crisp, then paired with rice pressed and crisped in the same skillet. Zings of spicy mayo, fresh avocado, cucumber, and toasted sesame seeds heighten every bite. Savory garlic chips, crunchy scallions, and optional strips of nori offer added depth. Quick to prepare and effortless to customize, this bowl is a satisfying pescatarian main perfect for lunch or dinner.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:28:00 GMT
Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl topped with vibrant avocado and spicy mayo drizzles.  Pin this
Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl topped with vibrant avocado and spicy mayo drizzles. | recipeshood.com

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

I first tried this dish after a week of experimenting with fusion bowls and it quickly became a go-to for busy nights because of its satisfying crunch and burst of flavors.

Ingredients

  • Salmon: 2 salmon fillets (about 150 g each) skin-on seasoned with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper cooked in 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Rice: 2 cups cooked short-grain white rice best if leftover and cold
  • Spicy Mayo: 3 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tbsp Sriracha or other hot sauce 1 tsp lime juice 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil whisked together
  • 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

Instructions

Prepare Salmon:
Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Cook Salmon:
Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4&ndash5 minutes until skin is crispy. Flip and cook another 2&ndash3 minutes until cooked through. Transfer to plate and let rest.
Crisp Garlic:
In the same skillet add garlic slices and sauté until golden about 1 minute. Remove and drain on paper towel.
Crisp Rice:
Wipe skillet clean add more oil if needed add cold rice pressing to form even layer. Cook undisturbed for 5&ndash7 minutes until bottom is golden and crispy.
Mix Spicy Mayo:
Whisk mayonnaise Sriracha lime juice and sesame oil together.
Assemble Bowl:
Divide crispy rice between two bowls. Top with salmon (break into chunks) kimchi cucumber avocado and scallions. Drizzle with spicy mayo garnish with crispy garlic sesame seeds and nori strips if desired.
Serve:
Serve immediately while warm.
Flavorful bowl of crispy salmon, tangy kimchi, and fluffy rice awaits you.  Pin this
Flavorful bowl of crispy salmon, tangy kimchi, and fluffy rice awaits you. | recipeshood.com

My family loves gathering for this crispy salmon rice bowl especially when paired with a lively conversation around the table. It is as much a weekly treat as it is a simple way to encourage everyone to eat together.

Required Tools

Use a reliable non-stick skillet spatula small mixing bowl knife and cutting board to prep and assemble everything with ease.

Allergen Information

This recipe includes fish egg sesame and soy which may be present in the mayonnaise nori and kimchi always check labels for potential gluten or soy content if allergic.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides about 610 calories 32 g total fat 52 g carbohydrates and 33 g protein making it a filling main dish for pescatarians and those seeking big flavors.

Enjoy this mouthwatering Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl with fresh cucumber slices. Pin this
Enjoy this mouthwatering Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl with fresh cucumber slices. | recipeshood.com

Finish your bowl with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of spicy mayo. Enjoy every bite while it’s still warm and crispy.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

How do I ensure the salmon skin gets crispy?

Pat salmon fillets dry, season well, and cook skin-side down in hot oil without moving until the skin is golden and crisp.

Can I substitute the rice with another grain?

Yes, use brown rice or quinoa for a whole-grain alternative. Both will crisp nicely in the skillet.

What adds heat to the bowl?

The spicy mayo, made with Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce, brings a gentle kick to the dish.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you choose kimchi and sauces without gluten. Always check labels for allergens.

What are good vegetarian alternatives for salmon?

Try substituting crispy tofu for the salmon. Pan-sear until golden for a similar texture.

What beverage pairs well with this bowl?

A citrusy white wine or sparkling water with lime complements the tangy, spicy flavors beautifully.

Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl

Savor crispy salmon, crunchy rice, spicy mayo, and tangy kimchi in a vibrant Asian-style bowl.

Prep Duration
20 min
Time to Cook
15 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created by Julia Harris

Meal Type Quick Family Meals

Level of Challenge Easy

Cuisine Type Asian Fusion

Servings Made 2 Number of Portions

Dietary Details No Dairy Contained

What You'll Need

Salmon

01 2 salmon fillets (approximately 5.3 ounces each), skin-on
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

Spicy Mayo

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

Toppings and Additions

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

Method

Step 01

Season Salmon Fillets: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Prepare Crispy Garlic: Add sliced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 1 minute. Remove garlic and drain on paper towels.

Step 04

Make Crispy Rice: Wipe skillet clean and add a small amount of oil if necessary. Spread cold rice evenly into the skillet, pressing down gently to form a compact layer. Cook undisturbed over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes until the underside is golden brown and crispy.

Step 05

Mix Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, lime juice, and sesame oil until smooth and combined.

Step 06

Assemble Bowls: Divide crispy rice between two serving bowls. Break salmon into large chunks and arrange on top. Add chopped kimchi, cucumber slices, avocado slices, and chopped scallions. Drizzle with spicy mayo. Garnish with crispy garlic, sesame seeds, and nori strips as desired.

Step 07

Serve: Serve immediately while salmon and rice remain crisp.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergen Details

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains fish (salmon), egg (mayonnaise), sesame, and soy (may be present in kimchi and nori).
  • Check labels for kimchi and sauces, as some may contain gluten.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info is for reference purposes only and isn't medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 610
  • Fats: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Proteins: 33 g