Spicy Salmon Rice Bowl
By Owen Olsson-O'Neill
Spicy Salmon Rice Bowl
Pan-seared wild sockeye salmon over seasoned sushi rice with sriracha mayo, cool cucumber, creamy avocado, and crispy nori. A sushi-inspired bowl you can make at home.
Sushi-inspired salmon bowls have become one of the most popular weeknight meals, and for good reason: they capture everything people love about sushi rolls without the rolling technique. Wild sockeye salmon, seared until crispy on the outside and medium on the inside, sits atop seasoned rice with all the fixings. The spicy mayo, cool cucumber, and buttery avocado create a balance of flavors and textures in every bite. This bowl is gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with protein. Discover the omega-3 benefits of wild sockeye salmon.
Ingredients
- 2 wild sockeye salmon portions (5–6 oz each), thawed
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sushi Rice: 1 cup sushi rice (short grain), 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon salt
- Sriracha Mayo: 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or kewpie mayo), 1–2 teaspoons sriracha, ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- Toppings:
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- ½ English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 sheet nori, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 scallions, sliced
- Soy sauce or tamari, for drizzling
- Pickled ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Sushi Rice: Rinse rice until water runs clear. Cook according to package directions. While hot, fold in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let cool slightly.
- Make Sriracha Mayo: Stir together mayonnaise, sriracha, and sesame oil. Adjust spice level to your preference.
- Sear Salmon: Pat salmon dry, season with salt and pepper. Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear skin-side down 3–4 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes more for medium (125–130°F). Break into large chunks or slice.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide seasoned rice between 2 bowls. Arrange salmon, avocado slices, and cucumber on top.
- Top & Drizzle: Drizzle with sriracha mayo and soy sauce. Top with nori strips, sesame seeds, scallions, and pickled ginger.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the salmon is warm and the rice is still slightly sticky.
Chef's Tips
- Rice matters: Use short-grain sushi rice for the proper sticky texture. Long grain rice will not hold together the same way.
- Medium doneness: For this bowl, medium (slightly pink center) is ideal. Overcooked salmon loses its richness and becomes dry.
- Kewpie mayo: Japanese Kewpie mayo has a richer, tangier flavor than American mayo. It is worth seeking out for the spicy mayo.
- Meal prep: Cook the rice ahead of time. At serving, sear the salmon fresh and assemble. The rice can be gently reheated with a splash of water.
- Extra toppings: Edamame, mango, masago (fish roe), or furikake all make great additions.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 480 | Protein: 32g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 48g | Omega-3: 1,200 mg
Made with: Wild Sockeye Salmon Portions
Learn more: Cooking Guide |
Wild Salmon Benefits |
Our Sustainability
If you want to go deeper than the recipe:
- The complete guide to wild sockeye salmon — taste, nutrition, and how to pick a good fillet.
- Shop our wild sockeye salmon — flash-frozen at sea, shipped direct from our boat.
- How to get crispy salmon skin every time — the 5-step method, plus what is actually in the skin.
- How long does sockeye last? — complete fridge, freezer, and leftover storage guide.