Salmon and Broccoli Rice Bowls
Salmon and Broccoli Rice Bowls is a easy Asian Fusion recipe that serves 2. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Matt Santos on YouTube.
Prep: 16 min | Cook: 23 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $9.89 total, $4.95 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Jasmine Rice (Rinsed until water runs clear)
- 1.5 cups Chicken Bone Broth (Adds extra protein and flavor to the rice)
- 1 leaf Bay Leaf (For aromatic flavor in the rice)
- 2 cups Broccoli Florets (Cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 2 stalks Green Onion (Sliced for garnish)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Mince finely)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (Grated)
- 12 oz Salmon Fillet (Skin on, cut into 1" x 1" chunks)
- 2 tablespoons Honey (Natural sweetener for the glaze)
- 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (Adds nutty aroma)
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (Mixed with 1 tbsp water to form a slurry)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (For searing the salmon)
- to taste Salt (Season the rice and salmon)
- to taste Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
Instructions
Rinse the Rice
Place the jasmine rice in a fine‑mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Time: PT2M
Cook Rice in Bone Broth
Transfer the rinsed rice to a medium saucepan, add 1.5 cups chicken bone broth, a bay leaf, a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: medium
Prep Vegetables
While the rice cooks, cut the broccoli into florets, slice the green onions, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.
Time: PT5M
Cut Salmon
Pat the salmon dry, then cut into roughly 1‑inch square pieces, keeping the skin on for a crispy finish.
Time: PT3M
Make the Honey Garlic Ginger Sauce
In a mixing bowl combine honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water). Stir until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Heat the Skillet
Place the nonstick skillet over high heat and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Swirl to coat the surface.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: high
Sear Salmon Skin‑Side Down
Add the salmon pieces skin side down to the hot skillet. Cook 2–3 minutes without moving them until the skin is golden and releases easily.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: high
Blanch the Broccoli
While the salmon sears, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain in a strainer.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: boiling
Add Sauce and Finish Cooking
Flip the salmon pieces over, pour the prepared sauce over the salmon, and add the blanched broccoli to the skillet. Stir gently and cook 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Plate and Garnish
Fluff the cooked rice onto plates, top with the glazed salmon and broccoli, and sprinkle sliced green onions over the top. Serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 35 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, High‑protein, Gluten‑free (use tamari), Dairy‑free
Allergens: Fish, Soy, Sesame, Gluten (if regular soy sauce is used)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Jasmine Rice: Basmati rice, Brown rice
- Instead of Chicken Bone Broth: Vegetable broth, Water
- Instead of Bay Leaf: Dried thyme
- Instead of Broccoli Florets: Cauliflower florets
- Instead of Green Onion: Chives
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (1 tsp)
- Instead of Salmon Fillet: Trout, Cod
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil
- Instead of Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil
Equipment Needed
- Medium Saucepan
- Nonstick Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Strainer or Sieve
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Rinsing the rice until water runs clear to avoid gummy texture.
- Searing salmon skin‑side down on a hot pan for a crisp skin.
- Adding the cornstarch slurry to the sauce to achieve proper thickness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in a little soy sauce and ginger for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like heat.
- Use a splash of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the dish.
Troubleshooting
Sauce stays watery and never thickens.
Increase the cornstarch slurry to 2 tsp or simmer a minute longer; ensure the pan is not too low.
Salmon sticks to the pan.
Make sure the skillet is hot before adding oil and salmon; let the skin crisp before attempting to move it.
Broccoli becomes mushy.
Blanch for only 2–3 minutes and shock in cold water before adding to the skillet.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Portion and freeze for up to 2 months; reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the rice and store in the fridge; reheat with a splash of broth.
- Prepare the sauce in advance and keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Blanch the broccoli ahead of time; it reheats quickly in the skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of honey garlic ginger sesame salmon in Asian‑fusion cuisine?
Honey‑garlic‑ginger sauces blend sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that are common in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cooking. Combining them with salmon reflects a modern Asian‑fusion trend that emphasizes quick, health‑focused meals while honoring traditional flavor profiles.
What are the traditional regional variations of honey garlic ginger salmon in Chinese versus Korean cuisine?
In Chinese cuisine the glaze often uses light soy sauce and Shaoxing wine, while Korean versions add gochujang or sesame seeds for a spicier, nuttier profile. Both styles keep the balance of sweet honey and pungent ginger, but the seasoning depth differs.
How is honey garlic ginger sesame salmon traditionally served in Asian‑fusion restaurants?
It is typically plated over a bed of steamed rice, accompanied by lightly blanched greens such as broccoli or bok choy, and finished with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for texture and visual appeal.
What occasions or celebrations is honey garlic ginger sesame salmon commonly associated with in modern Asian‑fusion cooking?
The dish is popular for casual family meals, meal‑prep for workweeks, and as a centerpiece for small gatherings because it is quick, visually appealing, and balances protein with vegetables.
What authentic ingredients are essential for an authentic honey garlic ginger sesame salmon and what are acceptable substitutes?
Key ingredients are fresh salmon, honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Acceptable substitutes include maple syrup for honey, tamari for soy sauce (gluten‑free), and peanut oil for sesame oil if allergies are a concern.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making honey garlic ginger sesame salmon?
Common errors include overcrowding the pan, which prevents a crisp skin; adding the sauce too early before the salmon is seared; and using too little cornstarch, resulting in a runny glaze. Follow the critical steps for best results.
Why does this recipe sear the salmon skin‑side down first instead of cooking it flat‑side first?
Searing skin‑side down renders the fat beneath the skin, creates a crispy texture, and prevents the fish from sticking. It also locks in moisture, ensuring the salmon stays tender when finished in the sauce.
Can I make honey garlic ginger sesame salmon ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the rice, sauce, and blanched broccoli up to 2 days ahead. Store the cooked salmon and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet; add a splash of broth if the glaze thickens too much.
What does the YouTube channel Matt Santos specialize in?
The YouTube channel Matt Santos focuses on quick, nutritious meal‑prep recipes that blend classic comfort foods with Asian‑inspired flavors, emphasizing easy techniques for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Matt Santos' approach to Asian‑fusion cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Matt Santos prioritizes minimal ingredient lists, high‑protein components like bone broth and salmon, and clear step‑by‑step visuals, making Asian‑fusion dishes accessible without requiring specialty equipment or hard‑to‑find ingredients.
Last updated: September 1, 2026






