HOW TO MAKE SALMON RICE BOWLS!

HOW TO MAKE SALMON RICE BOWLS! is a easy Asian Fusion recipe that serves 2. 570 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Kendra Nguyen on YouTube.

Prep: 22 min | Cook: 27 min | Total: 59 min

Cost: $19.11 total, $9.56 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Salmon Fillet (6‑oz each, skinless, wild‑caught if possible)
  • 1 cup Short‑Grain Rice (Uncooked; sushi or jasmine rice works well)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra‑virgin recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Low‑sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar (Mild flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Honey (Raw honey for subtle sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds (Lightly toasted for aroma)
  • 1 inch Fresh Ginger (Peeled and minced)
  • 2 pieces Garlic Clove (Minced)
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro (Chopped, stems included)
  • to taste Salt
  • 1/2 cup Green Cabbage (Shredded)
  • 1/2 cup Red Cabbage (Shredded)
  • 1 medium Carrot (Julienned)

Instructions

  1. Make Sesame‑Ginger Dressing

    Peel and mince the ginger and garlic. In a small bowl combine soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, toasted sesame seeds, olive oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Mix well.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Shake Dressing in Bag

    Transfer the dressing mixture into a zip‑top bag, seal, and shake vigorously until emulsified.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Prepare Coleslaw

    Shred green and red cabbage, julienne the carrot, and place all in a mixing bowl. Toss lightly; set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Cook Rice

    Rinse 1 cup short‑grain rice until water runs clear. Add 1¼ cups water to a saucepan, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 212°F

  5. Fluff Rice and Add Cilantro

    Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, stir in chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt. Keep warm.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Preheat Oven

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  7. Season and Bake Salmon

    Place salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle half of the sesame‑ginger dressing over each fillet. Bake 10‑12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 400°F

  8. Assemble Bowls

    Divide the cilantro rice between two bowls. Top each with a salmon fillet, a generous scoop of coleslaw, and drizzle the remaining dressing over the top. Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds if desired.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
570
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
20g
Fiber
4g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑Free (use tamari), Dairy‑Free

Allergens: Fish, Soy, Sesame, Honey

Last updated: April 22, 2026

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HOW TO MAKE SALMON RICE BOWLS!

Recipe by Chef Kendra Nguyen

A vibrant bowl featuring baked salmon glazed with a homemade sesame‑ginger dressing, fluffy cilantro rice, and crunchy coleslaw. Quick, nutritious, and packed with Asian flavors.

EasyAsian FusionServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
20m
Prep
29m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
59m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$19.11
Total cost
$9.56
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Mince ginger and garlic very finely for a smooth dressing.
  • Shake the dressing in a zip‑top bag until fully emulsified.
  • Do not lift the lid while rice is cooking; steam is key.
  • Bake salmon just until it flakes to avoid dryness.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw salmon with clean hands and sanitize surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot baking sheet.
  • Be careful when mincing ginger and garlic; keep fingers tucked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of salmon rice bowls in Asian fusion cuisine?

A

Salmon rice bowls blend traditional Japanese donburi concepts with Western salad dressings, reflecting the modern fusion trend of combining raw or cooked fish with grain bases and fresh vegetables.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of salmon rice bowls in Asian cuisine?

A

In Japan, salmon is often served as nigiri or grilled with teriyaki glaze; in Korea, it appears in bibimbap with gochujang. The sesame‑ginger version is a Western adaptation that uses familiar pantry ingredients.

cultural
Q

How is a sesame‑ginger salmon rice bowl traditionally served in Japanese‑inspired meals?

A

Traditionally it would be presented in a shallow bowl with the rice at the base, the salmon placed on top, and a drizzle of soy‑based sauce, often garnished with toasted sesame seeds and scallions.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is a salmon rice bowl commonly associated with in modern Asian‑fusion dining?

A

It is popular for quick weeknight meals, casual lunch‑or‑dinner gatherings, and health‑focused brunches, especially among pescatarian and fitness‑oriented diners.

cultural
Q

What makes the sesame‑ginger salmon rice bowl special in Asian‑fusion cuisine?

A

The dish balances rich, buttery salmon with a bright, nutty dressing and crisp coleslaw, offering contrasting textures and a sweet‑savory‑tangy flavor profile that appeals to a wide palate.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making sesame‑ginger salmon rice bowls?

A

Overcooking the salmon, not mincing ginger finely, and lifting the lid while the rice cooks are the top errors. Each leads to dry fish, gritty dressing, or gummy rice.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a zip‑top bag to emulsify the dressing instead of a whisk?

A

Shaking in a sealed bag creates a vigorous, even emulsification without splatter, ensuring the oil and vinegar blend smoothly, which is especially helpful for home cooks.

technical
Q

Can I make the sesame‑ginger salmon rice bowl ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the dressing and coleslaw up to two days ahead, store in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cook the rice and bake the salmon fresh, or reheat salmon gently to avoid drying.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Kendra Nguyen specialize in?

A

Chef Kendra Nguyen’s channel focuses on approachable, health‑forward Asian‑inspired meals, quick weeknight recipes, and step‑by‑step technique tutorials for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Kendra Nguyen's approach to Asian fusion cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Chef Kendra emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, homemade dressings, and clear visual cues, often using everyday kitchen tools rather than specialized equipment, making Asian fusion accessible to beginners.

channel

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