These Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls are packed with tasty salmon, crunchy veggies, and a creamy sauce that brings everything together. Yum!
Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, I love how colorful and fresh they look on my table. Plus, the sauce? It adds just the right kick! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is fantastic here, but you can also use other fish like trout or even shrimp for a different twist. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, tofu works great too!
Rice: Brown rice gives a nice nutty flavor, but jasmine or basmati rice can be used for a lighter touch. Quinoa is a wonderful gluten-free alternative too!
Broccoli: While broccoli is perfect for color and crunch, you could swap in bell peppers, snap peas, or any quick-steam veggies you prefer. Just keep them bright and fresh.
Bang Bang Sauce: I love using Japanese mayo for its creaminess, but regular mayo is fine too. If mayo isn’t your thing, consider Greek yogurt mixed with sriracha for a healthier spin.
How Do You Cook Salmon Perfectly?
Cooking salmon is key to nailing this dish. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use fresh or thawed salmon for best results. Remove the skin if it’s not already done.
- Heat the pan on medium-high for a nice sear. Too hot, and the outside will burn while the inside remains raw.
- Once the salmon is in the pan, drizzle your glaze over it immediately. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes. It should be golden and caramelized.
- Don’t flip too soon! Let it cook until it’s opaque on the sides before turning.
This method ensures your salmon is tender and packed with flavor!
Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Bite Bowls:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup brown rice (or jasmine rice), cooked
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pickled red onions (thinly sliced red onions soaked in vinegar, sugar, and salt)
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably Japanese mayo or regular)
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp rice vinegar (optional for tang)
For the Salmon Glaze:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes prepping the ingredients (cutting veggies and making sauces) and another 15 minutes cooking everything and assembling the bowls. A quick yet delicious meal for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice
First, cook the brown rice or jasmine rice according to the package instructions. Once done, keep it warm while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, and rice vinegar (if you’re using it). Whisk them together until smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat or sweetness if needed. Set the sauce aside.
3. Prepare the Salmon Glaze
In another small bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This will be your glaze for the salmon.
4. Cook the Salmon
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the salmon cubes and pour the glaze over them. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, gently turning the salmon so all sides are coated. The salmon should be opaque and beautifully caramelized.
5. Steam the Broccoli
While the salmon cooks, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender but still bright green. This should take just a few minutes. Once done, set them aside.
6. Assemble the Bowls
Divide the warm rice evenly into your serving bowls. On top of the rice, artistically arrange the glazed salmon, steamed broccoli, sliced cucumber, pickled red onions, avocado slices, and green onions.
7. Drizzle the Bang Bang Sauce
Generously drizzle the bang bang sauce over the colorful ingredients in each bowl. This adds that delicious creamy and spicy flavor!
8. Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top for an added crunch. Serve the bowls immediately and enjoy the vibrant, spicy, and creamy flavors of your Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or by placing it in a sealed bag under cold running water. After thawing, pat it dry before cooking to ensure a nice sear.
What Can I Substitute for Rice?
If you want a low-carb option, consider using cauliflower rice or quinoa for a nutty flavor. You can also use brown rice or jasmine rice if you prefer something more traditional.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, gently reheat the salmon on the stove or microwave until warmed through. For the best flavor, consider serving it cold or at room temperature as a salad!
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the bang bang sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more. Just give it a good stir before using it in your bowls.
