Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl

Featured in: Western Fresh Plates

Indulge in a vibrant bowl featuring crispy salmon, golden seared rice, and a lively medley of toppings. Spicy mayo adds a creamy kick, while tangy kimchi and fresh veggies supply layers of flavor and crunch. Pan-seared salmon fillets provide protein and richness, complemented by crispy garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and nori strips for extra savoriness. Each step—crisping the rice, preparing spicy mayo, and assembling fresh garnishes—creates a satisfying blend of textures and tastes, resulting in a balanced dish perfect for a quick, nourishing meal. Enjoy this Asian fusion bowl with simple substitutions for dietary preferences, such as tofu or whole grains.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 11:27:00 GMT
Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl with flavorful toppings and creamy spicy mayo drizzled on top.  Save
Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl with flavorful toppings and creamy spicy mayo drizzled on top. | epicurestates.com

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

The first time I made this crispy salmon rice bowl, it became a weeknight favorite for its vibrant ingredients and satisfying crunch. It&s a fun way to use leftover rice and brings together everything I love about Asian Fusion in one delicious dish.

Ingredients

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

Prep the Salmon:
Pat salmon fillets dry, season both sides with salt and pepper.
Crisp the Salmon:
Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes until skin is crispy. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and let rest.
Make Crispy Garlic:
In the same skillet, add garlic slices and sauté until golden and crisp, about 1 minute. Remove and drain on paper towel.
Crisp the Rice:
Wipe skillet clean, then add a touch more oil if needed. Add cold rice, pressing down to form an even layer. Cook undisturbed over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes until bottom is golden and crispy.
Mix Spicy Mayo:
While rice crisps, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, lime juice, and sesame oil.
Assemble Bowls:
Divide crispy rice between two bowls. Top with salmon (break into large chunks), kimchi, cucumber, avocado, and scallions. Drizzle with spicy mayo. Garnish with crispy garlic, sesame seeds, and nori strips if using.
Serve:
Serve immediately.
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Sharing this meal around the table always gets excited responses from everyone. It&s become a staple for family dinners when we want something quick yet special.

Required Tools

Non-stick skillet, spatula, small mixing bowl, knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains fish (salmon), egg (mayonnaise), sesame, and soy (often present in kimchi and nori). Check kimchi and sauces for gluten if sensitive.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 610, Total Fat: 32 g, Carbohydrates: 52 g, Protein: 33 g (per serving)

Perfectly cooked crispy salmon layered over fluffy rice with vibrant kimchi and avocado.  Save
Perfectly cooked crispy salmon layered over fluffy rice with vibrant kimchi and avocado. | epicurestates.com

Enjoy your vibrant crispy salmon rice bowl fresh out of the pan for the best taste. Don&t forget a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds before serving.

Recipe FAQs

How do I make the salmon crispy?

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

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes, swap in brown rice or quinoa for a whole-grain variation that's equally delicious.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Use crispy tofu in place of salmon to create a flavorful bowl suited for vegetarian diets.

What adds extra crunch to the dish?

Crispy garlic slices and toppings like shredded carrots or radish boost the crunch factor.

How spicy is the mayo?

Spicy mayo's heat depends on the amount and type of hot sauce; adjust Sriracha to your taste.

How do I ensure rice gets crispy?

Use cold, leftover rice and press firmly into the pan, cooking undisturbed until the bottom is golden.

Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl

Golden rice, crisp salmon, spicy mayo, and tangy kimchi unite in a lively, texture-rich Asian fusion bowl.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
35 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage Asian Fusion

Output 2 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Salmon

01 2 salmon fillets (about 5 oz each), skin-on
02 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
04 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Rice

01 2 cups cooked short-grain white rice (leftover or cold preferred)

Spicy Mayo

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

Toppings & Additions

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

Directions

Phase 01

Season Salmon: Pat dry the salmon fillets and season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Phase 02

Sear Salmon: Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until skin is crisp. Flip and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer salmon to a plate and allow to rest.

Phase 03

Prepare Crispy Garlic: Using the same skillet, add sliced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until golden and crisp. Remove garlic and drain on a paper towel.

Phase 04

Crisp Rice: Wipe the skillet clean and, if necessary, add a small amount of oil. Spread cold rice evenly and press down with a spatula. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes without stirring until the bottom is golden and crisp.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Assemble Bowls: Divide the crispy rice into two portions. Top each with flaked salmon, chopped kimchi, cucumber slices, avocado, and scallions. Drizzle with spicy mayo, then garnish with crispy garlic, sesame seeds, and nori strips if desired.

Phase 07

Serve: Serve immediately while warm.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains fish (salmon), egg (mayonnaise), sesame, and soy (may be present in kimchi and nori)
  • May contain gluten depending on kimchi or sauces; verify labels if sensitive.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 610
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Protein: 33 g