These sweet and spicy salmon bowls are an easy and healthy weeknight dinner full of protein, healthy fats, and carbs. Rice bowls are topped with honey sriracha baked salmon, a fresh and crunchy cucumber avocado salad, and spicy mayo. They’ll quickly become your new favorite salmon bowl!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Cucumber Avocado Salsa:

1 English cucumber, seeded and diced
1 avocado, peeled and diced
1/2 of a jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 cup sliced green onions
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Salmon:

1 1/4 pounds salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into 1–1 1/2 inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons sriracha
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Sriracha Mayo:

2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons sriracha
2 teaspoons honey

Other Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups cooked rice
Green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
Prepare the sriracha mayo by whisking together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. Season with salt and adjust sriracha and honey to taste.
Prepare the salmon: If needed, remove the skin from the salmon fillets and cut into 1–1 1/2 inch cubes. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, sriracha, honey, tamari or soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Reserve a couple of tablespoons of the marinade, then add the salmon cubes to the bowl and stir until coated.
Bake the salmon: Place the salmon on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan in a single layer. Bake for 7–12 minutes, switching the oven to broil during the last couple of minutes of cooking. Remove from the oven and brush on the reserved sauce.
Prepare the cucumber avocado salsa: While the salmon bakes, combine the diced cucumber, avocado, jalapeño, rice vinegar, lime juice, green onions, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir together and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble the bowls: Fill each bowl with the desired amount of cooked rice. Top with baked salmon, cucumber avocado salsa, a drizzle of sriracha mayo, and garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.

Nutritional Facts

Calories: 514 kcal
Carbohydrates: 41 g
Protein: 39 g
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 16 g
Cholesterol: 74 mg
Sodium: 686 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 13 g

Why Choose Salmon?

Salmon is one of the most popular fish worldwide, praised not only for its delicious taste but also for its incredible health benefits. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon supports heart health by reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure. It also provides an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body maintenance. Additionally, salmon contains essential vitamins such as vitamin D, which supports bone health, and B vitamins that play a critical role in energy production and brain function.

Eating salmon regularly has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and even certain types of cancer. Incorporating salmon into your diet, especially in recipes like spicy salmon bowls, is a delicious way to boost your nutritional intake while enjoying a flavorful meal.

Balancing Flavors and Textures

One of the standout features of spicy salmon bowls is their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The spicy, slightly sweet marinade on the salmon adds boldness and depth, while the baked salmon remains tender and flaky. The heat from the sriracha combined with honey’s natural sweetness creates a harmonious flavor profile that is addictive yet not overpowering.

The fresh cucumber and avocado salsa adds a crisp, cooling contrast that balances the spicy salmon beautifully. Cucumber brings refreshing crunchiness, while avocado contributes creaminess and richness, making each bite well-rounded. The jalapeño in the salsa adds a subtle heat, complementing the salmon’s spice without overwhelming the dish.

Drizzled on top is a creamy sriracha mayo, which adds a silky texture and a bit of extra heat, tying the bowl’s elements together. Garnishes like sesame seeds, cilantro, and green onions not only enhance visual appeal but also contribute layers of aroma and flavor.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

This dish shines not only for its taste but also for its nutritional value. Besides the health benefits of salmon, the other ingredients bring their own positive contributions.

Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, which help improve cholesterol levels and support heart health. It’s also high in fiber and packed with potassium, which aids in blood pressure regulation.
Cucumber is hydrating and low in calories but offers vitamins like vitamin K and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation.
Jalapeño peppers add capsaicin, a compound known to boost metabolism and may help with pain relief and reducing inflammation.
Greek yogurt in the sriracha mayo contributes probiotics that promote gut health and provide extra protein.
Rice serves as a carbohydrate base, giving you energy and acting as a neutral backdrop for the bold flavors of the toppings.

The combination of these ingredients creates a nutrient-dense meal that supports overall well-being, making it suitable for anyone who values a balanced diet.

Versatility and Meal Prep Friendly

Spicy salmon bowls are incredibly versatile. You can customize them according to your dietary needs and preferences. For instance, you could swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients. Vegetables like edamame, shredded carrots, or radishes can be added to increase the veggie content and add more color and texture.

These bowls also lend themselves well to meal prepping. You can prepare large batches of the salmon and salsa ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When it’s time to eat, just assemble the bowl with fresh rice and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a quick, satisfying meal. This convenience makes spicy salmon bowls a great choice for busy individuals or families looking to eat healthily without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Cultural Influence and Popularity

The concept of rice bowls topped with fresh fish, vegetables, and flavorful sauces is inspired by various Asian cuisines, particularly Japanese and Korean. Dishes like poke bowls from Hawaii and donburi from Japan have popularized the idea of customizable bowls loaded with healthy ingredients. The spicy salmon bowl is a fusion that blends these culinary traditions with modern flavor profiles, appealing to a broad audience.

Its rising popularity can also be attributed to the growing trend of balanced, nutrient-packed meals that don’t sacrifice taste. As people become more health-conscious yet desire exciting flavors, dishes like spicy salmon bowls meet both needs perfectly.

Sustainability Considerations

When choosing salmon for this dish, it’s worth considering sustainability. Wild-caught Alaskan salmon is often recommended as a more sustainable choice compared to some farmed salmon varieties. Sustainable fishing practices help maintain fish populations and protect the environment.

If you want to make your spicy salmon bowls more eco-friendly, look for certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or buy from trusted sources that prioritize responsible fishing.

Tips for Making the Best Spicy Salmon Bowls

To elevate your spicy salmon bowls, keep a few tips in mind:

Use fresh salmon: Freshness is key to achieving the best texture and flavor.
Don’t overcook the salmon: Salmon cooks quickly, and overcooking can make it dry and tough. Baking it at a high temperature and finishing under the broiler ensures a nicely caramelized exterior with a tender inside.
Adjust spice levels: The amount of sriracha and jalapeño can be tailored to your heat preference.
Make the salsa fresh: Prepare the cucumber avocado salsa just before serving to keep the avocado creamy and the cucumber crisp.
Serve immediately: For the best texture and taste, assemble the bowls right before eating.

Perfect Occasions for Spicy Salmon Bowls

This dish works well for weeknight dinners, weekend lunches, or even entertaining guests who appreciate bold flavors and nutritious food. It’s elegant enough to impress but simple enough for casual meals.

Conclusion

Spicy salmon bowls are more than just a meal—they are a celebration of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. This dish masterfully combines the heart-healthy benefits of salmon with the fresh crispness of vegetables and the exciting zing of spicy sauces. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and adaptable to various tastes and dietary preferences, making it an ideal choice for anyone wanting a wholesome yet delicious meal.

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Easy Spicy Salmon Bowls