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Easy Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls Ready in 30 Minutes

honey garlic salmon bowls - featured image

A quick and delicious honey garlic salmon bowl recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish features perfectly seared salmon with a glossy, sticky glaze served over rice with fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice or brown rice
  • 1 large avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup edamame, shelled
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
  • Optional: fresh cilantro or microgreens

Instructions

  1. Start the rice. If using a rice cooker, get that going first. For stovetop: rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rice and 1 3/4 cups of water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  2. Make the glaze. While the rice is cooking, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. Set aside. In a separate tiny bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry.
  3. Prep the salmon. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes while you heat the pan.
  4. Sear the salmon. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on). Press down gently with a spatula. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them.
  5. Flip and glaze. Carefully flip the salmon fillets using tongs. Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the honey garlic glaze into the pan around the salmon. Let it bubble and reduce for about 2 minutes. Then, using a spoon, baste the salmon with the glaze. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
  6. Thicken the glaze. Push the salmon to one side of the pan. Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and pour it into the glaze. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency.
  7. Assemble the bowls. Divide the cooked rice between four bowls. Top each with a salmon fillet, then arrange the avocado slices, cucumber, shredded carrots, and edamame around it. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro or microgreens if desired.
  8. Serve immediately. This bowl is best enjoyed fresh and warm.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for a good sear. Watch the heat to prevent burning the honey glaze. Let the salmon rest for a minute before serving. For meal prep, store components separately.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic salmon, salmon bowls, quick dinner, weeknight meal, healthy salmon recipe, 30 minute meal