Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls

Hi, I’m Sarah Jansen, a traveler and food blogger with a love for fresh, nourishing meals that don’t compromise on flavor. One of my favorite go-to recipes is this Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl. It’s a vibrant, balanced dish that combines tender, flaky salmon glazed with homemade teriyaki sauce, fluffy rice, crisp steamed broccoli, and tangy pickled carrots. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite satisfying. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving lunch with a touch of flair, this bowl is as wholesome as it is delicious.

This Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl is a celebration of balance. The rich umami of teriyaki-glazed salmon contrasts beautifully with fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and zesty pickled carrots. It’s hearty without being heavy, making it ideal for a healthy yet indulgent lunch. Packed with protein, fiber, and omega-3s, it not only tastes good but also fuels your day. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a bowl that looks restaurant-worthy yet feels comforting and homemade—perfect for both busy weekdays and relaxed weekend meals.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick Cooking: Salmon cooks fast, making this a 30-minute meal.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: Fresher and healthier than store-bought.
Balanced Nutrition: Protein, carbs, veggies, and healthy fats in one bowl.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Easy to portion into containers for the week.
Flavor Harmony: Sweet, savory, tangy, and fresh in every bite.

Health Benefits

Omega-3 Rich: Salmon supports heart and brain health.
High Protein: Keeps you fuller for longer.
Fiber & Vitamins: Broccoli and carrots aid digestion and immunity.
Balanced Carbs: Rice provides sustained energy.
Low in Processed Ingredients: Homemade glaze keeps sodium and sugar controlled.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For Teriyaki Sauce:

½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons mirin (optional, for depth)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

For the Bowl:

3 cups cooked white or brown rice
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
1 cup carrots, thinly sliced and quick-pickled (see tip below)

Quick Pickled Carrots:

½ cup rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
½ teaspoon salt

How to Make Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls

Start by preparing the quick-pickled carrots: mix vinegar, sugar, and salt, then add sliced carrots and set aside. Cook rice according to package instructions. Steam broccoli until tender-crisp. For the teriyaki sauce, simmer soy sauce, honey, vinegar, mirin, garlic, and ginger until fragrant, then thicken with cornstarch slurry. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear salmon fillets skin-side down, brushing generously with teriyaki sauce until glazed and flaky. Assemble bowls with rice, broccoli, and pickled carrots, then top with salmon. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Instructions:

Prepare Quick Pickled Carrots: In a small bowl, whisk rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Add thinly sliced carrots, ensuring they’re submerged. Let sit while preparing the rest of the dish—this quick pickle develops flavor in just 20 minutes.
Cook the Rice: Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions until fluffy. Keep warm.
Steam Broccoli: In a steamer basket over simmering water, steam broccoli florets for 4–5 minutes, until vibrant green and tender-crisp. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make Teriyaki Sauce: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, mirin, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and whisk until thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 3–4 minutes. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes, basting generously with teriyaki sauce. Salmon should be flaky but moist inside.
Assemble Bowls: Divide rice among four bowls. Add broccoli and pickled carrots to each. Place salmon fillet on top, spooning extra teriyaki sauce over the fish and rice.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the bowls for freshness and crunch.

This method ensures perfectly cooked salmon with a glossy teriyaki glaze, balanced by crisp vegetables and tangy carrots. The result is a colorful, nutrient-rich bowl that feels restaurant-quality but is easy to prepare at home.

Cook & Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Information (per bowl, 4 servings)

Calories: 480
Protein: 34g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 780mg

Serving with Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls

These Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls are best served warm, straight from the skillet to the table. Arrange everything neatly for visual appeal: rice as the base, salmon perched proudly on top, broccoli along one side, and pickled carrots adding color. Spoon extra teriyaki glaze over the salmon and drizzle lightly on the rice for added flavor. For gatherings, serve family-style with ingredients in separate bowls, letting guests build their own. A cup of green tea or miso soup makes the perfect accompaniment for a wholesome, filling lunch.

Pro Tips & Variations

Make-Ahead: Cook rice and pickled carrots ahead of time; assemble fresh.
Vegetarian Option: Swap salmon for tofu or tempeh.
Grain Swap: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or soba noodles.
Extra Greens: Add edamame, snap peas, or shredded cabbage.
Spicy Kick: Drizzle with sriracha or add chili flakes.

The Bottom Line

The Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl is a dish that celebrates balance—flaky salmon with a glossy sweet-salty glaze, fluffy rice, crisp broccoli, and tangy pickled carrots. It’s proof that healthy meals can be exciting and deeply satisfying. For me, it’s the kind of recipe that brings restaurant-level flavors to the home kitchen without extra fuss. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or enjoying a vibrant midday meal, this bowl delivers nourishment, color, and flavor in perfect harmony. It’s a lunch worth savoring, every single time.

Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls – A Healthy & Flavor-Packed Lunch