Protein Bowls

Salmon Sushi Bowl

Name: Salmon Sushi Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup (180g) sushi rice; 4 salmon fillets, 6 ounces (170g) each; 2 ripe avocados; 1/4 cup (60g) soy sauce; 2 tablespoons wasabi paste; 1/4 cup (15g) pickled ginger; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped scallions; 1/4 cup (15g) toasted sesame seeds; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

By Lena Carmody · June 19, 2026 · Protein Bowls

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total45 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had a Salmon Sushi Bowl - it was love at first bite. The combination of fresh salmon, sushi rice, and avocado was a game-changer for me. As a home cook, I was determined to recreate this dish in my own kitchen. After some trial and error, I finally landed on a recipe that I'm excited to share with you.

This Salmon Sushi Bowl is more than just a meal - it's an experience. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to delight your taste buds. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can have a delicious and healthy dinner on the table in no time.

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to your liking with your favorite toppings and seasonings. And because it's so easy to make, it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether you're a sushi lover or just looking for a new and exciting meal idea, this Salmon Sushi Bowl is sure to become a favorite.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the process of making a Salmon Sushi Bowl from scratch. We'll start with the basics - cooking the sushi rice and preparing the salmon. Then, we'll assemble the bowls and add our favorite toppings. By the end of this recipe, you'll have a delicious and healthy meal that's sure to impress.

So, let's get started! Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to try something new and exciting. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll be enjoying a delicious Salmon Sushi Bowl in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner
The combination of flavors and textures is sure to delight your taste buds
You can customize it to your liking with your favorite toppings and seasonings
It's incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques
It's a great way to get your daily dose of protein and healthy fats
It's perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner
You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Salmon Sushi Bowl is in the preparation of the ingredients. By cooking the sushi rice with the right amount of water and seasoning, we can achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture. And by searing the salmon to the right temperature, we can lock in the moisture and flavor.

Another important factor is the balance of flavors and textures in the dish. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the crunch of the vegetables and the creaminess of the avocado, creates a truly unforgettable experience. By using high-quality ingredients and following a few simple cooking techniques, we can create a dish that's both healthy and delicious.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to prepare each component of the Salmon Sushi Bowl, from the sushi rice to the seared salmon. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to create a dish that's not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you're a sushi lover or just looking for a new and exciting meal idea, this recipe is sure to impress.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when making a Salmon Sushi Bowl is the temperature of the salmon. To ensure food safety, the salmon must reach an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). This is why it's so important to use an instant-read thermometer when cooking the salmon. By checking the temperature of the salmon, we can ensure that it's cooked to a safe internal temperature and avoid any potential health risks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Salmon Sushi Bowl, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key players are sushi rice, salmon fillets, and avocado. You'll also need some soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for added flavor. And of course, no sushi bowl would be complete without some sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to look for high-quality sushi rice and fresh salmon fillets. You can find these at most Asian markets or well-stocked supermarkets. The avocado and other toppings can be found at most grocery stores.

1 cup (180g) sushi riceJapanese short-grain rice is best for sushi, as it holds together well and has a slightly sweet flavor. You can find it at most Asian markets or well-stocked supermarkets.
4 salmon fillets, 6 ounces (170g) eachFresh salmon fillets are essential for this recipe. Look for wild-caught Alaskan or Scottish salmon for the best flavor and texture.
2 ripe avocadosAvocados add a creamy texture and healthy fats to the dish. Choose ripe avocados that are slightly soft to the touch.
1/4 cup (60g) soy sauceSoy sauce is a key ingredient in sushi, adding a salty and umami flavor to the dish. You can find it at most Asian markets or well-stocked supermarkets.
2 tablespoons wasabi pasteWasabi adds a spicy kick to the dish. You can find it at most Asian markets or well-stocked supermarkets.
1/4 cup (15g) pickled gingerPickled ginger adds a sweet and sour flavor to the dish. You can find it at most Asian markets or well-stocked supermarkets.
2 tablespoons sesame oilSesame oil adds a nutty flavor to the dish. You can find it at most Asian markets or well-stocked supermarkets.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped scallionsChopped scallions add a fresh flavor and crunchy texture to the dish. You can find them at most grocery stores.
1/4 cup (15g) toasted sesame seedsToasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the dish. You can find them at most Asian markets or well-stocked supermarkets.
2 tablespoons lemon juiceLemon juice adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the dish. You can find it at most grocery stores.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavor of the dish and helps to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. You can find it at most grocery stores.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a subtle flavor and texture to the dish. You can find it at most grocery stores.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerRice cooker or medium saucepanCutting boardColander or strainerServing bowls

How to Make Salmon Sushi Bowl

1
Rinse the sushi rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear, then cook it according to the package instructions using a rice cooker or medium saucepan. Typically, it's a 1:1 ratio of water to rice.
2
While the rice is cooking, prepare the salmon fillets. Rinse them under cold water, pat them dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper.
3
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon fillets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
4
Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into thin pieces and set it aside.
5
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and cook the chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds for 1-2 minutes, or until they're lightly toasted.
6
To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked sushi rice between four serving bowls. Top each bowl with a piece of salmon, some sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
7
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, wasabi paste, and lemon juice. Pour the sauce over the top of each bowl and serve immediately.
8
Garnish each bowl with pickled ginger and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve with additional wasabi and soy sauce on the side, if desired.
9
To add some extra flavor and texture to the dish, you can also top each bowl with some diced cucumber, carrot, or other vegetables of your choice.
10
Finally, serve the Salmon Sushi Bowls immediately and enjoy! You can also store them in the fridge for up to a day and serve them cold, if desired.
11
To make the dish more substantial, you can also add some cooked vegetables or a side of miso soup. Simply cook the vegetables according to your preference and serve them on the side.
12
For a spicy kick, you can also add some diced jalapeno or serrano peppers to the dish. Simply slice the peppers thinly and add them to the bowls along with the other toppings.
13
To make the dish more visually appealing, you can also garnish each bowl with some sliced green onions or a sprinkle of grated daikon radish. Simply slice the onions or radish thinly and add them to the bowls as desired.

Expert Tips

Use short-grain Japanese rice for the best results
Don't overcook the salmon - it should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C)
Add the wasabi paste to the soy sauce and lemon juice for an extra kick of flavor
Use toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture
Don't be afraid to customize the dish with your favorite toppings and seasonings
Make the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day
Serve the dish with a side of miso soup or cooked vegetables for a more substantial meal
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the salmon is cooked to a safe internal temperature

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the salmon - it should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C)
Not using short-grain Japanese rice - it's essential for the best results
Not toasting the sesame seeds - it adds flavor and texture to the dish
Not adding the wasabi paste to the soy sauce and lemon juice - it adds an extra kick of flavor
Not customizing the dish with your favorite toppings and seasonings - it's a key part of the recipe
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced cucumber or carrot to the dish for extra flavor and texture
Use different types of fish, such as tuna or tilapia, for a different flavor profile
Add some cooked vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, to the dish for added nutrition
Use different types of sauce, such as teriyaki or ponzu, for a different flavor profile
Add some sliced green onions or grated daikon radish to the dish for added flavor and texture
Use different types of rice, such as brown rice or cauliflower rice, for a low-carb option
Add some pickled ginger or wasabi to the dish for an extra kick of flavor

What to Serve With Salmon Sushi Bowl

The Salmon Sushi Bowl is perfect for serving as a main dish or as a side dish. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as miso soup, edamame, or pickled ginger. You can also customize the dish with your favorite toppings and seasonings.

Some other options for serving the dish include adding some sliced cucumber or carrot to the bowl, or using different types of fish or sauce. You can also serve the dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for a more substantial meal.

Miso soupEdamamePickled gingerSteamed vegetablesSaladSliced cucumber or carrot

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Salmon Sushi Bowl can be stored in the fridge for up to a day. Simply assemble the bowls and store them in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also make the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day.

To freeze the dish, simply assemble the bowls and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. You can store the dish in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

When reheating the dish, be sure to check the internal temperature of the salmon to ensure it reaches 145 F (63 C). You can also add some additional soy sauce or wasabi to the dish for extra flavor.

It's also important to note that the dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use. Simply assemble the bowls and store them in the fridge or freezer, and reheat as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rice is best for sushi?

Short-grain Japanese rice is best for sushi, as it holds together well and has a slightly sweet flavor.

How do I cook the salmon?

Cook the salmon in a skillet over medium-high heat, searing it for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C).

What is the best way to store the dish?

The dish can be stored in the fridge for up to a day, or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply assemble the bowls and store them in the fridge or freezer, and reheat as needed.

Can I customize the dish with my favorite toppings and seasonings?

Yes, the dish can be customized with your favorite toppings and seasonings. Simply add your desired toppings to the bowl and serve.

Is the dish spicy?

The dish has a spicy kick from the wasabi paste, but you can adjust the level of heat to your liking by adding more or less wasabi.

Can I make the dish ahead of time?

Yes, the dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use. Simply assemble the bowls and store them in the fridge or freezer, and reheat as needed.

What is the internal temperature of the salmon?

The internal temperature of the salmon should be 145 F (63 C) for food safety.

How do I reheat the dish?

To reheat the dish, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the salmon to ensure it reaches 145 F (63 C).

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card