Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl

Featured in: Crispy Crunch Fix

Delight in the vibrant flavors and contrasting textures of crispy salmon nestled over golden, crunchy rice. Each bowl brings together spicy mayo, tangy kimchi, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and savory garlic for a tasty, satisfying meal. Quick to prepare, this Asian-inspired dish is easily customizable—swap in brown rice or tofu for dietary preferences. Garnish with sesame seeds and nori for extra flair. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that's both nutritious and full of bold taste, offering a harmonious blend of crunch, spice, and freshness.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:36:00 GMT
Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl topped with creamy spicy mayo and vibrant kimchi, deliciously colorful.  Save
Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl topped with creamy spicy mayo and vibrant kimchi, deliciously colorful. | whambite.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.

Growing up we often reinvented leftover rice and proteins into hearty rice bowls. This crispy salmon rice bowl instantly became a favorite in our home and it is my go-to for those nights when we crave something satisfying but not overly heavy.

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

Prepare and season 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.
Crisp the garlic:
In the same skillet add garlic slices and sauté until golden and crisp about 1 minute. Remove and drain on paper towel.
Cook 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.
Make spicy mayo:
While rice crisps whisk together mayonnaise Sriracha lime juice and sesame oil.
Assemble the 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.
Golden crunchy rice and succulent salmon slices create a tempting Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl.  Save
Golden crunchy rice and succulent salmon slices create a tempting Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl. | whambite.com

On weekends my family loves gathering to make these rice bowls together each person customizing their toppings. Even picky eaters rarely pass up crispy salmon and creamy spicy mayo.

Required Tools

Non-stick skillet spatula small mixing bowl knife and cutting board are all you need for this simple meal prep.

Allergen Information

Contains fish (salmon) egg (mayonnaise) sesame and soy (often present in kimchi and nori). May contain gluten depending on the kimchi or sauces used—always check labels if gluten-sensitive.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 610 Total Fat 32 g Carbohydrates 52 g Protein 33 g

Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl garnished with fresh avocado and garlic, a flavorful delight. Save
Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl garnished with fresh avocado and garlic, a flavorful delight. | whambite.com

This crispy salmon rice bowl is perfect for busy evenings yet special enough to impress guests. Enjoy every bite with your favorite toppings!

Kitchen Guide

How do I get salmon skin extra crispy?

Pat salmon fillets dry, season well, and cook skin-side down over medium-high heat until deeply golden and crisp.

Can I use another type of rice?

Yes; short-grain white rice is ideal, but brown rice and even quinoa work for added whole-grain nutrition and texture.

How spicy is the spicy mayo?

Spice level varies by choice of hot sauce. Adjust Sriracha to taste or substitute for milder options.

Is this bowl suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! Substitute crispy tofu for salmon and select vegetarian-friendly kimchi for a meat-free meal.

What garnishes enhance flavor and texture?

Finish with scallions, sesame seeds, nori strips, and crispy garlic for depth, crunch, and savory notes.

Which type of skillet works best?

A non-stick skillet ensures salmon skin and rice crisp evenly with minimal sticking or burning.

Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl

Crispy salmon and rice paired with spicy mayo, kimchi, and fresh toppings for a vibrant, tasty meal.

Prep Duration
20 min
Cook Duration
15 min
Complete Duration
35 min
Created by Brandon Ellis


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Asian Fusion

Output 2 Portions

Diet Requirements No Dairy

What You'll Need

Salmon

01 2 salmon fillets (approximately 5 ounces 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 (cold or leftover preferred)

Spicy Mayo

01 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
02 1 tablespoon Sriracha or other 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)

Method

Phase 01

Season and Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towel. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Fry Garlic Slices: In the same skillet, add garlic slices and sauté for about 1 minute until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on a paper towel.

Phase 04

Crisp Rice: Wipe skillet clean and add a touch more oil if needed. Add cold white rice, pressing down to create an even layer. Cook undisturbed over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes or until the bottom is golden and crispy.

Phase 05

Prepare Spicy Mayo: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, lime juice, and toasted sesame oil until fully combined.

Phase 06

Assemble Bowls: Divide crispy rice between two serving bowls. Top with salmon (broken into large chunks), kimchi, cucumber slices, avocado, and scallions. Drizzle spicy mayo sauce over contents. Garnish with fried garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and nori strips if desired.

Phase 07

Serve: Present bowls immediately while salmon and rice remain crisp.

Kitchen Tools

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

Allergy Guide

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains fish (salmon).
  • Includes egg (mayonnaise).
  • Contains sesame.
  • May contain soy (often present in kimchi and nori).
  • Potential gluten if kimchi or sauces contain wheat; check labels if gluten-sensitive.

Nutrient Breakdown (per portion)

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 610
  • Fats: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Proteins: 33 g