Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl

A 20 minute creation, these salmon bowls are tastier than its viral Tiktok counterparts. The crispy rice and pan-seared salmon bring the whole standard dish to a new and flavorful level.

I am so into these quick Salmon Rice Bowls that it has become my go-to on tough food days.

Scrolling through TikTok the other night, I stumbled upon a seemingly endless stream of “salmon rice bowls.” They all looked incredible: fluffy rice, perfectly pan-seared salmon, and a vibrant array of toppings begging to be devoured. Intrigued, I knew I had to give it a try. But as someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen, I couldn’t resist putting my own Mediterranean spin on this viral trend.

Salmon and rice are a classic Mediterranean pairing, so that was a no-brainer. But instead of plain white rice, I opted for basmati rice, known for its fragrant aroma and long, slender grains. Then, for the salmon, I went with a simple seasoning of oregano, garlic powder, Aleppo pepper (a slightly smoky and fruity chili flake), and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

The real magic happens with the toppings. Inspired by the colorful mezze platters I’d enjoyed throughout my travels in Greece and Turkey, I decided to create a symphony of textures and flavors. Chopped baby bell peppers offered sweetness and crunch, while thinly sliced green onions added a sharp bite. Fresh cilantro provided a burst of herbaceousness, and crumbled feta cheese added a salty tang that perfectly complemented the salmon.

The finishing touch? A generous drizzle of my homemade tahini green goddess sauce, a vibrant condiment bursting with fresh herbs, garlic, and the nutty richness of tahini. With every bite, this “remixed” salmon rice bowl transported me back to sun-drenched Mediterranean shores. It’s a dish that’s both familiar and exciting, perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch.

What You’ll Love About These Crispy Sensations

This Salmon Rice Bowl is a dream come true for any seafood lover. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine. 

• I love the way the crispy rice adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.  
• The salmon is perfectly cooked, with a crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh.  
• And the vibrant toppings add a burst of freshness and flavor.
• One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can customize it to your liking by adding different toppings or sauces. 
• It’s also a great way to use up leftover salmon or rice. 
• This dish reheats beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option.  

Ingredients

This recipe takes the viral salmon rice bowl trend and infuses it with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients, with a personal touch inspired by my travels:

Basmati Rice: 

Ditch the plain white rice and opt for fragrant basmati! Its long, slender grains cook up fluffy and separate, adding a delightful texture to the bowl.

Salmon Fillets: 

The star of the show! I use skin-on salmon fillets because achieving that crispy skin is a true joy.

Seasoning for Salmon: 

A simple yet flavorful mix of oregano, garlic powder, Aleppo pepper (trust me, it adds a touch of magic!), and a squeeze of fresh lemon. This seasoning complements the salmon perfectly without overpowering its natural taste.

Toppings Symphony: 

Here’s where the Mediterranean magic happens! Chopped baby bell peppers add a delightful sweetness and satisfying crunch, reminiscent of the colorful chopped peppers served in Greek salads. Thinly sliced green onions offer a sharp, refreshing bite, similar to the way raw onions are enjoyed in Turkish meze platters.

Fresh Cilantro: 

A burst of herbaceousness, just like the fresh parsley often found adorning Mediterranean dishes.

Crumbled Feta Cheese: 

The salty tang of feta is a classic Mediterranean flavor. It adds a wonderful contrast to the richness of the salmon and the other toppings.

Tahini Green Goddess Sauce: 

This is my secret weapon! It’s a vibrant homemade sauce bursting with fresh herbs, garlic, and the nutty richness of tahini. Imagine a creamy, flavorful dip inspired by the vibrant green goddess dressings found on American menus, but with a delicious tahini twist!

Recipe Steps

I start by cooking the basmati rice according to the package instructions. While the rice is cooking, I season the salmon fillets with oregano, garlic powder, Aleppo pepper, and lemon juice.  I remember my grandmother used to do the same thing with her fish, and it always turned out perfectly. 

Once the rice is cooked, I heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little bit of olive oil. I carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan and let them cook until the skin is crispy and the flesh is cooked through. I then flip the salmon and cook for a few more minutes on the other side.

While the salmon is cooking, I chop the bell peppers, green onions, and cilantro. I also crumble the feta cheese. Once the salmon is cooked, I remove it from the pan and set it aside to rest. 

To assemble the bowls, I start with a base of fluffy basmati rice. Then, I top it with the flaky salmon, followed by the colorful vegetables and the creamy tahini green goddess sauce. I finish with a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. 

Saucy Options

While these salmon rice bowls are delicious on their own, sometimes a little extra sauce can take them to the next level. Here are a few sauce ideas: 

Vegan Green Goddess: 

This creamy, herbaceous sauce is a perfect match for the salmon and rice. It’s packed with flavor and adds a touch of freshness to the dish. I love how the tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the salmon. 

Tzatziki: 

This Greek yogurt-based sauce is tangy, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s a great way to add a little bit of spice to your bowl.  I remember the first time I tried tzatziki, I was hooked! It’s so versatile and can be used on everything from gyros to salads. 

Ladolemono:

This lemony sauce is perfect for brightening up your salmon rice bowl. It’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor.  I love the way the lemon juice cuts through the richness of the salmon and the other ingredients. 

FAQs