Save 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.
I first discovered crispy rice bowls during a casual dinner with friends. The combination of crunchy rice with perfectly cooked salmon quickly became a favorite comfort meal that I now crave on busy evenings.
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
- Prep the salmon:
- Pat salmon fillets dry, season with salt and pepper.
- Cook 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.
- Garlic topping:
- In the same skillet, add garlic slices and sauté until golden and crisp, about 1 minute. Remove and drain on paper towel.
- Make crispy rice:
- Wipe skillet clean, 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.
- Prepare spicy mayo:
- Whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, lime juice, and sesame oil.
- Assemble 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.
Save This bowl often brings our family together at the table, offering a customizable meal where everyone can add their favorite toppings. The crispy rice is always the first part to disappear!
Required Tools
Non-stick skillet, spatula, small mixing bowl, knife, and cutting board make prep and cleanup a breeze.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 610 calories, 32 g fat, 52 g carbohydrates, and 33 g protein.
Notes
Swap brown rice or quinoa for added whole grains, or use crispy tofu for a vegetarian option. Add shredded carrots or radish for extra crunch and serve with citrusy white wine or sparkling water with lime.
Save This bowl delivers a satisfying blend of textures in every bite. Customize toppings and enjoy a fresh, lively dinner any day of the week.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve crispy salmon skin?
Pat salmon dry, season, and cook skin-side down in hot oil without moving until the skin is golden and crisp.
- → Can I use leftover rice for the base?
Yes, cold or day-old rice works best to achieve a crispy texture when pan-fried in the skillet.
- → Is there a vegetarian alternative to salmon?
Crispy tofu makes a great substitute for salmon while still delivering a satisfying texture.
- → Which toppings pair best for extra crunch?
Try adding shredded carrots, radish, crispy garlic, and toasted sesame seeds for more texture.
- → How spicy is the mayo drizzle?
The spicy mayo's heat depends on the amount of hot sauce used; adjust Sriracha to taste.
- → Are there gluten concerns with this dish?
Check kimchi and sauce labels, as some may contain gluten. Use certified gluten-free products if needed.