Simple Salmon Bowls

Easy and to make for family dinner or single serve. Customize with whatever other veggies and sauces you like, and feel free to switch out traditional white rice for another alternative/blend.

Preparing the Rice

Rice takes the longest to cook, therefore, should be started first. You can use white rice, brown rice, jasmine, or any other particular blend. Cook according to the instructions listed on the rice packaging.

Preparing the Salmon

Choose whichever cuts of salmon you prefer. I used coho, but you can use king, pink, keta, or sockeye, as well, or have a variety. Try to pick pieces that are similar in size so they cook evenly together.

1. Prepare medium sized skillet with olive oil over medium heat.
2. Remove frozen salmon servings from freezer. Pull as many as you expect to use. We generally figure 2 people per portion.
3. Cut open packaging, and when oil is heated, place salmon portion(s) skin side down onto the skillet.
4. Place lid on skillet and let cook for 6-8 minutes.
5. Remove lid and add any seasonings you would like. I just added a splash of lemon juice to each of the salmons to keep them neutral, but flavorful, for the personalized bowls.
6. Return lid and cook for another 6-8 minutes, until salmon is cooked through and begins "cracking" at the edges.

The USDA recommended safe cook temperature for fish is 145 degrees F.

Preparing the Veggies

You can use fresh or frozen vegetables for this dish. Because I first made this in Winter, I used frozen vegetables that we already had on hand. If you plan to use fresh vegetables, wash, dice and prep them ahead of cooking. Cut them to the size you want to eat them at. Larger, thicker vegetables may need to be cooked separately or first so that smaller vegetables don't get overcooked.

I used peas, corn, carrots, onion, garlic, and pepper in our bowls, but you could also use bamboo shoots, baby corn, water chestnuts, scallions, edamame, broccoli, and whatever else sounds good (maybe pineapple or mange for some sweetness?), as well.

You can either cook the vegetables all together, or keep them separate for a true "build your own bowl" experience.

In this instance, we will cook them all together.

Note: This should be done at the same time that the salmon is cooking so everything finishes at about the same time.

1. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add vegetables that will take the longest to cook first (usually thicker cut or root vegetables like carrots or broccoli) and let cook for 2 - 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Next, add in onion, garlic, and peppers (flavor fueling vegetables).
4. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring, then add remaining vegetables (peas, corn, etc.)
5. Season lightly with salt or other seasoning powder if desired.
6. Remove from heat and serve alongside fish, rice, and any other extras.

Preparing the Extras

Here's where the customization can really get fun!

1. Crunchies - Chow mein noodles, lightly sauteed cashews or sliced almonds, or even the fried fish skin in the skillet. Any of these add a flavorful crunch to your salmon bowl creation.
2. Seasonings - If someone likes a kick of spice in your family, while another does not, this is the perfect chance to make everyone happy. Have everyone season their own bowl after its assembled so everyone gets the flavors they like. Try cajun, lemon pepper, or garlic salt to start.
3. Sauce - Again, customization at its finest. Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, a homemade glaze, or a favorite dressing/marinade are perfect to top off your salmon bowl dinners.

Putting it all Together

With everything set out and ready to eat, grab a dish and build your bowl. Start with the rice as your base, then add your salmon. Grab a spoonful of your favorite veggies, then top it off with your favorite extras mentioned above. Stir your seasonings and sauce in and enjoy your personalized salmon bowl supper!