TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you love those viral recipes that make you stop and say, “Okay, I have to try this!” Well, that’s exactly what this TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe did to me—and let me tell you, it’s fan-freaking-tastic. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and just so satisfying. Whether you’re whipping this up for a weeknight meal or a last-minute lunch, you’ll find it hits all the right spots without fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work like a charm together, balancing rich salmon with creamy avocado and those punchy condiments. When selecting your salmon, I recommend going for sashimi-grade if you can find it—it really elevates the texture and flavor.

• Salmon filet: Fresh or thawed salmon works best; removing the skin makes it easier to flake.
• Cooked short-grain rice: This sticky rice holds up well when mixing and microwaving.
• Ice cubes: A nifty trick to keep the rice moist during microwaving—try 1 or 2 ice cubes or a splash of water instead.
• Soy sauce: Adds salty umami; use low sodium if preferred.
• Kewpie Japanese mayonnaise: This mayo is creamier and tangier compared to regular mayo, but feel free to add more to taste.
• Sriracha: Adds just the right kick—adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Avocado (sliced): Creamy texture to cool down the spice and add richness.
• Roasted seaweed sheets: These are perfect for wrapping the salmon mixture and add great crunch and flavor.
• Kimchi (optional): For a tangy, fermented crunch on the side.
• Furikake (optional): A sprinkle of this Japanese seasoning adds nice texture and umami.
• Fried garlic (optional): For crispy, flavorful bursts in every bite.

Variations

I love how flexible the TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe is—once I felt comfortable with the basic method, I started experimenting. Feel free to make it your own journey through flavors and textures.

• Veggie Boost: I sometimes add thinly sliced cucumbers or pickled radish to add crunch and freshness—it’s a game changer!
• Spicy Level Swap: If you want more heat, try adding chili oil or swapping sriracha for your favorite hot sauce.
• Protein Alternatives: While I adore salmon here, you can absolutely use tuna, cooked shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian spin.
• Low-Carb Version: Try swapping rice for cauliflower rice to lighten things up without losing flavor.

How to Make TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Flake the Salmon

Start by placing your salmon filet in a shallow bowl and remove the skin—this is key because you want a nice flaky texture, not chewing through skin. I use a fork to gently flake the salmon apart into bite-sized pieces. This step sets the foundation for even mixing later, so take your time here.

Step 2: Layer the Rice Over Salmon

Now, scoop your cooked short-grain rice right on top of the flaked salmon. Use your fork to gently spread both evenly through the bowl. This layering helps the flavors meld together nicely—and ensures each bite has a perfect balance.

Step 3: Add Ice Cubes and Cover

Here’s where the magic happens: place one or two ice cubes on top of the rice. I discovered this trick from the viral recipe itself—it creates steam during microwaving, preventing the rice from drying out. But heads-up: I personally sometimes skip ice cubes and sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water evenly instead. Cover the bowl with parchment paper or a hand towel to trap the steam for even heating.

Step 4: Microwave and Check

Microwave the bowl for 2-3 minutes, checking in one-minute intervals to avoid overheating. You’re aiming for warm, fluffy rice and cooked salmon that stays tender. Once done, carefully remove the cover and fish out any leftover ice cubes.

Step 5: Dress and Mix the Bowl

This is where your bowl becomes a flavor explosion. Drizzle soy sauce, Kewpie mayo, and sriracha over the top. Stir everything thoroughly with a fork until the salmon, rice, and sauces are well combined. Give it a quick taste to adjust saltiness, creaminess, or spice to your preference.

Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy

Finally, sprinkle your bowl with optional toppings—furikake and crispy fried garlic give nice texture and umami hits. To eat, scoop some of the salmon rice mixture onto a roasted seaweed sheet topped with a slice of creamy avocado, roll it up, and dive in. If you’re a kimchi fan like me, eat it on the side for an extra tangy punch!

How to Serve TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

I tend to keep it simple with garnishes that add texture and flavor—furikake brings that nostalgic umami, while fried garlic adds crunch and a little punch. Fresh scallions are also great if you want some color and a mild onion bite. And don’t forget a few slices of creamy avocado for that silky finish.

Side Dishes

Kimchi is my go-to side; the tanginess plays beautifully against the creamy and spicy bowl. A simple seaweed salad or quick pickled cucumbers also complement the flavors well. I’ve even paired it with miso soup for a more complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like presenting this in individual small bowls topped with edible flowers or microgreens for a fresh look. Another fun twist is rolling the salmon rice mixture into mini sushi rolls with the seaweed sheets—it makes it feel festive and is great for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover salmon rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because the rice and salmon are already cooked, it reheats quickly. Just make sure to add a splash of water when reheating to avoid drying out the rice.

Freezing

Freezing this dish isn’t ideal because the rice texture changes and the avocado won’t hold up well. If you do freeze leftovers, separate the rice from avocado and thaw slowly, but personally, I recommend eating it fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is microwaving with a damp paper towel or splash of water over the rice to keep it moist. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally so the salmon doesn’t overcook and dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe quickly became one of my kitchen staples, especially when I wanted something tasty but didn’t want to spend a ton of time cooking. The balance of creamy, savory, and spicy flavors feels indulgent without being complicated. I love sharing this recipe with friends because it’s so easy to customize and impresses every time. Seriously, give it a shot—you might just find your new favorite quick meal too!

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