Salmon and Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and downright satisfying, you’re going to want to stick around for this one. I’m excited to share my Salmon and Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe—a dish that’s quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress guests. Plus, that creamy spicy mayo? Game changer.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Salmon and Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe comes from the harmony of fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s worth seeking out good quality salmon and fresh veggies to get the best flavor in every bite.

• Center-cut salmon filet: Choose firm, fresh salmon without the skin for easy cutting and baking.
• Soy sauce: Use a good-quality soy sauce for a rich umami base in the marinade.
• Honey: Balances the spice with a touch of natural sweetness.
• Sriracha or chili garlic paste: Adds the perfect spicy kick; adjust amount if you like it mild or fiery.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic packs more punch than pre-minced.
• Ginger (grated or paste): Adds a warm, zesty note that brightens the bowl.
• Kewpie mayo or regular mayonnaise: Kewpie mayo gives a richer, slightly sweeter flavor but regular mayo works great too.
• Toasted sesame oil: Just a little goes a long way for that nutty aroma.
• Steamed rice: Jasmine or sushi rice works beautifully—fluffy and sticky enough to hold the bowl together.
• Persian or baby cucumbers: Their mild crunch keeps each bite crisp and refreshing.
• Avocado: Creaminess that balances the spicy mayo and salmon.
• Shelled edamame: Adds protein and texture, plus a pop of green color.
• Sesame seeds: Toast them lightly to enhance that toasty flavor.
• Nori sheets: Optional, but wrapping bites in nori feels extra fun and adds a salty sea note.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Salmon and Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe is how easily you can tweak it for your tastes or whatever’s in your fridge. This is your bowl to personalize!

• Change up the protein: I’ve swapped salmon for tofu or shrimp on busy nights, and it still hits all the right notes.
• Vegetable swap: Feel free to add shredded carrots, radishes, or steamed broccoli for extra nutrients and textures.
• Heat level: If you’re sensitive to spice, tone down the sriracha or mix in a bit of plain mayo with the spicy mayo.
• Coconut rice instead of plain: Cooking rice in coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness that complements the salmon beautifully.

How to Make Salmon and Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe

Step 1: Whisk together a delicious marinade

Start by mixing the soy sauce, honey, sriracha, grated garlic, and ginger in a bowl until it’s smooth. This marinade is where your salmon soaks up the deep flavor, so whisk it well to combine those sweet, spicy, and umami notes perfectly.

Step 2: Cut and marinate the salmon

Pat the salmon dry with paper towels (this helps it bake nicely instead of steaming), then cut into generous 1 1/2-inch cubes. Toss those cubes in your marinade and let them chill for at least 20 minutes. I often leave mine for an hour or two when I have time—the flavors just get better.

Step 3: Prepare the spicy mayo sauce

While the salmon marinates, whisk together kewpie mayo, sriracha, grated ginger, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil in a small bowl. This sauce ties the whole bowl together with its rich creaminess and punch of heat. Pop it in the fridge to keep it nice and cool until serving.

Step 4: Bake the salmon to perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Remove the salmon cubes from the marinade (letting excess drip off) and spread them out on the sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until just cooked through, then pop under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to get a lovely light char on top. Watch closely here so it doesn’t burn!

Step 5: Assemble your bowls

Divide steamed rice among your bowls, then artfully pile on the baked salmon cubes, sliced cucumbers, avocado, steamed edamame, and any other veggies you like. Drizzle generously with that spicy mayo you made earlier, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top, and serve alongside strips of nori for wrapping if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Serve Salmon and Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of furikake if I have it on hand—that extra umami burst rocks the bowl. I’ve also played around with finely chopped cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime when I want a zesty contrast.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines as a standalone meal, but if you’re looking to round things out, I love pairing it with a crisp seaweed salad, pickled ginger, or simple miso soup. Steamed or roasted veggies on the side keep things light and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to set up a “build-your-own bowl” station with all the ingredients laid out. It’s fun, interactive, and lets everyone customize their own perfect combination. Another fun trick is serving these salmon rice bowls in individual stoneware dishes or mini cast iron skillets to keep everything warm and cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salmon, rice, and spicy mayo separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This helps keep the textures fresh—the salmon won’t get soggy, and the mayo stays creamy.

Freezing

I’ve had decent luck freezing just the baked salmon cubes (without rice or mayo). When reheated gently, they keep their texture without drying out. I don’t recommend freezing the full bowl, especially with the creamy sauce or fresh veggies.

Reheating

Reheat leftover salmon by wrapping it loosely in foil and warming it in a low oven or toaster oven to avoid drying it out. Warm the rice separately in the microwave with a sprinkle of water to keep it fluffy. Drizzle on fresh spicy mayo just before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Salmon and Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe comes together—fresh salmon with that dreamy spicy mayo sauce over fluffy rice is just a combo made in kitchen heaven. When I first tried this, I was hooked immediately and now it’s a staple whenever I want something quick but impressive. Once you give it a go, I’m pretty sure your whole family or dinner guests will go crazy for it too. So, go ahead—try it out, customize it your way, and enjoy a bowl full of delicious bliss!

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