honey garlic salmon bowl
Try this honey garlic salmon bowl for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal! Packed with tender salmon, rice, and veggies, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets skin-on or skinless
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce low-sodium preferred
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup diced avocado
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds optional
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
For Garnish:
- Soy sauce or sriracha optional
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Marinate the Salmon
- Begin by seasoning your salmon fillets with salt and pepper. If you can spare a few minutes, let the salmon sit in a bit of the honey garlic glaze before cooking—it allows the flavors to penetrate and gives the salmon a richer taste.
- Personal Note: I always let my salmon sit for at least 10 minutes in the glaze. During this time, I prep the rest of the ingredients. The smell of garlic and honey melding is so comforting and gets me excited to start cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey Garlic Glaze
- In a bowl, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This blend is the heart of the dish. As it heats, the honey caramelizes, adding a sweet, sticky coating to the salmon that’s hard to resist.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for around 4–5 minutes. Flip and pour the glaze over, letting it coat the fish and reduce slightly, creating a rich, sticky texture.
- Tip: Cooking the salmon with its skin on helps retain moisture, and when it’s finished cooking, you can enjoy the crispy texture of the skin if you like it. Personally, I leave the skin on because I love the crispy texture against the soft, flaky salmon.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowl
- Start by adding a scoop of rice or quinoa to the bowl. Next, place your cooked salmon on top, then add veggies around it. Finish with your favorite toppings for that extra touch.