Honey Glazed Salmon Bowls Recipe

Honey Glazed Salmon Bowls are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors, making them an incredibly satisfying meal. Salmon is glazed with a sticky honey-soy mixture, then roasted or pan-seared to golden perfection, while fresh vegetables and grains are layered to create a nourishing and delicious bowl. This dish is not only flavorful but also nutritious, packed with omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon and fiber from the grains and vegetables.

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Glaze

1. Mix the Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, fresh lemon juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This will form the sweet and savory glaze that will coat the salmon and provide a delicious flavor base.
2. Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour about half of the honey-soy glaze over the salmon. Ensure each fillet is well-coated. Cover the dish and allow the salmon to marinate in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This will help the flavors penetrate the fish.
3. Reserve the Remaining Glaze: Set aside the remaining half of the glaze for brushing on the salmon during cooking and for drizzling over the bowls later.

Step 2: Cook the Grain Base

1. Cook the Rice and Quinoa: Cook your choice of rice and/or quinoa according to package instructions. For extra flavor, you can cook the grains in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water. Once cooked, fluff the grains with a fork and drizzle with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt to keep them from sticking together.
2. Keep Warm: Cover the cooked grains and set them aside to keep warm until ready to assemble the bowls.

Step 3: Sear or Roast the Salmon

Option 1: Pan-Searing Method

1. Heat Olive Oil: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the salmon, as this will help the fish develop a crispy exterior.
2. Sear the Salmon: Remove the salmon fillets from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on salmon) in the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side until the skin is crispy and the salmon starts to brown.
3. Flip and Glaze: Flip the fillets over and brush them with the reserved honey glaze. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and caramelized on the outside. Be careful not to overcook the fish, as salmon continues to cook after being removed from the heat.
4. Garnish with Sesame Seeds: Once done, transfer the salmon fillets to a plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Option 2: Roasting Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Roast the Salmon: Place the marinated salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the fillets with more of the reserved honey glaze.
3. Bake for 12-15 Minutes: Roast the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.
4. Broil for Extra Caramelization: For a more caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on the salmon to avoid burning.

Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Steam the Broccoli: While the salmon is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Avoid overcooking to maintain a vibrant color and texture.
2. Prep the Fresh Vegetables: While the broccoli steams, slice the cucumbers, shred the carrots, and slice the avocado. You can also prepare any optional toppings such as pickled red onions or edamame at this time.

Step 5: Make the Dressing

1. Whisk the Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, sriracha (if using), and grated ginger. Adjust the flavors to your liking by adding more honey for sweetness or more sriracha for heat.
2. Set Aside: Set the dressing aside for drizzling over the finished bowls.

Step 6: Assemble the Honey Glazed Salmon Bowls

1. Create the Grain Base: In each bowl, start by adding a scoop of the cooked rice or quinoa. This will form the base of your salmon bowl.
2. Add the Vegetables: Arrange the steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and avocado slices around the bowl, creating a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables. You can also add edamame or pickled onions for extra flavor and texture.
3. Top with Honey Glazed Salmon: Place a fillet of honey-glazed salmon on top of the grain and vegetable base. If your fillets are large, you can slice them into smaller portions before adding them to the bowls.
4. Drizzle with Dressing: Finish the bowls by drizzling the soy-sesame dressing over the top of the salmon and vegetables. Make sure to coat everything lightly, but don’t drown the ingredients.
5. Garnish: Sprinkle the bowls with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro or parsley for added freshness and presentation.
6. Serve Hot: Serve the Honey Glazed Salmon Bowls immediately while the salmon is still warm and tender.

Cooking Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Salmon: The key to tender, flaky salmon is cooking it just until it’s opaque and easily flakes with a fork. Overcooked salmon can become dry, so keep an eye on the cooking time.
• Customize the Glaze: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can increase the amount of honey. For a more savory or tangy profile, add a little more soy sauce or rice vinegar. The glaze is easily adjustable to suit your personal taste.
• Use Fresh Vegetables: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, crisp vegetables in your bowls. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand, such as using bell peppers, snap peas, or radishes.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the grain base, vegetables, and even the glaze ahead of time to make assembly quicker. The salmon can be marinated in advance, but it’s best cooked just before serving to maintain its freshness.

Variations

• Keto-Friendly Version: To make a keto version, omit the rice and quinoa, and serve the salmon over a bed of cauliflower rice or mixed greens. Use a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit in place of honey in the glaze.
• Vegan/Vegetarian Option: For a plant-based version, substitute the salmon with tofu or tempeh. The tofu can be marinated in the same honey glaze and either seared or roasted just like the salmon.
• Spicy Glaze: If you enjoy heat, add a teaspoon of chili flakes or more sriracha to the honey glaze. You could also sprinkle red pepper flakes on the finished bowls for an extra kick.
• Paleo and Whole30: Replace the soy sauce with coconut aminos for a soy-free option, and use raw honey for the glaze. Serve over cauliflower rice to keep the meal grain-free.

Conclusion

Honey Glazed Salmon Bowls are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors that make for a balanced and nutritious meal. With a sticky, flavorful honey-soy glaze, tender salmon, and a variety of vegetables, this recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit a range of dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Yield: 4

Honey Glazed Salmon Bowls Recipe

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Honey Glazed Salmon Bowls are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors, making them an incredibly satisfying meal. Salmon is glazed with a sticky honey-soy mixture, then roasted or pan-seared to golden perfection, while fresh vegetables and grains are layered to create a nourishing and delicious bowl. This dish is not only flavorful but also nutritious, packed with omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon and fiber from the grains and vegetables.

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Salmon:
• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Bowls:
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
• 1 cup steamed broccoli
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
• Sliced green onions, for garnish
• Sriracha or chili flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Honey Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and lemon juice until well combined.

2. Cook the Salmon:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until crispy.
• Flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through.

3. Glaze the Salmon:

• Pour the honey glaze over the salmon in the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, spooning the glaze over the fillets as it thickens. Remove from heat once the salmon is fully coated and the glaze is sticky and shiny.

4. Assemble the Bowls:

• Divide the cooked rice among four bowls.
• Add steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and sliced avocado to each bowl.
• Place the glazed salmon fillet on top of the veggies and rice.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish the bowls with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
• Drizzle with extra glaze from the skillet and add sriracha or chili flakes for a spicy kick if desired.

Notes

• Swap Out the Veggies: Customize the bowls by adding your favorite vegetables such as roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini, or snap peas.
• Meal Prep Friendly: You can prepare all the components ahead of time and assemble the bowls when you're ready to eat. Reheat the salmon and glaze for the best flavor.
• Low Carb Option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or a green salad to make it lower in carbohydrates.