Salmon Teriyaki Bowl: A Perfect Blend of Sweet Heat and Juicy Flavor

If you’re looking for a vibrant, nutritious meal that packs in flavor and is quick to make, the Salmon Teriyaki Bowl is the dish you need. With crispy air-fried salmon bites marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, paired with a creamy spicy yogurt sauce, this bowl combines the best of both worlds—sweet, savory, and a little kick of heat. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s so quick and easy to prepare—10 minutes of prep time and just 7 minutes of cooking, and you have a delicious, flavorful meal! The air fryer makes the salmon crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a mouthwatering teriyaki glaze. The spicy yogurt sauce is a perfect complement, balancing out the richness of the salmon and adding a creamy, zesty finish. Plus, with healthy ingredients like salmon, brown rice, and edamame, this bowl is both filling and nutritious.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salmon:

• 2 filets of salmon (Atlantic, King, or Sockeye)
• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

For the Spicy Yogurt Sauce:

• ¼ cup plain yogurt (0% Greek yogurt or any type)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

For Assembly:

• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• ½ cup cooked edamame
• ½ avocado

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
I start by patting the salmon filets dry with a paper towel to ensure the marinade sticks better. If the salmon has skin, I remove it using a sharp knife, then cut the filets into 2-inch cubes.

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
In a mixing bowl, I combine the coconut aminos, sesame oil, honey, garlic powder, and sea salt. I reserve 1 tablespoon of the marinade for later and add the salmon cubes to the bowl. I toss the salmon gently to coat it with the marinade, then let it sit for about 3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon
Next, I preheat my air fryer to 400°F (190°C) and place the marinated salmon cubes in the basket. I make sure there’s space between the pieces for even cooking. I air fry for 7 minutes until the edges are crispy and the sauce has caramelized.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Yogurt Sauce
While the salmon cooks, I mix together the yogurt, hot sauce, chipotle powder, paprika, and olive oil in a small bowl. I whisk until smooth and set it aside.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowl
I start by placing 1 cup of cooked brown rice in each serving bowl. I then add several pieces of the crispy salmon on top of the rice. I add a handful of edamame in one section of the bowl and some avocado slices in another.

Step 6: Finish with Sauce
I drizzle the reserved marinade over the salmon bites and top everything off with a generous drizzle of the spicy yogurt sauce. Serve immediately!

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 servings.
It takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 7 minutes of cooking time, making it a perfect quick meal.

Variations

I love how versatile this recipe is. You can customize it based on what you have at home:

• Add more veggies: Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or pickled ginger are great additions for extra color and nutrients.
• Substitute the salmon: You can use other fish like tuna or even chicken if you prefer.
• Spice it up: Adjust the amount of hot sauce or chipotle powder in the yogurt sauce for more heat, or add chili flakes to the salmon for an extra kick.

storage/reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I recommend using the air fryer or oven to bring back that crispy texture, or simply microwaving for about 1–2 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can marinate the salmon and prepare the rice and edamame ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, just air fry the salmon and assemble the bowls with the sauce.

Can I use another kind of sauce?

Yes! If you’re not into the spicy yogurt sauce, a sweet chili sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even a soy-ginger sauce would work well to pair with the salmon.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of your coconut aminos and soy sauce substitutes if you’re using them.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking. Fresh salmon will provide the best texture and flavor, but frozen works fine too!

What other grains can I use?

If you prefer something other than brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice would work well as the base for this bowl.

Conclusion

This Salmon Teriyaki Bowl is a perfect balance of flavors and textures—crispy salmon, creamy avocado, tangy yogurt sauce, and wholesome brown rice. It’s quick, nutritious, and packed with flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s versatile, so you can easily make it your own. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that everyone will love!

Print