Honey Glazed Salmon Bowls Easy

This Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl recipe brings sweet and savory flavors together in a quick meal perfect for any day of the week. Tender salmon bites coated in a sticky honey glaze pair beautifully with steamed vegetables and comforting white rice. I keep this recipe in my back pocket for those times I need dinner on the table fast, but do not want to compromise on flavor or nutrition.

The first time I made these salmon bowls my family had seconds and there was not a single grain of rice left over. It quickly became our go-to when we wanted something both satisfying and fresh.

Ingredients

• Salmon filets: cubed for bite-sized pieces and quick cooking always look for brightly colored firm salmon
• Salt and pepper: to bring out the natural flavor of the fish season generously
• Soy sauce: forms the savory base of the glaze choose low sodium for a lighter touch
• Honey: adds sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize use local honey for the purest taste
• Garlic cloves: minced for bold flavor fresh garlic gives the best result
• Broccoli florets: for crunch and nutrition pick vibrant green heads with tight buds
• Shredded carrots: for color and sweetness bagged carrots make prep faster
• Green onion: sliced for a mild pop of flavor and visual appeal choose bright stalks
• White rice: for a traditional base or swap for brown rice or quinoa if preferred use freshly cooked for the fluffiest texture
• Sesame seeds: for garnish and nutty crunch toast lightly for more flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the produce:

Wash broccoli florets and carrots thoroughly and pat dry. Slice the green onions thinly. Cube the salmon filet into small even pieces so it cooks inside and remains juicy.

Make the honey soy glaze:

In a mixing bowl whisk together soy sauce honey and freshly minced garlic until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will be both the marinade and the finishing drizzle.

Marinate the salmon:

Place salmon cubes in the bowl with the glaze and toss to coat every piece evenly. Set aside for at least fifteen minutes allowing the flavors to penetrate the fish.

Air fry the salmon:

Preheat your air fryer to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange salmon pieces in a single layer in the basket. Cook for six minutes or until the flesh is just cooked through and caramelized at the edges. The goal is tender not dry.

Cook the rice and vegetables:

While the salmon cooks prepare white rice if you have not already. Steam broccoli florets and carrots until just tender but still vivid and slightly crisp.

Assemble the bowls:

Spoon fluffy rice into serving bowls. Top with broccoli carrots and crispy honey glazed salmon. Drizzle any leftover glaze over the top. Sprinkle with green onions and toasted sesame seeds to finish.

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My favorite part has to be scooping up all of that sweet sticky sauce with a forkful of rice and salmon. Last summer my nephew asked for this at every family gathering—he calls it the rainbow bowl for good reason.

Storage Tips

Let all components cool before storing. Assemble bowls in airtight containers to keep everything fresh. In the fridge they will last up to three days and reheat beautifully for lunch or a quick dinner. For longer storage freeze individual portions but leave off the green onions and seeds until serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try using boneless skinless chicken thighs in place of salmon for a different protein. Tamari or coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a gluten free or lower sodium option. Cauliflower rice works well in place of white rice if you want to cut carbs. Toss in snap peas bell pepper or edamame for vegetable variety.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these bowls on their own for a balanced meal or add a side of miso soup or seaweed salad for a bistro style lunch. For extra heat sprinkle with chili flakes or a splash of sriracha. Sometimes we wrap everything up in lettuce leaves for a fun and fresh twist.

Cultural and Historical Context

Salmon bowls often draw inspiration from Japanese donburi or Hawaiian poke but this honey glazed version fuses East Asian flavors with approachable techniques like the air fryer. It reflects how busy home cooks in many places are blending healthy global flavors with the speed and practicality of modern cooking.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of salmon works best for these bowls?

Fresh, skinless salmon filets are ideal, cubed into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and glaze coverage.

→ Can I make this dish without an air fryer?

Absolutely! The salmon can be baked in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes until cooked through.

→ How can I customize the ingredients?

Try swapping in vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or zucchini, or use brown rice or quinoa as the base.

→ What tips help achieve the perfect glaze?

Balance honey and soy sauce to taste, and allow at least 15 minutes for the salmon to marinate before cooking.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Keep components in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain texture.

→ Are there low-carb options for this bowl?

Yes! Substitute cauliflower rice for white rice to keep things light while still enjoying all the vibrant flavors.