Name: Sesame Salmon Rice Bowls with Ginger Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Ingredients: 1.25 lbs. salmon, cut into 1×1-inch cubes; 1/4 cup lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari; 1 Tbsp. chili-garlic sauce; 1 Tbsp. honey; 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil; 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (for cooking); 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice (“sushi rice”); 2 cups water; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar; 1 tsp. granulated sugar; 6 cups broccoli florets; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (for sautéing); 1/3 cup creamy cashew butter (or peanut butter); 1-inch knob fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated (about 1 Tbsp.); 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar; 3/4 tsp. lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari; 1/4 cup filtered water; Kosher salt, to taste; Sliced green onion; Toasted sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 3 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that is vibrant, flavorful, and downright satisfying, the Sesame Salmon Rice Bowls with Ginger Sauce Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender cubes of salmon marinated in a sticky sesame glaze, nestled on a bed of perfectly steamed Japanese sushi rice, with crisp-tender broccoli on the side, all brought together by a luscious, creamy ginger sauce that sings with warmth and just the right amount of tang. This recipe is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients that harmonize beautifully, easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share with friends. Let’s dive right into this delightful dish that combines comfort with an exciting Asian-inspired twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A bowl filled with a smooth, light tan-colored creamy sauce, topped with a few scattered sesame seeds. The bowl is white with a dark speckled pattern along the scalloped edges. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a piece of fresh ginger in light brown and a couple of green onion stalks nearby. In the corner, a small brown bowl holds chopped garlic. The overall look is fresh and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun when making the Sesame Salmon Rice Bowls with Ginger Sauce Recipe. Each item plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor, wonderful textures, and appealing colors that make this bowl as beautiful as it is delicious.

Salmon (1.25 lbs.): Choose fresh or thawed salmon for tender, flaky cubes that soak up the marinade.
Lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari (1/4 cup + 3/4 tsp): Adds depth and savory umami without overpowering the dish.
Chili-garlic sauce (1 Tbsp.): Brings a gentle kick and complexity to the marinade.
Honey (1 Tbsp.): Balances the savory elements with sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze.
Toasted sesame oil (2 tsp.): Infuses the salmon marinade with rich, nutty aroma.
Extra-virgin olive oil (2 Tbsp.): Used for sautéing broccoli to a delicious tender-crisp finish.
Broccoli florets (6 cups): The perfect fresh green component adding crunch and nutrients.
Japanese short-grain rice (“sushi rice”) (1 cup): Its sticky, fluffy texture is ideal as a comforting base for this bowl.
Water (2 cups): Essential to perfectly cook the rice.
Salt (1/2 tsp + to taste): Enhances flavor across all components.
Rice vinegar (2 Tbsp.): Brightens the rice and the ginger sauce with subtle acidity.
Granulated sugar (1 tsp.): Softens the vinegar’s bite and balances flavors.
Creamy cashew butter (or peanut butter) (1/3 cup): Forms the base of the rich, creamy ginger sauce.
Fresh ginger (1-inch knob, finely grated): Adds zing and warmth to the ginger sauce.
Optional garnishes – sliced green onion and toasted sesame seeds: Introduce fresh bite and pretty finishing touches.

How to Make Sesame Salmon Rice Bowls with Ginger Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Salmon

Start by patting your salmon dry and cutting it into bite-sized cubes. Whether you keep the skin or not, this step ensures the fish is ready to soak up the delicious marinade. Whisk together soy sauce, chili-garlic sauce, honey, and toasted sesame oil to create a sticky, flavorful bath. Toss the salmon in this mixture and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply into the fish.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Rinsing sushi rice is key to achieving that perfect sticky yet fluffy texture. Swirl it under cold water until the rinse water runs mostly clear, then combine with water and salt in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, covering the pot until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed. Stir in rice vinegar and sugar, cover it back up, and let it steam off the heat. This step adds a subtle tang that elevates the flavor and tenderness of your rice base.

Step 3: Prepare the Ginger Sauce

The star finishing touch is a creamy ginger sauce that harmonizes the boldness of the salmon and freshness of the broccoli. Whisk together creamy cashew or peanut butter with freshly grated ginger, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Slowly add water while stirring until you reach a rich, smooth consistency. Taste and season with a pinch of salt to balance the flavors perfectly.

Step 4: Sauté the Broccoli

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and toss in the broccoli florets. Start uncovered for a quick toss, then cover the pan, stirring every minute or two to prevent burning. This technique steams and chars the broccoli simultaneously, leaving it crisp-tender with smoky caramelized edges. Season with salt and pepper, then keep warm until assembling the bowls.

Step 5: Cook the Salmon

Finally, warm another skillet over medium heat, adding the salmon and any leftover marinade. Arrange the cubes in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a beautiful sear. Stir and cook a little longer until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze that coats each cube luxuriously. This step locks in flavor and texture, making the salmon irresistibly glossy and tender.

Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls

Divide the steamed sushi rice evenly between four bowls. Arrange the sesame-glazed salmon and sautéed broccoli alongside, then generously drizzle your creamy ginger sauce over the top. To finish, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for bursts of crunch and color. Now, your Sesame Salmon Rice Bowls with Ginger Sauce Recipe are ready to delight your taste buds!

How to Serve Sesame Salmon Rice Bowls with Ginger Sauce Recipe

A white bowl filled with a base layer of white rice, topped with bright green broccoli florets that have a light charred texture, and golden brown glazed chicken chunks scattered evenly on top. A creamy beige sauce is drizzled over the chicken and broccoli, adding a smooth texture, while toasted sesame seeds and thin slices of green chili peppers are sprinkled over everything for added detail. A woman's hand is holding light brown wooden chopsticks, picking up a piece of chicken in the center of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds is not just about looks; these little extras bring freshness and subtle crunch that complement the luscious textures in your bowl. Feel free to experiment with pickled ginger or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a personal twist.

Side Dishes

Keep the meal balanced and exciting by serving your bowls alongside a light cucumber salad or miso soup. These sides add cool, refreshing contrast and deepen the meal’s Japanese-inspired theme, making your dinner feel like a thoughtful, full restaurant experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, use natural bowls like wooden or ceramic ones with rustic textures. Layer ingredients artfully by placing the salmon on one side and broccoli on the other for color contrast. Drizzle the ginger sauce in a zigzag or drizzle pattern so each spoonful mixes vibrant flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Sesame Salmon Rice Bowls with Ginger Sauce Recipe, store the salmon, rice, and broccoli separately in airtight containers. This keeps textures intact and flavors from mingling too much, ensuring everything tastes fresh when reheated.

Freezing

Salmon and rice can be frozen for up to one month. It’s best to flash-cool the cooked salmon and rice before freezing. However, the ginger sauce and broccoli are better made fresh or consumed within a couple of days, as their textures and flavors don’t freeze as well.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the salmon and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or oil if needed to prevent drying. Microwave works for rice but warm it slowly to keep it fluffy. Drizzle ginger sauce fresh after reheating for optimal creaminess and zing.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish instead of salmon?

Absolutely! While salmon works beautifully for its richness and texture, you can substitute with tuna, cod, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Just be sure to check that any chili-garlic sauce you use is also gluten-free to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

How spicy is the Sesame Salmon Rice Bowls with Ginger Sauce Recipe?

The recipe has a gentle kick from the chili-garlic sauce that can be adjusted to your preference. If you love heat, add a bit more chili-garlic sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper on top. If you prefer mild flavors, reduce the amount or omit entirely.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes! Marinating the salmon ahead of time and cooking the rice in advance can save you a lot of time. You can also make the ginger sauce the day before. Just sauté the broccoli and salmon right before serving for the best freshness.

What’s the best type of rice to use?

Japanese short-grain rice is ideal because of its sticky, tender texture that clings nicely under the salmon and soaks up the ginger sauce perfectly. Sushi rice is your best friend here.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up the Sesame Salmon Rice Bowls with Ginger Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels special without any fuss, combining heartwarming comfort with bright, lively flavor profiles. Perfect for sharing with family or savoring solo after a long day. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become a staple in your recipe collection too. Enjoy every bite!