Name: Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: Salmon Fillets: (Approximately 1.5-2 lbs, skin on or off, about 4-6 fillets) – The star of the dish, salmon is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins. Look for fillets that are bright in color and firm to the touch for the best quality and taste. You can choose your preferred cut, whether it’s the thicker center-cut fillets or the thinner tail pieces, adjusting cooking time accordingly.; Honey: (1/4 cup) – This natural sweetener not only adds a delightful sweetness to the glaze but also helps in caramelization during cooking, creating a beautiful and flavorful crust on the salmon. Opt for raw, unfiltered honey for potential added health benefits and a richer taste profile. You can also experiment with different types of honey like wildflower or clover for subtle flavor variations.; Soy Sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free): (1/4 cup) – Provides a savory, umami depth to the marinade and glaze. Soy sauce balances the sweetness of honey and the pungency of garlic, creating a harmonious flavor profile. For those following a gluten-free diet, tamari is an excellent substitute that offers a similar taste. Low-sodium options are also available for those watching their salt intake.; Garlic: (4-5 cloves, minced) – The aromatic powerhouse that infuses the dish with its characteristic pungent and savory flavor. Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the best taste, as it releases its oils and flavor compounds more effectively compared to pre-minced garlic. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your preference, adding more for a bolder garlic flavor.; Rice Vinegar: (2 tablespoons) – Adds a subtle tang and acidity to the glaze, further balancing the sweetness and richness. Rice vinegar also helps to tenderize the salmon slightly and brightens the overall flavor profile. If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as alternatives, though they will impart slightly different flavors.; Sesame Oil: (1 tablespoon) – A small amount of sesame oil contributes a nutty aroma and depth of flavor that is characteristic of Asian-inspired cuisine. Toasted sesame oil is preferred for its more intense and pronounced flavor compared to regular sesame oil. Be mindful that sesame oil has a strong flavor, so a little goes a long way.; Ginger: (1 tablespoon, grated fresh ginger) – Adds a warm, zesty, and slightly spicy note to the marinade and glaze. Fresh ginger is crucial for its vibrant flavor and aromatic qualities. Peeling ginger can be made easier by using the edge of a spoon to scrape off the skin. Grating fresh ginger releases its juices and flavor effectively.; Red Pepper Flakes (optional): (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste) – For a touch of heat and complexity. Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick to the glaze without overpowering the other flavors. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference, or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder dish.; Green Onions: (2-3, thinly sliced, for garnish) – Provide a fresh, mild oniony flavor and a pop of color as a garnish. Green onions are typically added at the end to maintain their crispness and fresh flavor. They also contribute a visual appeal to the finished dish.; Cooked Rice: (For serving, about 1-2 cups cooked rice per person) – The base of the bowl, providing a comforting and neutral canvas for the flavorful salmon and other components. You can use your favorite type of rice, such as white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice. Brown rice is a healthier option with more fiber, while jasmine or basmati rice offer fragrant and delicate flavors. Quinoa or other grains can also be substituted for rice.; Assorted Vegetables: (For serving, such as broccoli florets, edamame, carrots, bell peppers, spinach, avocado, etc.) – Adds essential nutrients, fiber, and texture to the bowls. The beauty of salmon bowls is their versatility; you can use any vegetables you have on hand or your favorites. Roasting, steaming, or sautéing vegetables before adding them to the bowl enhances their flavor and texture. Consider colorful vegetables for visual appeal and a wider range of nutrients.; Sesame Seeds (optional): (For garnish) – Adds a nutty flavor and a pleasant textural crunch as a garnish. Toasted sesame seeds have a more pronounced flavor than untoasted ones. They also add a visual element to the finished dish.

Ingredients

Salmon Fillets: (Approximately 1.5-2 lbs, skin on or off, about 4-6 fillets) – The star of the dish, salmon is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins. Look for fillets that are bright in color and firm to the touch for the best quality and taste. You can choose your preferred cut, whether it’s the thicker center-cut fillets or the thinner tail pieces, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Honey: (1/4 cup) – This natural sweetener not only adds a delightful sweetness to the glaze but also helps in caramelization during cooking, creating a beautiful and flavorful crust on the salmon. Opt for raw, unfiltered honey for potential added health benefits and a richer taste profile. You can also experiment with different types of honey like wildflower or clover for subtle flavor variations.
Soy Sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free): (1/4 cup) – Provides a savory, umami depth to the marinade and glaze. Soy sauce balances the sweetness of honey and the pungency of garlic, creating a harmonious flavor profile. For those following a gluten-free diet, tamari is an excellent substitute that offers a similar taste. Low-sodium options are also available for those watching their salt intake.
Garlic: (4-5 cloves, minced) – The aromatic powerhouse that infuses the dish with its characteristic pungent and savory flavor. Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the best taste, as it releases its oils and flavor compounds more effectively compared to pre-minced garlic. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your preference, adding more for a bolder garlic flavor.
Rice Vinegar: (2 tablespoons) – Adds a subtle tang and acidity to the glaze, further balancing the sweetness and richness. Rice vinegar also helps to tenderize the salmon slightly and brightens the overall flavor profile. If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as alternatives, though they will impart slightly different flavors.
Sesame Oil: (1 tablespoon) – A small amount of sesame oil contributes a nutty aroma and depth of flavor that is characteristic of Asian-inspired cuisine. Toasted sesame oil is preferred for its more intense and pronounced flavor compared to regular sesame oil. Be mindful that sesame oil has a strong flavor, so a little goes a long way.
Ginger: (1 tablespoon, grated fresh ginger) – Adds a warm, zesty, and slightly spicy note to the marinade and glaze. Fresh ginger is crucial for its vibrant flavor and aromatic qualities. Peeling ginger can be made easier by using the edge of a spoon to scrape off the skin. Grating fresh ginger releases its juices and flavor effectively.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste) – For a touch of heat and complexity. Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick to the glaze without overpowering the other flavors. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference, or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
Green Onions: (2-3, thinly sliced, for garnish) – Provide a fresh, mild oniony flavor and a pop of color as a garnish. Green onions are typically added at the end to maintain their crispness and fresh flavor. They also contribute a visual appeal to the finished dish.
Cooked Rice: (For serving, about 1-2 cups cooked rice per person) – The base of the bowl, providing a comforting and neutral canvas for the flavorful salmon and other components. You can use your favorite type of rice, such as white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice. Brown rice is a healthier option with more fiber, while jasmine or basmati rice offer fragrant and delicate flavors. Quinoa or other grains can also be substituted for rice.
Assorted Vegetables: (For serving, such as broccoli florets, edamame, carrots, bell peppers, spinach, avocado, etc.) – Adds essential nutrients, fiber, and texture to the bowls. The beauty of salmon bowls is their versatility; you can use any vegetables you have on hand or your favorites. Roasting, steaming, or sautéing vegetables before adding them to the bowl enhances their flavor and texture. Consider colorful vegetables for visual appeal and a wider range of nutrients.
Sesame Seeds (optional): (For garnish) – Adds a nutty flavor and a pleasant textural crunch as a garnish. Toasted sesame seeds have a more pronounced flavor than untoasted ones. They also add a visual element to the finished dish.

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Instructions

Prepare the Honey Garlic Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce (or tamari), minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure all ingredients are well combined to create a smooth and emulsified marinade. This marinade is the flavor foundation of the dish, so take a moment to ensure it’s well mixed.
Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the honey garlic marinade over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is generously coated. If using a plastic bag, seal it and gently massage the marinade into the salmon. If using a dish, turn the salmon fillets to coat both sides. Marinate the salmon in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or up to 1 hour for a more intense flavor. Longer marinating times can sometimes make the salmon texture slightly mushy due to the acidity of the marinade, so 1 hour is generally the maximum recommended time.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Parchment paper prevents the salmon from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Foil can also be used, but parchment paper is often preferred for its non-stick properties.
Bake the Salmon: Remove the marinated salmon fillets from the marinade and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each fillet for even cooking. If you marinated the salmon in a bag, carefully remove them and let any excess marinade drip off before placing them on the baking sheet.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. The internal temperature of cooked salmon should reach 145°F (63°C). The salmon is done when it transitions from a translucent to an opaque pink color and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork. Avoid overbaking, as it can make the salmon dry.
Prepare the Bowls: While the salmon is baking, prepare your bowls. Cook your rice according to package directions. Prepare your chosen vegetables by roasting, steaming, or sautéing them as desired. Having all the bowl components ready while the salmon is baking ensures a quick assembly and serving process. For roasted vegetables, toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast alongside the salmon or separately. For steamed or sautéed vegetables, cook them until tender-crisp.
Assemble the Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls: Once the salmon is cooked, it’s time to assemble the bowls. Start with a base of cooked rice in each bowl. Top the rice with your cooked vegetables. Gently flake the baked honey garlic salmon into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on top of the vegetables and rice.
Drizzle with Remaining Glaze (Optional): If desired, you can gently simmer the remaining marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens into a glaze. Drizzle this glaze over the salmon bowls for extra flavor and moisture. Simmering the marinade not only thickens it but also ensures it’s safely cooked and enhances its flavor.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures. Fresh garnishes add visual appeal and a final touch of freshness to the dish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

Protein: 40g