Description
This Healthy Sweet Chili Salmon Bowl is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or meal prep enthusiasts. The combination of tender, flaky salmon glazed with sweet chili sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice and fresh vegetables creates a balanced meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless based on preference
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowl Base
- 2 cups jasmine rice, uncooked (or brown rice for a higher-fiber option)
- 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken/vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Vegetables
- 2 cups edamame, shelled and cooked
- 1 cucumber, sliced or diced
- 2 carrots, julienned or grated
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 4 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
For the Garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Lime wedges for serving
For Additional Sweet Chili Drizzle
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin if needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water or broth, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
- In a small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour half of the marinade over the salmon, reserving the other half for cooking. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes (while preparing other ingredients).
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) in the hot pan.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy or the bottom is golden.
- Carefully flip salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the reserved marinade over the salmon and cook for an additional minute until the sauce is slightly caramelized and salmon is cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables
- While the salmon is cooking, arrange all prepared vegetables in separate piles or containers if meal prepping.
- If using edamame from frozen, follow package instructions for heating.
Step 5: Assemble the Sweet Chili Salmon Bowls
- Divide cooked rice among four bowls.
- Arrange vegetables around the rice in sections.
- Place a salmon fillet on top of each bowl.
- Drizzle additional sweet chili sauce over the salmon and vegetables.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and sesame seeds.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
For the best texture, cook the salmon with the skin on and crisp it up in the pan. You can always remove the skin before serving if preferred.
Don’t overcook the salmon – it should be just opaque in the center and flake easily with a fork.
Meal prep hack: Prepare all components separately and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble just before eating.
For a spicier version, add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sweet chili sauce.
For a low-carb option, substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 75
Keywords: healthy sweet chili salmon bowl, sweet chili salmon, healthy salmon bowl, asian salmon bowl, meal prep salmon, quick salmon dinner, sweet chili glaze