Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl

Other Fast With Fish Published March 18, 2026

A fish-day bowl that delivers deeply satisfying flavors with almost no effort. The teriyaki glaze caramelizes on the salmon under the broiler, turning sticky and dark at the edges while the center stays pink and silky. Over steamed rice with quick-pickled vegetables, it is a complete meal in fifteen minutes.

This is the kind of food that makes fish days during Lent feel like a genuine celebration. No apologies, no austerity — just perfectly cooked salmon with a sweet-savory glaze.

FASTING LEVEL: Fast With Fish
SERVINGS: 4
TIME: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS

- 4 salmon fillets (about 150g each), skin-on
- 80ml soy sauce
- 60ml mirin
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cups cooked short-grain rice
- 1 cucumber, sliced thin and tossed with rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sriracha or chili flakes (optional)

METHOD

1. Whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-6 minutes until reduced by about one-third and slightly syrupy. Set aside.

2. Pat the salmon fillets dry. Place skin-side down on a lined baking sheet. Brush generously with the teriyaki glaze.

3. Broil on high for 6-8 minutes, brushing with more glaze halfway through, until the top is caramelized and the fish is cooked to your preference. The center should still be slightly translucent for best texture.

4. Divide the rice among four bowls. Top each with a salmon fillet, pickled cucumber, avocado slices, and green onions. Drizzle with remaining glaze and scatter sesame seeds over the top.

NOTES

- The glaze burns easily under the broiler. Watch it closely after the 5-minute mark.
- Short-grain rice is ideal — it clings together and absorbs the glaze that drips down. Long-grain works but gives a different experience.
- Edamame (if available) makes an excellent addition to the bowl for extra protein.
- Keeps poorly — salmon is best eaten fresh. Make only what you will eat.