Pin it A quick and flavorful way to revive leftover salmon and rice using a clever microwave steaming trick, finished with fresh toppings for a balanced meal.
I first tried this when I had some cold salmon and rice in the fridge and needed a quick lunch that felt new. The microwave ice cube hack made everything taste freshly cooked.
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Ingredients
- Cooked rice: 1 cup white or brown, leftover
- Cooked salmon: 1 cup, flaked into large pieces
- Ice cubes: 2 for gentle steaming
- Soy sauce or tamari: 2 tablespoons, for gluten-free use tamari
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
- Avocado: 1, sliced
- Cucumber: 1, thinly sliced
- Pickled ginger: 2 tablespoons
- Toasted sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Scallion: 1, finely sliced
- Optional spicy topping: chili flakes or sriracha
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Instructions
- Layer leftovers:
- Place leftover rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Top evenly with flaked salmon.
- Add ice cubes:
- Put 2 ice cubes on top of the rice and salmon.
- Cover:
- Cover bowl loosely with parchment paper or a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave:
- Heat on high for 2, 3 minutes. Ice cubes will melt, gently steaming rice and salmon until moist and heated through.
- Top and serve:
- Remove from microwave. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil. Arrange avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger on top. Sprinkle sesame seeds and scallion. Add chili flakes or sriracha if desired. Serve immediately.
Pin it This bowl quickly became a family favorite whenever we had extra salmon from dinner. My kids enjoy choosing their own toppings, making it a fun interactive meal.
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Required Tools
Microwave-safe bowl, microwave, sharp knife, cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains fish, soy, and sesame. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free meals. Check all labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 410, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 27 g per serving
Pin it 
This speedy salmon rice bowl brings leftovers to life with minimal effort and lots of flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the salmon and rice from drying out?
The ice cube steaming method in the microwave keeps both salmon and rice moist and tender.
- → Can I use other types of cooked fish?
Yes, cooked white fish or even tofu work well in place of salmon for this bowl.
- → What toppings add extra flavor and texture?
Try avocado, cucumber, pickled ginger, sesame seeds, scallion, chili flakes, or sriracha for bold flavors.
- → Is this bowl suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version; always check ingredient labels.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! Shredded nori, edamame, or carrot ribbons bring more color and nutrition to the bowl.
- → What tools do I need to prepare this dish?
A microwave-safe bowl, microwave, sharp knife, and cutting board are all you need to get started.
