When dinner plans fall through or you just want a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy, this Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl is my go-to. I remember the first time I made it when I was short on time but still wanted something tasty and fresh. It turned out so well that it quickly became a regular in my kitchen. The balance of sweet honey glaze with perfectly cooked salmon makes it stand out without any fuss, fitting right into real home cooking where you want comfort without complication.
What You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each) – Fresh or thawed, skin on or off works fine
- 3 tablespoons honey – The star of your glaze; I sometimes swap with maple syrup if I want a different sweetness in my Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Regular or low sodium; you can find this in the international aisle at your grocery store
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Adds a little tang; no worries if you only have white vinegar, just use less
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – For that nutty Asian salmon bowl flavor; olive oil can be a quick stand-in
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger – Optional but my favorite for depth; you can use ground ginger if fresh isn’t available
- Cooked rice, about 4 cups – White, brown, or jasmine; this makes your salmon rice bowl filling and comforting
- 2 cups steamed broccoli or snap peas – Adds freshness and color
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish – These little touches bring the Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl together visually and flavor-wise
This Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl keeps costs reasonable since the glaze ingredients are pantry staples you probably already have. Shopping is simple, and you won’t need specialty items. Prep shortcuts I love? Use pre-minced garlic or a ginger paste to save a few minutes. You can cook your rice the day before, so it’s ready to go when you start your glazed salmon recipe. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge—just reheat gently so the salmon stays tender.
One little change I like to make in my Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl is adding a splash more honey to the glaze for extra shine and sweetness. It’s a small detail that friends always ask about after tasting it!
Let’s Make It Together:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. I find this step helps keep the Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl tidy and stress-free.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to make your glaze. This mixture is the heart of your Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl, so taking a moment to combine it well makes all the difference.
- Place your salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down if your fillets have skin. Brush each fillet generously with the glaze. Don’t be shy here; the glaze will caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork and glistens with that lovely honey glaze. Your kitchen will soon smell amazing.
- While the salmon bakes, start steaming your broccoli or snap peas. You can do this simply on the stovetop or in the microwave—whatever fits your kitchen time.
- If you haven’t pre-cooked your rice, start it now. Cooking rice usually takes about 20 minutes, so it’s perfect timing with your salmon and veggies.
- Once the salmon is out, give it one last brush with any glaze left on the tray. This seals in the flavor for your Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl.
- To build your salmon rice bowl, start with a scoop of rice, add your steamed vegetables, then place the glazed salmon on top.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a little fresh crunch and pretty presentation.
- Serve immediately. If you want to save time on busy nights, you can prep the glaze and rice a day ahead, making this Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl more of a quick assembly at dinnertime.
From start to finish, this Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl takes about 30-40 minutes, including prep and cooking. While your salmon bakes, multitask by setting the table or prepping a simple side salad. Don’t worry if your glaze looks a bit runny when you first brush it on—the baking process thickens it into a sticky, tasty coating that keeps the salmon moist and flavorful. This is where I used to rush my Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl—rushing the glaze step made it less sticky and flavorful. Taking your time brushing on the honey mixture really pays off and keeps that golden glaze perfect.
If you love this, your family might also enjoy another favorite like the Honey Sriracha Chicken Rice Bowls I’ve shared here. It offers a bit of a spicy kick with the same comforting rice bowl feel.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
The classic way I serve this Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl is warm, fresh out of the oven over a bed of steamed rice and vegetables. It makes a wholesome, healthy salmon meal that feels balanced and satisfying. For sides, I love pairing it with a simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil. The crunch and acidity cut through the sweetness of the honey glaze, making each bite bright and fresh.
This Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl is a real crowd-pleaser around the table. I’ve served it for casual weeknight dinners and even casual weekend gatherings where people appreciate a tasty yet easy meal on the table.
Presentation tip: Try serving the salmon with the skin side up if you cooked it that way—it crisps nicely and adds texture. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions finishes it off with little effort but noticeable impact.
Got leftovers? No problem. Turn your Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl into a delicious lunch by flaking the salmon over mixed greens or stuffing it into a wrap with some crunchy veggies.
Seasonal variations I’ve tried include swapping out the steamed broccoli for roasted asparagus or even shredded kale for a little green twist. Each change keeps the dish feeling new but just as comforting. Friends always comment on how this Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl tastes both fresh and indulgent, without the heaviness of takeout versions. It’s a home-cooked Asian salmon bowl favorite in my kitchen and hopefully in yours soon.
If you’re looking for another delicious salmon rice bowl to try, this Teriyaki Salmon Avocado Rice has a creamy avocado twist your family might love.
Your Questions Answered:
- Can I make this Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the glaze and cook the rice a day ahead. Salmon is best fresh but will keep in the fridge sealed for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the texture nice.
- What’s a good substitute for soy sauce in this Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl? If you need a gluten-free option, tamari offers a great swap that keeps flavor intact. Coconut aminos work too, though the taste is milder.
- How do I adjust this Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl for more or fewer people? Just multiply or divide the salmon and glaze ingredients. It scales well and you can easily cook the salmon on a larger baking sheet or in batches.
- Can I use frozen salmon for this glazed salmon recipe? Absolutely. Just fully thaw the fillets before baking so they cook evenly. Pat dry to help the glaze stick well.
- How do I prevent my honey glaze from burning on the salmon? Keep an eye on the salmon toward the end of baking. The sugars in honey can brown quickly, so if needed, tent with foil in the last few minutes.
- What sides work best with the Honey Salmon Bowl? Steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or green beans balance the meal nicely. Quick pickled cucumber or a light Asian slaw also complements the flavors.
- Can I make this into a vegetarian bowl? Definitely! Swap salmon for baked tofu or tempeh brushed with the same glaze. It’s a hearty, healthy salmon meal alternative that’s just as satisfying.
If you want more ideas for quick, reliable bowls, check out this Honey Glazed Salmon Bowls Recipe from Jar Of Lemons for a similar take, or the quick & easy version from The Recipe Critic which includes helpful timing tips. I’ve tried tweaks readers have shared, like adding chili flakes for heat or mixing in bok choy for extra greens. It’s fun to make this Asian salmon bowl match your taste and kitchen mood.
Final Thoughts:
This Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl has a special place in my recipe collection because it delivers every time—reliable, flavorful, and perfectly suited for busy home cooks. I love how simple ingredients turn into something comforting yet a bit special with that rich honey glaze.
My Best Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl Tips:
- Brush the glaze generously and don’t rush this step for maximum flavor and appealing stickiness.
- Cook salmon just until flaky to keep it tender and juicy—overcooked fish loses that lovely texture.
- Prep rice and veggies while salmon bakes to keep the kitchen moving efficiently.
The versions I’ve tested include swapping in maple syrup for honey, adding a touch of sriracha for spice, and trying different steamed veggies like asparagus or snap peas. The classic honey and soy glaze gets requested most at my table because it’s just the right balance of sweet and savory.
I encourage you to make this Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl your own. Maybe try mixing in your favorite greens or switching up sides to fit your family’s favorites. What I hope you’ll love most is how quickly this meal feels put-together and how happy it makes the people you share it with.
For more reliable dinner ideas, try the Honey Garlic Ground Turkey recipe—another straightforward crowd-pleaser that pairs well with simple sides.
Thanks for letting me share this dependable, delicious Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl. I’m confident it’ll become one of your favorite salmon rice bowls to make again and again. Happy cooking, friend!
Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl
This Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl features perfectly seared salmon glazed with a sweet and savory honey sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice and fresh vegetables for a wholesome, flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to make the glaze.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Flip the salmon and brush the glaze generously over the fillets. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, basting with glaze until salmon is cooked through and caramelized.
- Divide cooked jasmine rice into bowls. Arrange steamed broccoli and shredded carrots around the rice.
- Place the glazed salmon on top of the rice and vegetables.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the bowl just before serving or swap broccoli for bok choy for a different veggie option.