Craving something flavorful, nourishing, and easy to make? This Healthy Sweet Chili Salmon Bowl is your new favorite power-packed meal. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory, with flaky roasted salmon glazed in homemade sweet chili sauce, nestled over a bed of fluffy rice and crisp, colorful vegetables.
This bowl is everything you want in a wholesome weeknight dinner—high in protein, loaded with vitamins, and easy to prep ahead. Plus, it’s a feast for the eyes with its vibrant rainbow of ingredients. Whether you're looking to eat healthier, cook more at home, or simply enjoy a satisfying bowl meal, this salmon bowl ticks all the boxes.
🧂 Ingredients (in grams)
For the Sweet Chili Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 300g total, skin on or off)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (30g)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (15g)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (5g)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (5g)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (2g)
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Bowl Base:
- 1 cup cooked jasmine rice or brown rice (185g)
- ½ cucumber (75g), thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot (60g), julienned or shredded
- ½ red bell pepper (75g), thinly sliced
- ¼ red cabbage (80g), shredded
- ½ avocado (75g), sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (10g)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Optional Sauce Drizzle:
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce (15g)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (15g)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (5g)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, and chili flakes. Place the salmon fillets in a dish or zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the fridge for deeper flavor).
2. Bake or Pan-Sear the Salmon:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the salmon on a lined baking sheet, skin-side down, and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky. Alternatively, pan-sear the salmon over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side.
3. Prepare the Bowl Ingredients:
While the salmon cooks, cook your rice according to package instructions and prep your vegetables—slice, shred, and set everything aside.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
In each bowl, start with a generous scoop of cooked rice. Top with sliced cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, red cabbage, avocado, and the cooked salmon. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions.
5. Drizzle and Serve:
If desired, mix up a quick extra drizzle using sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and soy sauce, and pour it over the bowl just before serving.
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – recipe makes 2 bowls)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 550mg
(Values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients used.)
✅ Why You’ll Love This Bowl
- Quick & Easy: Done in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Balanced & Nutritious: High-protein salmon with fresh veggies and healthy carbs.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Meal Prep Magic: Great for batch cooking—store components separately and assemble when ready.
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet chili glaze gives the salmon a bold, irresistible flavor.
🔧 Tips & Tricks
- Air Fryer Option: You can air-fry the marinated salmon at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes.
- Switch Up the Grains: Try with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or soba noodles for variety.
- Make It Spicy: Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle extra red chili flakes.
- Use Leftovers: This is a great way to use up leftover salmon or veggies from your fridge.
- Kid-Friendly Version: Skip the chili flakes and offer a sweeter glaze to appeal to little ones.
🌟 My Extra Touch for You
Add a side of quick pickled cucumbers (just slice and soak in vinegar, water, and a pinch of sugar for 10 minutes) to add a refreshing crunch. Also, for those who love umami, a sprinkle of crushed roasted seaweed or a dash of furikake seasoning can take this bowl to the next level!
This dish not only satisfies your hunger but also supports a mindful, health-forward lifestyle. It's one of those meals that proves healthy eating can be anything but boring.
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