Craving a dinner that’s incredibly delicious, lightning-fast, and packed with nutrients? Look no further than these Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls. This recipe delivers perfectly tender, flaky salmon coated in an irresistible sweet and savory glaze, all served over fluffy rice with your favorite veggies. It’s the kind of meal that feels gourmet but comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights. We’re talking maximum flavor for minimal effort!
Whether you’re making a quick dinner for the family or looking for a healthy and satisfying meal prep idea, these Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls are a guaranteed winner. The simple, clean ingredients come together in a symphony of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Honey Garlic Salmon Bowl Recipe is a Must-Try
There are so many reasons to love this recipe, but here are the highlights:
Unbelievably Fast: From start to finish, you can have these beautiful bowls on the table in about 20 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those “what’s for dinner?” moments.
Packed with Flavor: The honey garlic glaze is the star of the show. It’s a simple combination of pantry staples that creates a sticky, savory, and slightly sweet sauce that perfectly complements the rich salmon.
Healthy & Balanced: With a great source of protein and omega-3s from the salmon, plus carbs and veggies, this is a well-rounded meal you can feel good about eating.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is a meal prepper’s dream! The components store beautifully, making it easy to assemble healthy and delicious lunches for the week. If you’re a fan of meal prepping, you should also check out our Salmon and Broccoli Meal Prep guide.
The Magic Ingredients: What You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of common ingredients to create the magic. Here’s your shopping list:
For the Salmon
Salmon Fillets: You’ll need four 6-ounce salmon fillets. Look for fillets that are skin-on or skinless, depending on your preference. Both fresh and frozen (and thawed) work great.
Avocado Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point is perfect for searing.
Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning the salmon simply before cooking.
For the Honey Garlic Glaze
Honey: The sweet base of our glaze.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
Ginger: A small amount of freshly grated ginger adds a wonderful warmth and zing.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey.
For Assembling the Bowls
Cooked Rice: White, brown, or jasmine rice all work perfectly as a base.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli florets, asparagus spears, or edamame are excellent choices.
Garnish (Optional): Sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a wedge of lime.
How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious salmon bowls.
Prep Your Ingredients: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This is crucial for getting a perfect sear! Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. While you’re at it, get your rice cooking and steam or roast your vegetables.
Whisk the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Set it aside.
Sear the Salmon: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot pan, skin-side up if they have skin. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Flip the fillets.
Glaze and Finish: Pour the honey garlic glaze over the salmon in the skillet. Let it bubble and thicken for 1-2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fillets as it cooks. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top with your steamed veggies and a honey garlic salmon fillet. Drizzle any extra glaze from the pan over the bowls and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
A healthy and balanced meal that's ready in minutes.
Pro Tips for Perfectly Cooked Salmon Every Time
Cooking salmon can be intimidating, but with these tips, you’ll nail it.
Don’t Overcook It: This is the most important rule! Salmon cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it flakes easily. An internal temperature of 145°F is the sweet spot.
Dry the Skin: For crispy skin, make sure the salmon is patted completely dry before seasoning and searing.
Hot Pan is Key: Ensure your pan and oil are hot before adding the salmon. This gives you a beautiful, crispy exterior without overcooking the inside.
Delicious Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
Add Some Spice: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
Change the Veggies: Bok choy, bell peppers, or snap peas would also be delicious in these bowls.
Swap the Grain: Try quinoa, farro, or even soba noodles instead of rice for a different texture and nutritional profile. For more dinner inspiration, explore our collection of easy chicken dinners.
That irresistible honey garlic glaze bubbling away in the pan.
What to Serve with Your Salmon Bowls
These Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls are a complete meal on their own, but if you want to add a little something extra, a side of fluffy garlic butter dinner rolls is perfect for soaking up any leftover glaze. A simple cucumber salad would also be a refreshing addition.
Meal Prep & Storage Instructions
To meal prep, cook the salmon, rice, and vegetables as directed. Store each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, assemble a bowl and microwave for 60-90 seconds, or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat the salmon, as it can become dry.
These bowls are a complete meal, but they pair wonderfully with a side of roasted asparagus, edamame, or a simple cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, you can add some sliced avocado or pickled red onions.
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight before you plan to cook it. Once thawed, pat it very dry with paper towels to ensure you get a good sear.
Store the salmon, rice, and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave gently in 30-second intervals until just warmed through. Be careful not to overcook it, as salmon can become dry.
Yes, this is a very healthy and balanced meal. Salmon is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. When paired with whole grains like brown rice and plenty of vegetables, it creates a nutritious and satisfying dish.
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, pour the honey garlic glaze over the fillets and let it caramelize under the heat.
Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner
These Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls are more than just a recipe; they’re a solution for busy people who still want to eat incredibly well. It’s a dish that proves that you don’t need a lot of time or complicated ingredients to create something truly special. We hope you love it as much as we do!
If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest. Your feedback helps us and inspires other home cooks!
This is what a perfect 20-minute weeknight dinner looks like. So much flavor!
Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls
FL Recipes
Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls (The Perfect 20-Minute Meal!)
This Honey Garlic Salmon Bowl recipe is the perfect weeknight meal! Tender salmon fillets are pan-seared and coated in an irresistible honey garlic glaze, ready in just 20 minutes for a healthy, delicious, and easy dinner.
4cupssteamed or roasted vegetablese.g., broccoli, asparagus
1tbspsesame seedsfor garnish
2tbspsliced green onionsfor garnish
Equipment
1 Large Skillet
1 Small Bowl
Method
Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Prepare your cooked rice and vegetables.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets in the hot pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown. Flip the fillets carefully.
Pour the honey garlic glaze over the salmon. Allow it to bubble and thicken for 1-2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top with vegetables and a salmon fillet. Drizzle with extra glaze from the pan and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 580kcalProtein: 42gFat: 22gFiber: 5g
Notes
Tip 1: Do not overcrowd the pan when searing the salmon. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each fillet gets a beautiful, crispy crust. Tip 2: The glaze will thicken quickly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
