Leftover Salmon Rice Bowl

Featured in: Quick Lunches

Give new life to cooked salmon and rice with a simple microwave steaming technique that keeps everything moist and tender. This bowl is finished with avocado, cucumber, pickled ginger, and a drizzle of soy sauce and sesame oil for irresistible flavor. Toasted sesame seeds and scallion add crunch, while optional chili or sriracha provides a spicy kick. Customize with your favorite toppings or substitute the salmon for cooked fish or tofu. With quick prep and easy clean-up, enjoy a wholesome meal in just minutes.

Updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT
Delicious leftover salmon and rice bowl topped with vibrant veggies and sauces.  Pin
Delicious leftover salmon and rice bowl topped with vibrant veggies and sauces. | grillandbites.com

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.

This recipe saved me on busy weeknights when I needed something nourishing without much fuss. Using the ice cube steaming trick, my rice and salmon were never dry.

Ingredients

  • Cooked rice: 1 cup, white or brown
  • Cooked salmon: 1 cup, flaked into large pieces
  • Ice cubes: 2, for microwave steaming
  • Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons, or tamari for gluten-free
  • 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: chili flakes or sriracha

Instructions

Layer rice and salmon:
Place leftover rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Top evenly with flaked salmon.
Add ice cubes:
Place 2 ice cubes on top of the rice and salmon.
Cover and steam:
Cover the bowl loosely with parchment paper or a microwave-safe plate.
Microwave:
Microwave on high for 2–3 minutes, or until the ice cubes melt and the rice and salmon are heated through and moist.
Add sauces:
Remove from microwave. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Add toppings:
Arrange avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger on top.
Finish and serve:
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallion. Add chili flakes or sriracha if desired. Serve immediately.
Quick and easy leftover salmon & rice bowl garnished with fresh avocado slices.  Pin
Quick and easy leftover salmon & rice bowl garnished with fresh avocado slices. | grillandbites.com

My family enjoys building their own bowls with their favorite toppings. It's become a go-to meal after salmon night, and everyone looks forward to customizing their bowl.

Required Tools

Microwave-safe bowl, microwave, sharp knife, cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains fish (salmon), soy (soy sauce), and sesame. For gluten-free, use tamari. Double-check all labels.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 410. Total Fat: 18 g. Carbohydrates: 36 g. Protein: 27 g

Flavorful leftover salmon and rice bowl, finished with sesame seeds and scallions. Pin
Flavorful leftover salmon and rice bowl, finished with sesame seeds and scallions. | grillandbites.com

Enjoy your revitalized leftovers in minutes. Every bowl is a fresh start.

Recipe FAQ

How does the ice cube trick work?

The ice cubes gently steam salmon and rice while microwaving, preventing dryness and keeping them moist.

Can I substitute other proteins?

Yes, you can use cooked fish, shrimp, or tofu instead of salmon for a personalized bowl.

What toppings can I add?

Try avocado, cucumber, pickled ginger, sesame seeds, scallions, shredded nori, edamame, or carrot ribbons.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Swap soy sauce for tamari to ensure the bowl is gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Is this bowl suitable for meal prep?

Yes, prep ingredients in advance and quickly assemble and microwave when ready to eat for maximum convenience.

Which tools do I need?

You'll need a microwave-safe bowl, microwave, sharp knife, and cutting board for easy preparation.

Leftover Salmon Rice Bowl

Microwave trick revives salmon and rice, finished with fresh, vibrant toppings for a nourishing bowl.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
5 min
Overall duration
15 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage Fusion

Output 2 Portions

Dietary requirements No dairy

Components

Leftovers

01 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
02 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked into large pieces

Microwave Steaming

01 2 ice cubes

Toppings

01 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
02 1 teaspoon sesame oil
03 1 avocado, sliced
04 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
05 2 tablespoons pickled ginger
06 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
07 1 scallion, finely sliced
08 chili flakes or sriracha, optional

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Bowl: Arrange leftover cooked rice in a microwave-safe bowl and layer flaked salmon on top.

Phase 02

Steam in Microwave: Place ice cubes over the rice and salmon. Loosely cover with parchment paper or a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, until the ice has fully melted and contents are heated and moist.

Phase 03

Add Seasonings: Remove from microwave. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the warmed rice and salmon.

Phase 04

Garnish Bowl: Top with sliced avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and scallion.

Phase 05

Finish and Serve: If desired, add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha. Serve immediately.

Tools needed

  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Microwave
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains fish (salmon), soy (soy sauce or tamari), and sesame.
  • For gluten-free options, use tamari in place of soy sauce.
  • Verify all ingredient labels for allergen content.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Protein: 27 g