Leftover Salmon Rice Bowl

Featured in: Everyday Cravings

Give leftover salmon and rice a new lease on life by reheating them with a clever microwave ice cube method, which keeps both moist and tender. Once warmed, add a drizzle of soy sauce and sesame oil for rich flavor. Decorate your bowl with creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, tangy pickled ginger, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and scallion. Chili flakes or sriracha add optional heat. You can tweak this bowl with other proteins or veggie toppings to match your taste. Enjoy quick assembly and balanced nutrition in this satisfying, fusion-inspired dish.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:19:00 GMT
Flaky leftover salmon and rice bowl, garnished with fresh avocado and crunchy cucumber.  Save
Flaky leftover salmon and rice bowl, garnished with fresh avocado and crunchy cucumber. | munchhug.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.

When I first tried this method for reheating salmon and rice, I was amazed at how moist and fresh everything tasted. Now, it is my go-to way to upgrade leftovers without extra fuss in the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Cooked white or brown rice: 1 cup
  • Cooked salmon: 1 cup, flaked into large pieces
  • Ice cubes: 2, for steaming
  • Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): 2 tablespoons
  • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
  • Avocado: 1, sliced
  • Cucumber: 1, thinly sliced
  • Pickled ginger: 2 tablespoons
  • Toasted sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon
  • Scallion: 1, finely sliced
  • Chili flakes or sriracha: Optional

Instructions

Prepare the Bowl:
Place leftover rice in a microwave-safe bowl, then top evenly with flaked salmon.
Steam it:
Add 2 ice cubes on top of the rice and salmon.
Cover:
Loosely cover the bowl with parchment paper or a microwave-safe plate.
Microwave:
Heat on high for 2 to 3 minutes, until the ice cubes melt and the rice and salmon are moist and heated through.
Add Flavor:
Remove from microwave and drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Top and Finish:
Arrange avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger on top, sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallion. Add chili flakes or sriracha if desired.
Serve:
Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Delicious salmon and rice bowl, featuring vibrant toppings and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.  Save
Delicious salmon and rice bowl, featuring vibrant toppings and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. | munchhug.com

This bowl often brings my family together for a quick lunch, turning yesterday's salmon into something everyone loves. Even picky eaters get excited with the colorful toppings.

Required Tools

You only need a microwave-safe bowl, a microwave, a sharp knife, and a cutting board to whip up this meal.

Allergen Information

This dish contains fish, soy, and sesame. For gluten-free diets, swap soy sauce for tamari and always check ingredient labels.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides about 410 calories, 18g fat, 36g carbohydrates, and 27g protein.

Quick and easy leftover salmon & rice bowl, drizzled with soy sauce and sesame oil. Save
Quick and easy leftover salmon & rice bowl, drizzled with soy sauce and sesame oil. | munchhug.com

This trick makes leftovers exciting and ensures no salmon goes to waste. Simple to prepare and endlessly adaptable.

Recipe Guide

How does the ice cube trick help?

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

Can I use something other than salmon?

Yes, cooked fish or even tofu are excellent substitutes for salmon. Adjust toppings to match your choice.

Is this bowl gluten-free?

Just swap out the soy sauce for tamari to make the dish gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to be sure.

What toppings can I add?

Try avocado, cucumber, pickled ginger, shredded nori, edamame, carrot ribbons, sesame seeds, and scallion for color and flavor.

Should I serve this hot or cold?

Microwave steaming warms the bowl, making it best enjoyed hot with fresh toppings added just before serving.

What pairs well with this dish?

Green tea or crisp white wine complement the bowl's fresh and savory flavors nicely.

Leftover Salmon Rice Bowl

Revive salmon and rice leftovers fast using microwave steaming, then top with fresh veggies and savory sauce.

Prep duration
10 min
Heat time
5 min
Complete duration
15 min
Created by Samantha Reed


Skill level Easy

Heritage Fusion

Output 2 Portions

Nutrition preferences No dairy

Components

Leftover Base

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 optional chili flakes or sriracha

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Base: Place cooked white or brown rice into a microwave-safe bowl and distribute flaked cooked salmon evenly on top.

Phase 02

Add Ice for Steaming: Position two ice cubes over the rice and salmon to aid gentle steam during heating.

Phase 03

Cover Bowl: Cover the bowl loosely with parchment paper or a microwave-safe plate to trap steam.

Phase 04

Microwave Heating: Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes until ice cubes have melted and contents are heated through and moist.

Phase 05

Season with Sauces: Remove from microwave and drizzle with soy sauce or tamari, along with sesame oil.

Phase 06

Finish with Fresh Toppings: Arrange avocado slices, cucumbers, and pickled ginger atop the warmed bowl.

Phase 07

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced scallion over the bowl. Add chili flakes or sriracha, if desired. Serve immediately.

Tools needed

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

Allergy alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains fish (salmon), soy (soy sauce or tamari), and sesame.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Always confirm all product labels to ensure allergen safety.

Dietary info (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 410
  • Lipids: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 27 g