Coconut Rice Salmon Bowl Recipe

This Coconut Rice Salmon Bowl Recipe is the kind of weeknight magic that turns fresh ingredients and bold flavors into a vibrant, satisfying dinner—no fuss or fancy techniques required! Creamy coconut rice, caramelized roasted salmon, and a rainbow of toppings come together with a silky coconut milk dressing to create a meal that’s nourishing, playful, and packed with sunshine in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a small handful of fresh, bold ingredients can bring so much color and complexity to one meal. Each ingredient in this Coconut Rice Salmon Bowl Recipe plays a special role, whether it’s delivering a creamy, tangy punch or a pop of crunch and freshness.

• Full Fat Coconut Milk: This is the secret to both the creaminess of the rice and the ultra-silky coconut milk dressing.
• Fish Sauce: Adds an irresistible savory depth—totally key for balancing the sweet, creamy flavors.
• Brown Sugar: Lends caramel-y sweetness that melts beautifully into the coconut dressing and salmon glaze.
• Soy Sauce: Gives a salty, umami boost and rounds out the flavors.
• Lime Zest + Fresh Lime Juice: For fresh, zippy brightness and a hint of citrusy aroma.
• Sriracha: Just the right touch of heat—adjust for your spice level.
• Salmon Fillet: The star; choose a fresh, center-cut piece for the best results.
• Kosher Salt: For seasoning the salmon so it caramelizes with the dressing.
• Coconut Rice: Fragrant, fluffy, and the perfect base for soaking up all the flavors.
• Mango: Slices bring luscious sweetness and a splash of golden color.
• Persian Cucumbers: Thinly sliced for crunch and a refreshing bite.
• Avocado: Silky, creamy, and cooling—all things we love in a rice bowl!
• Edamame: For bursts of plant protein and fresh, green color.
• Fresh Cilantro: A final herbal note that brightens each bite.
• Toasted Coconut: Adds a delightful crisp and toasty flavor on top.
• Sesame Seeds (Optional): For extra crunch and visual flair.
• Fresno Pepper (Optional): For those who love a little extra color and gentle, fruity heat.

Variations

No two Coconut Rice Salmon Bowls have to be the same! This recipe is your canvas—mix and match the veggies, level of spice, or even the protein so it works perfectly for your tastes or whatever’s in your fridge.

• Swap Out the Fish: Try shrimp, tofu, or roasted chicken if you’re out of salmon or want to switch things up.
• Make It Vegan: Use teriyaki-glazed tofu or tempeh and swap out the fish sauce in the dressing for a splash of soy sauce with a hint of miso paste.
• Add More Veggies: Shredded carrots, snap peas, or quick-pickled radishes are fantastic for texture and color.
• Switch the Grain: Jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice can stand in beautifully for coconut rice if you want to mix things up.

How to Make Coconut Rice Salmon Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F with the rack in the center position. Line a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze later and ensures your salmon doesn’t stick!

Step 2: Whisk Up the Coconut Milk Dressing

In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together coconut milk, fish sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime zest, fresh lime juice, and Sriracha. This silky, fragrant mixture will do double duty as both dressing and glaze—don’t forget to reserve ½ cup in a separate bowl for brushing over the salmon.

Step 3: Glaze and Roast the Salmon

Place the salmon fillet, skin-side down, on your prepared tray. Sprinkle it with kosher salt, then brush it generously with the reserved ½ cup of coconut dressing. Roast for around 15 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and easily flakes apart with a fork. The dressing caramelizes slightly, infusing your fish with sweet, tangy flavor.

Step 4: Build Your Bowls

Divide the coconut rice among four bowls. Top each portion with big flakes of roasted salmon and start piling on the toppings—mango, cucumber, avocado, and edamame. Drizzle generously with more coconut milk dressing, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro, toasted coconut, sesame seeds, and sliced Fresno pepper if you love heat.

How to Serve Coconut Rice Salmon Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

The fun is all in the toppings! A handful of toasted coconut and a scatter of fresh cilantro add gorgeous color and a little crunch to balance the creamy coconut rice. If you love extra flavor, a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a few Fresno pepper slices can bring some extra zing to your Coconut Rice Salmon Bowl Recipe.

Side Dishes

This bowl is so complete, it barely needs a side, but if you want to round it out for a bigger meal, try serving with a tangy Asian cucumber salad or crisp seaweed snacks. Steamed greens like bok choy or a batch of oven-roasted sweet potatoes are also delightful partners for the coconut-rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Let everyone build their own bowl at the table for a fun, interactive dinner. Arrange toppings in little ramekins and make it a choose-your-own-adventure meal. Or, for extra flair, serve the salmon in large, rustic flakes right over the rice, fanning the colorful toppings in rows for a beautiful, inviting presentation—rainbow effect totally encouraged!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extras, you’re in luck—these bowls make terrific lunch the next day. Store the rice, salmon, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep everything tasting fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

While the assembled Coconut Rice Salmon Bowl Recipe doesn’t freeze well (the fresh toppings and creamy rice can lose their texture), you can freeze the cooked salmon fillet for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving with fresh rice and toppings.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the rice and salmon (covered) in the microwave or a low oven until just heated through, then add fresh toppings and dressing. Avoid microwaving avocado and cucumber—those are best added cold right before serving!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something deliciously nourishing, colorful, and just a little bit tropical, give the Coconut Rice Salmon Bowl Recipe a try. It’s the kind of meal that surprises you with how easy and fun it is—and how every bite brings a little bit of joy to your day. I hope it becomes a new staple at your table!

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