Leftover Salmon Rice Bowl

Featured in: Everyday Flavors

This bowl combines leftover salmon and rice, gently reheated with a microwave steaming trick using ice cubes to keep the grains moist and the fish tender. Topped with avocado, cucumber, pickled ginger, and a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil, it's a quick way to turn yesterday's ingredients into something fresh and flavorful. Garnished with sesame seeds, scallion, and a hint of chili or sriracha, it provides a balanced mix of protein, grains, and colorful vegetables. Perfect for a speedy lunch or dinner, it’s easily adaptable with tofu or other fish—and pairs well with green tea or crisp white wine.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:58:00 GMT
Leftover salmon and rice bowl garnished with fresh avocado and cucumber slices. Save
Leftover salmon and rice bowl garnished with fresh avocado and cucumber slices. | oventhyme.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.

I started making this bowl after discovering that microwaving rice and salmon with ice cubes kept everything moist and tender. It&s a smart way to turn fridge leftovers into a fresh, vibrant lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

  • Cooked rice: 1 cup white or brown rice, already cooked
  • Cooked salmon: 1 cup, flaked into large pieces
  • Ice cubes: 2 pieces, for steam reheating
  • 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: as desired

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Instructions

Assemble in Bowl:
Place leftover rice in a microwave-safe bowl and top evenly with flaked salmon.
Add Ice Cubes:
Set 2 ice cubes on top of the rice and salmon.
Cover:
Cover the bowl loosely with parchment paper or a microwave-safe plate.
Microwave:
Microwave on high for 2 or 3 minutes, until the ice cubes melt and the rice and salmon are heated through and moist.
Finish with Sauce:
Remove from microwave. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Add Toppings:
Arrange avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger on top.
Garnish:
Sprinkle sesame seeds and scallion. Add chili flakes or sriracha if desired.
Serve:
Serve immediately.
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| oventhyme.com

My family always looks forward to transforming leftover salmon into these colorful bowls. It&s become a staple on busy weeknights when everyone wants something quick but nourishing.

Required Tools

Microwave-safe bowl, microwave, sharp knife, and cutting board are all you need for this speedy recipe.

Allergen Information

Contains fish, soy, and sesame. Use tamari for gluten-free. Always check your ingredient labels to avoid allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

Steam-heated leftover salmon and rice bowl drizzled with soy sauce and sesame oil. Save
Steam-heated leftover salmon and rice bowl drizzled with soy sauce and sesame oil. | oventhyme.com

Leftover salmon and rice never tasted this fresh. Enjoy your balanced bowl with your favorite toppings and a cup of tea.

Kitchen Guide

→ Why use ice cubes for microwave steaming?

The ice cubes gently steam the rice and salmon as they melt, keeping the food moist and preventing dryness during reheating.

→ Can I substitute the salmon with another protein?

Yes, other cooked fish, tofu, or even shredded chicken can be used as an alternative for a different flavor or dietary preference.

→ What kind of rice works best?

Both white and brown rice work well. Make sure it's already cooked for the best results and a quick preparation.

→ Which toppings can be added or replaced?

Feel free to add shredded nori, edamame, carrot ribbons, or swap out toppings like avocado or cucumber for your favorites.

→ How can I make this gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and always check ingredient labels to ensure all components are gluten-free.

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Leftover Salmon Rice Bowl

Transform leftover salmon and rice into a flavorful bowl topped with avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger.

Prep duration
10 min
Kitchen time
5 min
Complete duration
15 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill level Easy

Heritage Fusion

Output 2 Portions

Dietary requirements No dairy

What you'll need

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)

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Base: Arrange the cooked rice in a microwave-safe bowl and distribute the flaked salmon evenly on top.

Phase 02

Steam in Microwave: Place two ice cubes over the rice and salmon. Cover the bowl loosely with parchment paper or a microwave-safe plate.

Phase 03

Heat Contents: Microwave on high power for 2 to 3 minutes, or until ice cubes melt and contents are thoroughly warmed and moist.

Phase 04

Season and Garnish: Remove bowl from microwave. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil evenly over the rice and salmon.

Phase 05

Add Fresh Toppings: Top with sliced avocado, cucumber, pickled ginger, toasted sesame seeds, and scallion. Finish with chili flakes or sriracha if desired.

Phase 06

Serve: Serve immediately while warm.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy notes

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice when uncertain.
  • Contains fish (salmon), soy (soy sauce), and sesame. For gluten-free preparation, use tamari in place of soy sauce. Review all ingredient packaging for allergen safety.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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

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