Description
This Sweet Chili Salmon Bowl is a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender baked salmon glazed with sweet chili sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice and fresh vegetables. Garnished with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice, it offers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 skinless salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Grains
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
- 2 green onions, chopped
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Prepare Salmon: Place the skinless salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Generously drizzle each fillet with the sweet chili sauce, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
- Bake Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it’s cooked through and tender.
- Cook Rice: While the salmon bakes, prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork to keep it light and separate.
- Prepare Vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and cucumbers into your preferred shapes, such as thin strips or bite-sized pieces, for a fresh and crunchy texture.
- Rest Salmon: When the salmon is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest briefly to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful fish.
- Assemble Bowls: Serve the baked salmon atop the steamed rice, then layer with the fresh bell peppers and cucumbers for vibrant color and crunch.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top. Add a splash of lime juice and minced garlic if desired, then serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Skinless salmon fillets ensure even cooking without curling; skin-on can be used but cooking times may vary.
- Sweet chili sauce can be adjusted for spiciness according to your preference or substituted with homemade sauce.
- Using quinoa instead of rice boosts the protein content and adds a nutty flavor.
- Fresh vegetables can be swapped for seasonal or preferred choices such as shredded carrots or snap peas.
- Toast sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan for enhanced flavor before garnishing.
- Leftover salmon can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently to avoid drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion