Save This spicy honey salmon bowl is the answer for weeknights when you crave a dinner that is quick yet feels special Serving flaky salmon glazed with sweet heat over a crunchy avocado slaw becomes a craveable meal in no time This is my go to dish when I need something fresh and deeply satisfying that does not need a lot of prep or cleanup
When my week feels hectic this is my reset dinner The first time I made it my husband went back for seconds and now we keep the marinade on repeat
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: Freshness matters Pick fillets that are bright and smell clean
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize Choose local honey if you can for deeper flavor
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce: Brings a subtle heat You can tailor the amount to your spice level comfort
- Soy sauce: Gives a salty umami punch Opt for low sodium to control seasoning
- Lime juice: Brightens every bite Fresh squeezed is best
- Garlic: Fresh cloves elevate the glaze rich and aromatic
- Avocado: Perfectly ripened offers creamy contrast Pick fruit with very slight give for best texture
- Red cabbage: Adds color crunch and nutrients Look for heavy tightly packed heads
- Carrots: Bring a touch of sweetness and more crunch Buy whole carrots for the best flavor
- Cilantro: Packs a fresh herbal finish Use leaves and tender stems
- Cooked rice: Your favorite base Jasmine brown or even cauliflower rice all work
- Sesame seeds and green onion: For colorful garnish Select seeds that look clean not oily
Instructions
- Make the Honey Glaze:
- Whisk honey sriracha soy sauce lime juice and minced garlic in a bowl until fully combined The mixture should shine and smell zesty Set aside for marinating
- Marinate the Salmon:
- Place salmon fillets skin side down in a shallow dish Pour half of the honey glaze over them making sure every piece is coated Let them sit for at least ten minutes so the flavors begin to infuse
- Prepare the Avocado Slaw:
- Slice red cabbage thinly and grate the carrots Toss with fresh lime juice a pinch of salt and avocado cubes Gently mix in chopped cilantro so the creamy fruit reins in the zesty vegetables
- Cook the Salmon:
- Preheat a nonstick skillet or a grill pan over medium high heat Place salmon fillets flesh side down and cook without moving for three minutes so a crust forms Flip gently add the rest of the glaze and cook another two minutes Baste with glaze from the pan The fish should look deeply glazed and flake easily
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Spoon warm cooked rice into bowls Top with a heap of avocado slaw and the hot salmon fillet Drizzle extra sauce from the skillet Sprinkle with sesame seeds green onion and more cilantro for a fresh bite
Save I always look forward to using good honey in this recipe My daughter loves helping mash the avocado and says it is the magic part that makes the bowl special
Storage Tips
Leftover salmon and slaw can be stored in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days For best texture pack the avocado separately and add fresh just before serving Reheat the salmon gently in a skillet or eat it cold sliced over greens
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find fresh salmon try frozen skinless fillets and thaw overnight in the fridge For heat alternatives swap sriracha for hot honey or crushed red pepper flakes Tamari works as a gluten free substitute for soy sauce The slaw can welcome bell peppers or snap peas if you need more crunch
Serving Suggestions
These bowls are delicious with a side of miso soup or simple steamed edamame Add extra lime wedges at the table Sprinkle with furikake for Japanese flair If you want more heft finish with a soft boiled egg on top
Cultural Context
This bowl draws inspiration from the flavor profiles in Asian and Californian coastal cuisine combining sweet spicy and tangy This fresh approach matches the current love for modern grain bowls celebrating both nutrition and vibrant presentation
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer top with fresh mango or grilled corn for a sunny twist In winter use shredded kale with the cabbage and drizzle extra warm glaze Swap in roasted sweet potato cubes when you want more heartiness
Success Stories
Several friends who claimed not to like salmon have become fans after trying this sweet spicy glaze One reader said her kids gobbled up the slaw and now it is a regular addition to their family dinners It is a hit for meal prep and everyone comments on how restaurant special it tastes at home
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can make a double batch of glaze and freeze portions of raw salmon with the marinade in zip bags labeled by date Thaw overnight and cook as needed Slaw should be prepped fresh day of eating as avocado changes texture in the freezer Cooked salmon also freezes fine but is best slightly undercooked before freezing for best results
Save This bowl makes hectic days better Flavorful and fresh it brings everyone to the table for a satisfying meal
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do you make spicy honey glaze for salmon?
Mix honey, sriracha, garlic, and soy sauce, then brush onto salmon before baking or searing for a robust flavor.
- → What is avocado slaw made of?
Combine shredded cabbage, sliced avocado, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt for creamy, refreshing slaw.
- → Can you use other fish besides salmon?
Yes, try using trout, cod, or snapper as alternatives—just adjust cooking times to match the fish thickness.
- → Is this bowl suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Prepare components ahead and store separately. Assemble just before serving for peak freshness.
- → How do you keep avocado slaw from browning?
Toss the avocado in lime or lemon juice to slow oxidation and refrigerate until ready to serve.