Name: TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 oz salmon filet; 1 ½ cups cooked short-grain rice; 2 ice cubes; 1 tsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp Kewpie Japanese mayonnaise (add more if necessary); 1 tsp sriracha; 1 avocado, sliced; 2 packs roasted seaweed sheets; Kimchi (optional, served on the side); Furikake (optional topping); Fried garlic (optional topping)

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, flavorful meal that hits all the right notes, you absolutely have to try my TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe. I love this recipe because it’s like a little bowl of comfort and spice all rolled into one, and it practically comes together in minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a long day or want to impress friends with minimal effort, I promise you’ll find this recipe a total game-changer.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Easy to Make: You’ll be amazed at how just a few simple steps and ingredients come together for a restaurant-quality dish.
Perfect Weeknight Dinner: Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s a lifesaver on busy days when you want something hearty but don’t have hours.
Customizable Heat Levels: You can dial up or down the sriracha and soy sauce to suit your spice cravings perfectly.
Loaded with Flavor and Texture: Creamy avocado, crispy roasted seaweed, and optional crunchy garlic make every bite exciting.

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a small food piece made of a dark green seaweed sheet layered with light brown cooked rice mixed with flakes of pinkish-orange salmon, a bright green avocado slice, and some reddish kimchi on top, with tiny light-colored sesame seeds sprinkled over. In the blurred background, there is a white bowl filled with the mixed rice and salmon topped with sliced avocado, a white plate with more salmon pieces, a small white dish with sesame seeds and a spoon, and a white marbled surface under everything. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe is how each ingredient complements the others, creating a perfect harmony of creamy, savory, and spicy flavors. Here’s a quick guide to what makes this combination so special — and some shopping tips I’ve picked up along the way.

Salmon filet: Fresh or thawed is key; I prefer wild-caught for flavor, but farmed works fine too.
Cooked short-grain rice: Sticky rice is best as it clings well, but medium-grain will also work.
Ice cubes: Sounds odd, but they steam the rice beautifully in the microwave—trust me on this.
Soy sauce: Low-sodium is good if you want to control saltiness, plus it adds umami depth.
Kewpie Japanese mayonnaise: This mayo is creamier than regular mayo and has a unique tang; add extra if you like it richer.
Sriracha: Adjust to your heat level preference—start small if you’re sensitive to spice.
Avocado: Ripe but firm, sliced just before serving so it stays fresh and creamy.
Roasted seaweed sheets: These are what make each bite a delightful sushi-like experience.
Kimchi (optional): A tangy, spicy side that pairs perfectly with the richness of the salmon bowl.
Furikake (optional topping): Adds a salty, umami crunch that I just can’t get enough of.
Fried garlic (optional topping): For an extra crispy, aromatic kick that takes this bowl over the top.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I’ve tweaked it based on what’s in my fridge or what my family is craving, and it never disappoints. Feel free to make it your own!

Veggie Boost: I sometimes add steamed edamame or sautéed mushrooms to sneak in some extra greens and texture.
Spicy Swaps: When I want a different heat profile, I swap sriracha for gochujang – it adds a sweet smokiness I adore.
Protein Switch: If salmon isn’t your thing, cooked shrimp or tofu work wonderfully too.
Make it Vegan: Skip the fish, use marinated tofu, and swap mayo for vegan mayo—still delicious and satisfying.

How to Make TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Salmon

Start by placing your salmon filet in a shallow bowl and carefully remove the skin—don’t skip this part unless you love crispy skin! Using a fork, flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces, spreading it evenly across the bottom of your bowl. This step is key for even flavor distribution later on, and I found that smaller flakes help the salmon warm up evenly without drying out.

Step 2: Layering with Rice and Ice

Next, scoop the cooked short-grain rice directly on top of the flaked salmon. Using your fork, gently spread the rice to form an even layer. Here’s a trick I discovered: adding one or two ice cubes on top may sound strange, but it helps keep the rice moist and steams the bowl evenly in the microwave. If you prefer, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water over the rice instead, especially if your rice is a little dry.

Step 3: Steaming in the Microwave

Cover the bowl with a sheet of parchment paper or wrap it with a clean hand towel. This traps steam, which gently heats and hydrates the rice and salmon. Microwave in one-minute intervals, usually around 2-3 minutes total, checking in between to make sure everything is heated through but not overcooked. I used to scramble salmon this way so much before realizing this gentle steaming method preserves the delicate texture perfectly.

Step 4: Adding Flavors and Mix-ins

Take off the parchment or towel, remove any remaining ice cubes, then drizzle soy sauce, Kewpie Japanese mayonnaise, and sriracha over the warm rice and salmon. Use your fork to mix everything thoroughly—this is when the magic happens. The mayo adds creaminess, the sriracha brings a spicy kick, and the soy sauce ties it all together with umami. Taste as you go and add more of any ingredient if you want it saltier, creamier, or spicier.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

For that extra umami punch, sprinkle your bowl with furikake and/or fried garlic if you like. Then take a roasted seaweed sheet, scoop some of the salmon rice mixture onto it, add a slice or two of creamy avocado, and wrap it up like sushi—it’s addictive! I almost always serve this with a side of kimchi for a tangy contrast that makes my family go crazy every time.

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Pro Tips for Making TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe

Even Flaking: I always make sure to evenly flake the salmon so every bite has a perfect balance of fish and rice.
Hydration Hack: The ice cube method works wonders for keeping rice moist, but if you don’t have ice, a quick sprinkle of water before microwaving helps too.
Mix Gently: When mixing in sauces, I use a fork and fold rather than stir aggressively to avoid breaking up the salmon flakes.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye during microwaving—overheating dries the salmon and rice, and I’ve learned even a few extra seconds make a difference.

How to Serve TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe

A white bowl filled with a base layer of cooked rice mixed with shredded cooked salmon, giving a light brown and white texture. On one side of the bowl, there is a layer of five slices of bright green avocado fanned out neatly. The rice mixture is sprinkled with small dark green and black seaweed flakes. Around the bowl, on a white marbled surface, there are small white plates holding extra ingredients: one with square sheets of dark green shiny seaweed, another with a small scoop of red-orange kimchi, another with salmon flakes, and a small white dish with light yellow flakes. A gray and white striped cloth is placed below on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to top my bowl with sliced avocado because it adds that buttery creaminess that pairs perfectly with the spicy sriracha and salty soy. Furikake is a must-have for me—its savory crunch adds texture and a sea-salty pop, but if you’re out, toasted sesame seeds work beautifully too. Sometimes I throw on crispy fried garlic for a little aromatic crunch that never fails to impress guests.

Side Dishes

Kimchi is my go-to side because it adds a sharp, fermented tang that cuts through the richness of the bowl. A simple miso soup or steamed edamame also pairs really well if you want a light, balanced meal. For something crunchy, seaweed salad or pickled cucumbers complement the textures nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m serving this for a small get-together, I like to present each ingredient separately and let people assemble their own—lay out sliced avocado, small bowls of kimchi, furikake, fried garlic, and sauces on the side. This interactive setup turns a simple meal into a fun shared experience. Another idea: use mini seaweed sheets to make bite-sized sushi cups for a party appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume them within 24 hours for the best texture and flavor. The rice may firm up, so loosening it with a splash of water before reheating works wonders to bring back the moisture.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze the assembled bowl because the texture of cooked rice and avocado doesn’t hold up well after freezing. However, you can freeze cooked salmon separately and thaw it when you’re ready to make this bowl—which still saves you plenty of prep time later.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I recommend spreading the salmon and rice in a microwave-safe bowl and covering it with a damp paper towel or cloth to keep it from drying out. Heat in short bursts and stir gently to keep the salmon flakes intact. Adding a little splash of water before warming revives the rice nicely.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for the TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon fully before preparing the bowl. Thawed salmon flakes more easily and heats more evenly during the microwave steaming step. I usually thaw mine overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on my microwave if I’m in a rush.
Is it necessary to use ice cubes when microwaving the rice bowl?

While not strictly necessary, adding ice cubes or a little water really helps keep the rice moist and prevents it from drying out. I found that the steaming effect the ice cubes create ensures the salmon and rice heat gently and evenly, making a big difference in texture.
Can I make this salmon rice bowl ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead—flake the salmon, cook the rice, and slice avocado. However, I recommend assembling and microwaving the bowl just before eating for the best texture and flavor, especially to keep the avocado fresh and creamy.
What can I substitute for Kewpie mayonnaise?

If you can’t find Kewpie mayo, you can use regular Japanese mayo or even a high-quality mayo like Hellmann’s, though the flavor and creaminess may be slightly different. Some people mix a little rice vinegar into regular mayo to mimic Kewpie’s tangy profile.

Final Thoughts

This TikTok Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe is one of those rare finds that feels both fun and comforting, with just the right blend of flavors to keep me coming back. I remember the first time I made this, I was skeptical about microwaving salmon with ice cubes—but it totally blew me away! Now it’s a staple in my rotation, especially when I need something quick, tasty, and satisfying. Give it a try and see how it can easily become your new favorite weeknight meal.