Leftover Salmon Rice Bowl

Featured in: Fabulous Weeknight Meals

Leftover salmon and rice are revived with a simple microwave steaming technique using ice cubes, ensuring tenderness and moisture. Flaked salmon and rice are heated together, then topped with a savory soy-sesame drizzle. Slices of avocado and cucumber, bright pickled ginger, scallion, and sesame seeds add vibrant color and crunch. Optional chili flakes or sriracha bring extra heat. Customize with other proteins, nori, or edamame. This bowl delivers a satisfying fusion of flavors and textures in minutes, making it perfect for busy days or using up leftovers.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 14:38:00 GMT
A vibrant Leftover Salmon & Rice Bowl topped with fresh avocado and cucumber slices.  Save Pin
A vibrant Leftover Salmon & Rice Bowl topped with fresh avocado and cucumber slices. | fabulousdishesby.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 first tried this bowl after a busy weeknight, and now it's my go-to for transforming extra salmon and rice into a satisfying dish that feels new every time.

Ingredients

  • Cooked rice: 1 cup, white or brown
  • Cooked salmon: 1 cup, flaked into large pieces
  • Ice cubes: 2
  • Soy sauce or tamari: 2 tablespoons
  • 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

Instructions

Layer leftovers:
Place leftover rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Top evenly with flaked salmon.
Add ice cubes:
Place 2 ice cubes on top of the rice and salmon.
Cover and microwave:
Cover the bowl loosely with parchment paper or a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the ice cubes melt and the rice and salmon are heated through and moist.
Finish with toppings:
Remove from microwave. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil. Arrange avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger on top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallion. Add chili flakes or sriracha if desired.
Serve:
Serve immediately.
Quickly whipped up Leftover Salmon & Rice Bowl, perfect for a nutritious lunch.  Save Pin
Quickly whipped up Leftover Salmon & Rice Bowl, perfect for a nutritious lunch. | fabulousdishesby.com

This recipe is a favorite on busy days and often makes an appearance when my family craves something quick yet nourishing after coming home late.

Required Tools

Microwave-safe bowl, microwave, sharp knife, cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains fish, soy, and sesame. Use tamari for gluten-free, and always check labels if you have allergies.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 410, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 27 g (per serving)

Flavor-packed Leftover Salmon & Rice Bowl, drizzled with soy sauce and sesame oil. Save Pin
Flavor-packed Leftover Salmon & Rice Bowl, drizzled with soy sauce and sesame oil. | fabulousdishesby.com

This leftover salmon & rice bowl is just the thing for when you want speed and flavor. Enjoy how easy it is to make it your own!

Recipe FAQs

How does the ice cube trick work?

The ice cubes create gentle steam in the microwave, keeping both rice and salmon moist and tender.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, either cooked white or brown rice works well and adds a hearty base to the bowl.

What toppings can I customize?

Add avocado, cucumber, pickled ginger, sesame seeds, or extras like shredded nori, edamame, or carrot ribbons.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce for a gluten-free version. Check all ingredient labels for allergens.

What proteins can substitute for salmon?

Other cooked fish or tofu are excellent alternatives for varied flavor and protein preferences.

How do I prevent dryness when reheating?

The steaming process with ice cubes and gentle heating avoids drying out both rice and salmon.

Leftover Salmon Rice Bowl

Freshen up salmon and rice with avocado, cucumber, and savory sauce for a quick balanced meal.

Prep Duration
10 min
Time to cook
5 min
Overall duration
15 min
Posted by Fabulous dishes by Vanessa Collins


Skill level Easy

Cuisine style Fusion

Servings made 2 Number of servings

Dietary details Without dairy

Ingredient list

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 Optional: chili flakes or sriracha

Step-by-Step Guide

Instruction 01

Prepare base ingredients: Distribute the cooked rice evenly into a microwave-safe bowl and layer with flaked salmon.

Instruction 02

Add moisture: Position 2 ice cubes atop the rice and salmon mixture.

Instruction 03

Cover and steam: Cover the bowl loosely using parchment paper or a microwave-safe plate.

Instruction 04

Microwave heating: Microwave on high power for 2 to 3 minutes, until the ice cubes have melted and contents are thoroughly warmed and moist.

Instruction 05

Season: Remove from microwave and immediately drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.

Instruction 06

Garnish: Neatly arrange avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger over the reheated base.

Instruction 07

Finish: Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallion; add chili flakes or sriracha if preferred.

Instruction 08

Serve: Serve immediately while warm.

Equipment needed

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

Allergy details

Take a moment to check each ingredient for possible allergens. Always reach out to a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains fish (salmon), soy (soy sauce), and sesame.
  • For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce.
  • Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition details by serving

These details help guide you, but be sure to consult a healthcare professional when needed.
  • Kcal: 410
  • Lipids: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Protein: 27 g