If you’re craving a vibrant, satisfying meal that balances bold flavors and delightful textures, this Teriyaki Salmon Bowls with Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine perfectly cooked salmon glazed with sweet teriyaki, nestled on a bed of warm rice, surrounded by crisp-tender Brussels sprouts that bring a lovely bite to every forkful. It’s comfort food elevated with freshness and a bit of crunch, all coming together in a colorful bowl that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in building harmony of flavor, texture, and color. Every component is easy to find but essential in creating that signature combination that makes this dish shine.
- Salmon fillets: Choose thawed, fresh or frozen fillets for a rich, omega-3 packed protein base.
- Teriyaki sauce: Offers a perfect blend of sweet and savory that coats the salmon beautifully.
- Frozen broccoli florets: Adds lovely bright green color and nutrients, and crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve that light crispiness on the broccoli and salmon edges.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential to enhance and balance all flavors.
- Cooked long-grain white rice: Acts as a fluffy, neutral base to soak up all the juices and sauce.
- English cucumber: Adds cool, fresh crunch in vibrant matchsticks.
- Green onion: Contributes a mild oniony bite and lovely color contrast when sliced thinly.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: Bring a burst of herby brightness that livens up the bowl.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for a nutty flavor and appealing finish.
How to Make Teriyaki Salmon Bowls with Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. It’s important to coat the basket lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the salmon and veggies from sticking during cooking. This step ensures everything cooks evenly and gets that nice crispy edge we are after.
Step 2: Arrange Salmon and Broccoli
Place your thawed salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Then, tuck the frozen broccoli florets neatly around the fillets to maximize crispness while cooking. Drizzle everything with olive oil, and don’t forget to season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out the best flavors.
Step 3: Brush on Teriyaki Sauce
Give each salmon fillet a generous brush of teriyaki sauce. This glaze will caramelize beautifully in the air fryer, locking in moisture and imparting that signature sweet-savory punch that defines this recipe.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Set the timer for 7 to 9 minutes. During this time, the broccoli will become tender yet crisp, and the salmon will cook through to a perfect light golden-brown, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F. The air fryer works its magic here producing a texture and flavor combo that’s hard to beat.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Divide your warm, fluffy cooked white rice evenly between two bowls — this is the cozy foundation for your meal. Top each bowl with a salmon fillet and the crisp roasted broccoli. Add fresh cucumber matchsticks, sprinkle on bright cilantro leaves, and scatter thin slices of green onion for fresh, zesty notes.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds on top for a subtle crunch and nutty flavor. Drizzle additional teriyaki sauce over everything to tie all the elements together with that irresistible glossy finish. Grab a chopstick or fork and dig into your bowl of pure delight!
How to Serve Teriyaki Salmon Bowls with Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor by adding avocado slices or a few thin ribbons of carrot for extra color and creaminess. A wedge of lime alongside can offer a citrusy zing when squeezed over the bowl just before eating.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and fresh with a side of steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt, or a crisp Asian-inspired slaw for added crunch. A light miso soup would also complement the rich salmon and balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual dinners, serve everything family-style with individual bowls to assemble. For a special occasion, layer the ingredients neatly in glass bowls or jars to showcase the vibrant colors and textures. Using bamboo steamers for the rice adds an authentic touch to the table setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon, broccoli, and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep garnishes like cucumber and cilantro separate to maintain their freshness when ready to serve again.
Freezing
While cooked salmon and broccoli can be frozen, their texture may degrade, so it’s best to freeze only the salmon if needed. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the salmon and broccoli gently in the air fryer or oven to retain crispiness—avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the texture. Reheat rice separately in the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep it moist and fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of frozen for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh salmon works just as well and may even have a slightly more delicate texture. Just adjust cooking time slightly if the fillets are thicker or thinner.
Are there alternatives to broccoli if I want to switch it up?
Definitely! Brussels sprouts, snap peas, or even asparagus make excellent crunchy, nutritious alternatives that pair beautifully with teriyaki salmon.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the salmon and broccoli in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes. The texture won’t be quite as crispy but will still be delicious.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free teriyaki sauce and double-check all other ingredients. There are plenty of great gluten-free teriyaki options available.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
It sure is! The sweet teriyaki flavor, mild salmon, and crisp veggies appeal to many kids’ palettes. You can even offer the ingredients separately to suit picky eaters.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Teriyaki Salmon Bowls with Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe, it’s likely to find a permanent spot in your meal rotation. It strikes the perfect balance of nourishing, delicious, and easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for guests. So go ahead, treat yourself to a bowl of comfort and freshness—you deserve it!
Print
Teriyaki Salmon Bowls with Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Description
Delicious and healthy Teriyaki Salmon Bowls featuring crispy air-fried salmon fillets glazed with teriyaki sauce, served alongside tender broccoli, fresh cucumber matchsticks, and fragrant cilantro over warm white rice. A quick and flavorful meal perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Salmon and Vegetables
- 2 (6 oz. or 8 oz.) frozen salmon fillets, thawed
- 2 cups frozen broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce, plus more for serving
- 1/2 English cucumber, cut into matchsticks
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced on a bias
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Base
- 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice, kept warm
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and coat the basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Salmon and Broccoli: Place the thawed salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Arrange the frozen broccoli florets around the salmon. Drizzle everything with olive oil and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Glaze Salmon: Brush the tops of the salmon fillets with 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce to infuse them with sweet and savory flavor as they cook.
- Air Fry: Cook in the preheated air fryer for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the salmon is lightly golden-brown and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the warm cooked rice evenly between two bowls. Top each bowl with portions of air-fried salmon and broccoli, then add cucumber matchsticks, fresh cilantro leaves, green onion slices, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch and freshness.
- Serve: Drizzle additional teriyaki sauce over the bowls as desired and enjoy your flavorful Teriyaki Salmon Bowls immediately.
Notes
- Ensure salmon is fully thawed before air frying for even cooking.
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa to increase fiber content.
- If you do not have an air fryer, salmon and broccoli can be baked at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes on a lined baking sheet.
- Adjust teriyaki sauce amount according to taste preference for more or less sweetness.
- Check internal temperature of salmon with a food thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F for food safety.
