This vibrant and flavorful spicy salmon bowl combines tender, marinated salmon with crisp Asian-style slaw and a creamy spicy mayo sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep, this bowl delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This spicy salmon bowl is the perfect balance of fresh, healthy ingredients and bold, satisfying flavors. The tender salmon is marinated in a savory-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully when cooked, while the crunchy cabbage slaw adds texture and freshness to every bite. The spicy mayo sauce ties everything together with a creamy kick that’s absolutely irresistible.
Not only is this recipe incredibly delicious, but it’s also packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and fresh vegetables. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit different spice preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salmon:
- 1 pound salmon, skin removed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (toasted or regular)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Spicy Mayo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons mayo
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
For the Slaw:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil (toasted or regular)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Pinch of salt and pepper
How to Make Spicy Salmon Bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon In a medium bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the salmon pieces and toss gently to coat. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Mayo Sauce In a small bowl, combine mayo, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Adjust spice level by adding more sriracha if desired. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Asian Slaw In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Toss well and let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Remove salmon from marinade (reserve the marinade for later). Cook salmon pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Pour the reserved marinade into the pan and let it bubble and reduce for 1-2 minutes, coating the salmon.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls Divide the Asian slaw among serving bowls. Top with the glazed salmon pieces and drizzle generously with the spicy mayo sauce. Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Helpful Tips
Choose high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture. Wild-caught salmon tends to have a firmer texture and richer taste. When cutting the salmon, make sure pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
Don’t skip the marinating time as it allows the flavors to penetrate the fish and helps create that beautiful glaze when cooking. If you’re short on time, even 10 minutes of marinating will make a difference.
For the crispiest slaw, massage the cabbage with a pinch of salt before adding the dressing. This helps break down the tough fibers and creates a more tender texture while maintaining the crunch.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
This spicy salmon bowl is naturally gluten-free when using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. The recipe is also dairy-free and can easily be made paleo-friendly by substituting the mayo with avocado-based mayo.
Notes
The spice level can be easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha in both the salmon marinade and the spicy mayo sauce. For a milder version, start with just ½ tablespoon of sriracha and add more to taste.
If you prefer your salmon less cooked, reduce the cooking time slightly. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when properly cooked but still be moist and tender inside.
Leftover components can be stored separately and assembled fresh for the best texture. The slaw actually improves in flavor after sitting for a few hours as the vegetables absorb the dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting and marinating. Frozen salmon may release more moisture during cooking, so you might need to cook it a bit longer to achieve the same caramelization.
What can I substitute for sriracha? You can use any hot sauce you prefer, such as sambal oelek, gochujang, or even a simple mixture of cayenne pepper and garlic. Adjust the quantity based on your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While the individual components can be prepared ahead, it’s best to assemble the bowls just before serving to maintain the texture of the slaw and the temperature of the salmon.
What other vegetables can I add to the slaw? Shredded carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or cucumber would all make excellent additions to the slaw. Just maintain the overall proportion of vegetables to dressing.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cooked salmon should be stored in an airtight container and can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated. The slaw will keep well for 2-3 days and actually develops more flavor over time. The spicy mayo sauce should be stored covered and used within a week.
For meal prep, prepare all components and store them separately. Assemble the bowls just before eating for the best texture and freshness.
Conclusion
This spicy salmon bowl brings together the perfect combination of flavors, textures, and nutrition in one satisfying meal. The tender, glazed salmon paired with the crisp, tangy slaw and creamy spicy sauce creates a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or something to impress guests, this spicy salmon bowl delivers on all fronts. The recipe is flexible enough to accommodate different taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to your regular meal rotation.