Leftover Salmon Rice Bowl

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Eats

Make the most of leftover salmon and rice by quickly reheating with an ingenious ice cube microwave steam method. Layer salmon and rice in a bowl, top with ice cubes, and microwave until moist. Finish with soy sauce, sesame oil, avocado, cucumber, pickled ginger, sesame seeds, and scallion for a fresh, vibrant finish. Spice it up with chili flakes or sriracha if desired. Customize the bowl by switching out salmon for other cooked seafood or tofu, and garnish with shredded nori or edamame for extra flavor and color. This quick bowl is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a busy day or casual meal.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 13:57:00 GMT
Delicious Leftover Salmon & Rice Bowl topped with avocado and cucumber slices.  Save
Delicious Leftover Salmon & Rice Bowl topped with avocado and cucumber slices. | tazzsip.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 made this after a busy week when I had extra salmon and rice in my fridge. It was amazing how a few toppings and the ice cube trick turned the leftovers into a fresh-tasting meal.

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
  • Chili flakes or sriracha: Optional, as desired

Instructions

Prepare rice and salmon:
Place leftover rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Top evenly with flaked salmon.
Steam with ice:
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 or 3 minutes, until the ice cubes melt and the rice and salmon are heated through and moist.
Dress and assemble:
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.
Revive your meals with this colorful Leftover Salmon & Rice Bowl, perfect for lunch.  Save
Revive your meals with this colorful Leftover Salmon & Rice Bowl, perfect for lunch. | tazzsip.com

My kids love helping choose their own toppings and assemble their bowls. It always brings us together for a quick and nourishing dinner after a busy day.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains fish (salmon), soy (soy sauce), and sesame. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Always check labels to avoid allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

Flavorful Leftover Salmon & Rice Bowl, garnished with pickled ginger and sesame seeds. Save
Flavorful Leftover Salmon & Rice Bowl, garnished with pickled ginger and sesame seeds. | tazzsip.com

This simple bowl is perfect for busy nights when you need something fast but nourishing. Enjoy customizing it to match your family's taste!

Recipe Guide

How does the ice cube trick work?

The ice cubes create steam in the microwave, gently reheating salmon and rice while keeping them moist.

What toppings pair well with salmon and rice?

Try avocado, cucumber, pickled ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, or scallion for vibrant flavor.

Can I use other proteins instead of salmon?

Absolutely! Cooked fish like trout or cod, or even tofu, make great alternatives in this bowl.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check all ingredient labels for a gluten-free option.

Which kitchen tools are necessary?

You need a microwave-safe bowl, microwave, sharp knife, and cutting board for easy assembly and prepping.

How to prevent dryness when reheating rice?

The steam from melting ice cubes helps keep rice tender and flavorful during microwave reheating.

Leftover Salmon Rice Bowl

Transform leftover salmon and rice quickly, finished with fresh toppings and a microwave steam trick.

Setup duration
10 min
Heat duration
5 min
Complete duration
15 min
Created by Daniel Brooks

Classification Easy Weeknight Eats

Complexity Easy

Heritage Fusion

Output 2 Portions

Nutrition specifications No dairy

Components

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 Chili flakes or sriracha, as desired

Method

Phase 01

Layer Rice and Salmon: Transfer cooked rice to a microwave-safe bowl and distribute flaked salmon evenly over the top.

Phase 02

Add Ice Cubes: Place two ice cubes on top of the rice and salmon to introduce moisture.

Phase 03

Cover Bowl: Loosely cover the bowl with parchment paper or a microwave-safe plate to allow gentle steaming.

Phase 04

Steam Rice and Salmon: Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes until the ice cubes have melted and contents are heated throughout.

Phase 05

Season and Add Toppings: Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil. Arrange avocado slices, cucumber, and pickled ginger on top.

Phase 06

Finish and Garnish: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced scallion. Add chili flakes or sriracha according to taste.

Phase 07

Serve Immediately: Enjoy promptly while warm for optimal texture and flavor.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains fish (salmon), soy (soy sauce), and sesame. For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce. Review ingredient labels for possible allergens.

Dietary information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 27 g