Crispy Rice Salmon Bowl (Printable)

Pan-seared salmon over crispy rice with Mediterranean vegetables and lemon-yogurt sauce

# What You’ll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 salmon fillets (about 5.3 oz each), skin removed
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Rice

05 - 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice, preferably cold or leftover
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Mediterranean Vegetables

08 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
09 - 1 small zucchini, diced
10 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
11 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
13 - 2 tablespoons capers, optional
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
15 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
17 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Lemon-Yogurt Drizzle

18 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
19 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
20 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
21 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
22 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Garnish

23 - Fresh dill or parsley, chopped
24 - Lemon wedges

# Steps:

01 - Whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, zest, dill or parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add cherry tomatoes, olives, capers if using, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
03 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add cooked rice, pressing it down into an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 6-8 minutes until the bottom turns golden and crispy. Season with salt. Flip or stir to crisp additional sides if desired. Divide among serving bowls.
04 - Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. In a separate nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salmon fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through.
05 - Top crispy rice with sautéed vegetables in each serving bowl. Place a cooked salmon fillet on top. Drizzle generously with lemon-yogurt sauce, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve with lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Texture Contrast: The crunch of the pan-fried rice paired with flaky salmon is incredibly satisfying.
  • Nutrient-Dense: Packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids and a rainbow of fresh vegetables.
  • Zesty Finish: The homemade lemon-yogurt drizzle adds a bright, creamy element that ties the whole bowl together.
02 -
  • Pre-cook the Rice: Cook your rice a day in advance and keep it in the fridge to ensure it crisps up perfectly in the skillet.
  • Marination: For deeper flavor, marinate the salmon in olive oil, lemon, and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Vegetable Freshness: Sauté the vegetables just until tender-crisp to maintain their vibrant color and nutritional value.
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