Leftover Salmon Rice Bowl

Featured in: Quick Flavor Fixes

Leftover salmon and rice are easily turned into a vibrant meal with a handy microwave steaming technique. Ice cubes melt gently, rejuvenating the grains and fish without drying them out. After microwaving, the bowl comes alive with soy sauce, sesame oil, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, pickled ginger, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and scallion. Optional chili flakes or sriracha add extra zing. Tasty, balanced, and ready in minutes—perfect for a quick lunch or lively dinner.

Updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:36:00 GMT
Delicious leftover salmon and rice bowl topped with fresh vegetables and soy sauce.  Pin it
Delicious leftover salmon and rice bowl topped with fresh vegetables and soy sauce. | fungeniusrecipe.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 when I had some cold salmon and rice in the fridge and needed a quick lunch that felt new. The microwave ice cube hack made everything taste freshly cooked.

Ingredients

  • Cooked rice: 1 cup white or brown, leftover
  • Cooked salmon: 1 cup, flaked into large pieces
  • Ice cubes: 2 for gentle steaming
  • Soy sauce or tamari: 2 tablespoons, for gluten-free use tamari
  • 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 spicy topping: chili flakes or sriracha

Instructions

Layer leftovers:
Place leftover rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Top evenly with flaked salmon.
Add ice cubes:
Put 2 ice cubes on top of the rice and salmon.
Cover:
Cover bowl loosely with parchment paper or a microwave-safe plate.
Microwave:
Heat on high for 2, 3 minutes. Ice cubes will melt, gently steaming rice and salmon until moist and heated through.
Top and serve:
Remove from microwave. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil. Arrange avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger on top. Sprinkle sesame seeds and scallion. Add chili flakes or sriracha if desired. Serve immediately.
Warm, flavorful leftover salmon and rice bowl with vibrant avocado and cucumber slices.  Pin it
Warm, flavorful leftover salmon and rice bowl with vibrant avocado and cucumber slices. | fungeniusrecipe.com

This bowl quickly became a family favorite whenever we had extra salmon from dinner. My kids enjoy choosing their own toppings, making it a fun interactive meal.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains fish, soy, and sesame. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free meals. Check all labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

Quick and healthy leftover salmon and rice bowl, finished with sesame seeds and ginger. Pin it
Quick and healthy leftover salmon and rice bowl, finished with sesame seeds and ginger. | fungeniusrecipe.com

This speedy salmon rice bowl brings leftovers to life with minimal effort and lots of flavor.

Recipe FAQs

How do I prevent the salmon and rice from drying out?

The ice cube steaming method in the microwave keeps both salmon and rice moist and tender.

Can I use other types of cooked fish?

Yes, cooked white fish or even tofu work well in place of salmon for this bowl.

What toppings add extra flavor and texture?

Try avocado, cucumber, pickled ginger, sesame seeds, scallion, chili flakes, or sriracha for bold flavors.

Is this bowl suitable for gluten-free diets?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version; always check ingredient labels.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Absolutely! Shredded nori, edamame, or carrot ribbons bring more color and nutrition to the bowl.

What tools do I need to prepare this dish?

A microwave-safe bowl, microwave, sharp knife, and cutting board are all you need to get started.

Leftover Salmon Rice Bowl

Revive salmon and rice with a microwave steam and tasty toppings for a satisfying pescatarian bowl.

Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
5 minutes
Complete time
15 minutes
Created by Fungeniusrecipe Chloe Anderson

Recipe category Quick Flavor Fixes

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Fusion

Portions 2 Number of servings

Dietary details No dairy

What You Need

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 (optional)

How to Make

Step 01

Prepare Steaming Base: Distribute the leftover rice evenly in a microwave-safe bowl. Place flaked salmon over the rice.

Step 02

Add Ice Cubes: Place two ice cubes on top of the rice and salmon to enable gentle steam when microwaving.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Heat in Microwave: Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the ice cubes have fully melted and contents are heated through and moist.

Step 05

Season: Remove the bowl from the microwave. Drizzle heated contents evenly with soy sauce and sesame oil.

Step 06

Finish and Garnish: Top with sliced avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallion. Add chili flakes or sriracha as desired.

Step 07

Serve: Serve immediately for optimal freshness.

Equipment needed

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

Allergy details

Don’t forget to check each item for allergens. Talk to a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains fish (salmon), soy (soy sauce or tamari), and sesame.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Verify labels for possible allergens in all packaged ingredients.

Nutrition (each serving)

These nutrition facts are for reference only. Always consult an expert for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 410
  • Fat content: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Protein content: 27 g