Leftover Salmon Rice Bowl

Featured in: Quick Weeknight Dinners

Revitalize your leftover salmon and rice in just minutes with this clever microwave steaming method. Arrange flaked salmon and rice in a bowl, top with ice cubes, and heat to achieve moist, tender texture. Dress with soy sauce and sesame oil and garnish with avocado, cucumber, pickled ginger, scallion, and sesame seeds for an irresistible fusion bowl. Enhance flavor with chili flakes or sriracha as desired. Enjoy a well-balanced, pescatarian-friendly meal perfect for quick lunches or light dinners.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:03:00 GMT
Delicious leftover salmon and rice bowl, topped with fresh avocado and cucumber.  Save
Delicious leftover salmon and rice bowl, topped with fresh avocado and cucumber. | forkina.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 bowl after having extra pieces of grilled salmon and rice in my fridge. With the ice cube trick, everything tasted freshly made and was ready in minutes.

Ingredients

  • Cooked white or brown rice: 1 cup
  • Cooked salmon, flaked into large pieces: 1 cup
  • Ice cubes: 2
  • Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): 2 tablespoons
  • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
  • Avocado, sliced: 1
  • Cucumber, thinly sliced: 1
  • Pickled ginger: 2 tablespoons
  • Toasted sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon
  • Scallion, finely sliced: 1
  • Optional: chili flakes or sriracha: as desired

Instructions

Layer leftovers:
Place leftover rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Top evenly with flaked salmon.
Add steam:
Place 2 ice cubes on top of the rice and salmon.
Cover:
Cover the bowl loosely with parchment paper or a microwave-safe plate.
Microwave:
Microwave on high for 2–3 minutes, or until the ice cubes melt and the rice and salmon are heated through and moist.
Dress:
Remove from microwave. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Add toppings:
Arrange avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger on top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallion. Add chili flakes or sriracha if desired.
Serve:
Serve immediately.
Quick and easy leftover salmon and rice bowl, drizzled with sesame oil and soy sauce.  Pin it
Quick and easy leftover salmon and rice bowl, drizzled with sesame oil and soy sauce. | forkina.com

Sharing this bowl with my family on a busy weeknight always gets everyone excited for leftovers. It's a comforting option that feels brand new with the fresh toppings.

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 in place of soy sauce. Always double-check labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

Colorful leftover salmon and rice bowl, featuring pickled ginger and toasted sesame seeds. Pin it
Colorful leftover salmon and rice bowl, featuring pickled ginger and toasted sesame seeds. | forkina.com

This recipe offers a delicious upgrade for leftovers in just a few minutes. Enjoy a flavor-packed bowl that makes busy nights simple and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the ice cubes help with reheating?

Placing ice cubes atop salmon and rice creates a gentle steaming effect, keeping food moist and preventing dryness.

Can I use other proteins besides salmon?

Absolutely! You can substitute with leftover cooked fish, tofu, or even shredded chicken for variety.

What toppings work best for extra crunch?

Sliced cucumber, toasted sesame seeds, and pickled ginger add fresh crunch. Try shredded carrot or edamame as well.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, switch soy sauce for tamari and confirm all product labels are gluten-free before serving.

What can I pair with the bowl?

Green tea or a crisp white wine pairs well, accenting the flavors without overpowering the dish.

Leftover Salmon Rice Bowl

Freshen up salmon and rice using easy steaming, finished with crisp veggies and savory accents.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Fusion

Yield: 2 servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

Arrange Base Ingredients: Spread the leftover rice evenly in a microwave-safe bowl and layer flaked salmon on top.

Step 02

Add Steaming Element: Place two ice cubes directly over the rice and salmon.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Microwave: Heat on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until ice cubes melt and contents are thoroughly heated and moist.

Step 05

Dress and Garnish: Remove the bowl from the microwave. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.

Step 06

Add Fresh Toppings: Arrange sliced avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger across the surface.

Step 07

Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and scallion. Add chili flakes or sriracha if preferred. Serve immediately.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish (salmon), soy (soy sauce or tamari), and sesame.
  • For gluten-free preference, select tamari and verify ingredient labels.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 36 g
  • Protein: 27 g