Leftover Salmon and Rice Bowl

Featured in: Quick Lunches

Give new life to leftover salmon and rice by using a clever microwave steaming trick with ice cubes. This creates a moist base, topped with savory soy sauce, sesame oil, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, pickled ginger, and crunchy sesame seeds. Scallions and a hit of chili or sriracha add freshness and heat. Versatile enough to swap in other cooked fish or tofu and add vibrant extras like nori or edamame. Quick to prepare, filling, and satisfying for any time a nutritious, flavor-packed meal is needed.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:19:00 GMT
Leftover Salmon & Rice Bowl topped with fresh avocado, cucumbers, and ginger.  Save
Leftover Salmon & Rice Bowl topped with fresh avocado, cucumbers, and ginger. | griddleglory.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 recipe after a busy week when I needed something nourishing but fast. It solved my leftover dilemma beautifully and became a staple in my kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Cooked rice: 1 cup white or brown, previously cooked
  • Salmon: 1 cup cooked, flaked into large pieces
  • Ice cubes: 2, for microwave steaming
  • Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 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 chili flakes or sriracha: as desired

Instructions

Prepare Base:
Place leftover rice in a microwave-safe bowl and top with flaked salmon.
Steam in Microwave:
Place ice cubes on top of rice and salmon. Cover loosely with parchment paper or a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes until ice cubes melt and ingredients are heated through and moist.
Add Sauces:
Remove from microwave. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Layer 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 & Rice Bowl steamed to perfection in minutes.  Save
Quick and easy Leftover Salmon & Rice Bowl steamed to perfection in minutes. | griddleglory.com

My family loves when I make these bowls for lunch on weekends. It's always a fun way to customise with everyone picking their favourite toppings.

Required Tools

Microwave-safe bowl, microwave, sharp knife, and cutting board are all you need.

Allergen Information

Contains fish, soy, and sesame. For gluten-free swap soy sauce for tamari and check all ingredient labels carefully.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains 410 calories, 18 g fat, 36 g carbohydrates, and 27 g protein.

Delicious Leftover Salmon & Rice Bowl, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. Save
Delicious Leftover Salmon & Rice Bowl, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. | griddleglory.com

This recipe makes leftovers exciting with minimum effort. A simple microwave trick transforms lunch into something vibrant and fresh.

Cooking Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works just as well and provides a nutty flavor and extra fiber.

How does the ice cube steaming method work?

Ice cubes slowly release moisture as they melt in the microwave, gently steaming the salmon and rice for a fluffy, tender texture.

What are some alternative toppings I can add?

Try shredded nori, edamame, carrot ribbons, or swap in fresh herbs for extra flavor and color.

Is it possible to make this bowl gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version, and always check ingredient labels.

Can I substitute the salmon with another protein?

Cooked tofu or another type of fish can easily be swapped in for the salmon for a different twist.

Leftover Salmon and Rice Bowl

Turn salmon and rice leftovers into a bright, balanced bowl with fresh toppings and microwave steaming.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
5 min
Complete duration
15 min
Created by Sarah Collins


Skill level 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 Optional: chili flakes or sriracha

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Base: Place the cooked rice into a microwave-safe bowl and evenly distribute the flaked salmon over the top.

Phase 02

Steam in Microwave: Arrange two ice cubes directly over the rice and salmon. Loosely cover the bowl with parchment paper or a microwave-safe plate.

Phase 03

Heat: Microwave on high power for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the ice cubes have melted and both rice and salmon are thoroughly heated and moist.

Phase 04

Season: Remove the bowl from the microwave. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil across the surface.

Phase 05

Add Toppings: Arrange sliced avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger attractively over the warmed rice and salmon.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Serve: Serve the bowl immediately for optimal texture and temperature.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains fish (salmon), soy (soy sauce), and sesame. For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce. Always verify labels for allergen content.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide only and aren't intended to replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 27 g