Go Back
- 2 salmon fillets (approximately 6 oz each) - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option) - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste The salmon is the star here. It brings flavor and healthy fats to the dish. The honey and soy sauce create a sweet and salty marinade. Garlic and ginger add depth. These ingredients combine to make the salmon delicious. - 2 cups cooked quinoa (white or tri-color for visual appeal) - 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed until bright green and tender - 1 cup shredded carrots (use a grater or food processor for ease) Quinoa is a great base. It is high in protein and fiber. You can use white or tri-color quinoa to add color. Broccoli adds crunch and nutrients. Shredded carrots give sweetness and a pop of orange. Together, they make the dish colorful and healthy. - ½ ripe avocado, thinly sliced - Sesame seeds, for garnishing - Chopped green onions (scallions), for garnishing Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats. Sesame seeds give a nice crunch. Green onions add a fresh taste. You can also try other toppings like nuts or seeds for extra flavor. These garnishes make the bowls look pretty and taste even better. {{ingredient_image_2}} Preparation of the Marinade To make the marinade, mix three tablespoons of honey, two tablespoons of soy sauce, three minced garlic cloves, and one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger in a bowl. This mix gives the salmon a sweet and savory taste. Timing for Optimal Flavor Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Add salt and pepper to both sides. Place the salmon in a shallow dish and cover it with the marinade. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This time helps the fish soak up all the flavors. Skillet Method Details Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin side down. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the fillets and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. The salmon should easily flake with a fork when done. Tips for Perfectly Cooked Salmon Brush the salmon with leftover marinade in the last minute of cooking. This step adds more flavor and keeps it moist. Don’t overcook the salmon; it should be tender and juicy. Layering Ingredients While the salmon cooks, prepare the bowls. Start with a scoop of cooked quinoa as the base. Next, arrange steamed broccoli florets and shredded carrots around the quinoa. This will make each bowl colorful and healthy. Presentation Tips Carefully place a salmon fillet on top of the quinoa and veggies. It should look inviting. Add sliced avocado on top of the salmon. Finish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh look. Preventing Overcooking To keep your salmon juicy, cook it on medium heat. I recommend checking it after 4-5 minutes on each side. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. If it looks too dry, it may be overcooked. Ensuring Even Cooking Make sure the salmon fillets are the same thickness. This helps them cook evenly. Also, let the salmon rest for a minute after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it even tastier. Adding Spice to the Marinade Want a kick? Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade. This gives the dish a nice heat without overpowering the sweet honey flavor. Customizing with Different Sauces Feel free to experiment with sauces. Try teriyaki for a bold taste or a citrus-based sauce for a zesty twist. Each option brings a unique flavor profile to your bowls. Nutritional Benefits of Ingredients Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. Quinoa is a complete protein, packed with fiber. Broccoli and carrots add vitamins and minerals, making this dish nutrient-dense. Making it a Balanced Meal To create a balanced meal, include healthy fats and fiber. The avocado provides healthy fats, while quinoa offers fiber. This combination keeps you full and satisfied. Enjoy your meal knowing it’s good for your body! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Depth: If time allows, marinate the salmon for up to 1 hour. This will enhance the flavors and keep the fish moist during cooking. Check for Freshness: When selecting salmon, look for firm, bright flesh with a fresh ocean scent. Avoid any fish that appears dull or has a strong fishy smell. Perfectly Cooked Salmon: To ensure your salmon is perfectly cooked, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. This will give you tender, flaky fish without being dry. Customize Your Bowls: Feel free to add other vegetables or grains like bell peppers, edamame, or brown rice to diversify flavors and textures in your bowls. {{image_4}} You can switch salmon for chicken or tofu. Chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Simply marinate the chicken in the same honey garlic mix. Cook it until it reaches 165°F. For a plant-based option, try tofu. Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture. Press it to remove excess water, then marinate and cook it like salmon. If you love seafood, consider shrimp or scallops. Both cook quickly and soak up flavors well. Marinate them just like the salmon. Sauté shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side. Cook scallops for 2-4 minutes until they turn golden brown. These options keep your meals fresh and fun. Instead of quinoa, you can use rice or couscous. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and a chewy texture. Couscous cooks fast and gives a light, fluffy base. Adjust cooking time according to the grain you choose. You might explore farro, barley, or bulgur for added nutrition. These grains pack fiber and are filling. Cook them according to package directions. Mix and match grains to keep meals exciting and wholesome. Choose vegetables based on what is fresh and in season. In spring, use asparagus or snap peas. Summer brings zucchini and bell peppers. Fall is great for butternut squash and kale. Winter lets you enjoy hearty root veggies like carrots and parsnips. Don't toss leftover veggies! Chop and add them to your bowls. This reduces waste and boosts nutrition. Roasted or steamed vegetables can add great flavor and color. Be creative and use what you have on hand. It makes your meals unique and tasty. To keep your Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Store the salmon in an airtight container. It stays good for up to 3 days. - Freezing: If you want to store it longer, freeze the salmon. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. - To Maintain Freshness: Keep the quinoa and veggies in separate containers. This keeps them fresh and prevents sogginess. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, use these methods: - Microwave: Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30-second intervals until warm. - Skillet: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. - Ensuring Quality Upon Reheat: Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 145°F for safety and taste. Know how long you can store your dish. - How Long to Store: In the fridge, eat within 3 days. In the freezer, up to 3 months. - Signs of Spoilage: Look for a sour smell or any discoloration. If you see these signs, it’s best to throw it away. For the best flavor, I recommend marinating the salmon for 15-20 minutes. This time allows the salmon to absorb the honey garlic mixture well. If you marinate it longer, the fish might break down too much. Just enough time gives you a tasty and juicy result. Yes, you can use fresh garlic! Fresh garlic gives a stronger flavor compared to pre-minced garlic. If you use fresh cloves, you’ll want to chop them finely. This ensures they blend well in the marinade. I often prefer fresh garlic for its bold taste. I love to serve these bowls with healthy sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli: Adds green color and nutrients. - Shredded carrots: They bring sweetness and crunch. - Cooked quinoa: It’s a great base for the bowls. - Sliced avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats. - Sesame seeds and green onions: They enhance the dish's look and flavor. These sides not only taste great but also make the meal balanced and colorful. This blog post covers how to make delicious Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavor. I shared options for variation and storage. Try this recipe to impress anyone. It’s full of flavor and easy to make. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Enjoy these bowls as a healthy meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls

A delicious and healthy bowl featuring marinated salmon, quinoa, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 fillets salmon (approximately 6 oz each)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa (white or tri-color for visual appeal)
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed until bright green and tender
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 0.5 ripe avocado thinly sliced
  • for garnishing sesame seeds
  • for garnishing chopped green onions (scallions)

Instructions
 

  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season them generously with salt and pepper. Place the fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and let marinate for 15-20 minutes for optimal flavor absorption.
  • Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the marinated salmon fillets, skin side down, to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. During the last minute of cooking, brush the salmon with any remaining marinade to enhance the flavor.
  • While the salmon is cooking, start assembling the bowls. In each serving bowl, place a generous scoop of cooked quinoa as the base. Arrange the steamed broccoli florets and shredded carrots artistically around the quinoa.
  • Carefully transfer a cooked salmon fillet atop the beds of quinoa and vegetables in each bowl, ensuring it looks inviting and colorful.
  • Finish the bowls by topping the salmon fillets with sliced avocado. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and add a handful of chopped green onions for a fresh and vibrant presentation.
  • For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle any leftover marinade over the assembled bowls just before serving. Enjoy your beautifully arranged Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls!

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Keyword bowl, healthy, honey garlic, quinoa, salmon