If you're like me, maybe you crave sushi a bit too often for your wallets liking. Because good sushi isn't cheap, and bad sushi isn't good, it can definitely get expensive. But, you can make your own version of sushi at home with these spicy salmon sushi bowls. It's not the exact same thing as sushi, I know, but it will do the trick as it has all the same components you love about sushi: sushi grade salmon, seasoned sushi rice, soy sauce, veggies, and spicy mayo. Once you have the rice cooked and seasoned, these salmon sushi bowls come together in no time.

Shayne and I love having sushi night at home, quite often. We'll prepare the sushi rice, roll the sushi, torch some (aburi sushi is SO good) and it's delicious.

But then I thought, why not put all the components of sushi together but make it easier. Because rolling sushi isn't exactly easy (for me at least), I'm still learning.

Enter salmon sushi bowls!

Why You'll Love This Salmon Sushi Bowl

• Super easy to throw together.
• Very flavourful and hits many of the flavour notes: sweet, salty, sour, umami.
• Cost effective alternative to ordering sushi.
• Customizable to suit your tastes and preferences (see substitutions below).

Ingredients

For the rice sushi bowls, here's what you'll need.

• short grain rice (sushi rice or short grain brown)
• rice vinegar
• sugar (granulated white or coconut sugar)
• kosher salt
• frozen edamame in pods
• toasted sesame oil
• light tamari or light soy sauce
• lime juice
• sushi grade salmon
• avocado
• radish
• cucumber

When it comes to the toppings, feel free to use any or all of the following:

• sesame seeds
• furikake
• nori strips
• microgreens
• tamari or soy sauce
• spicy mayo (mayonnaise mixed with sriracha)

How to Make Sushi Rice

When it comes to making sushi rice, it's all about seasoning the rice, and of course the rice itself. Sushi rice is the most traditional.

I've used short grain brown rice here because I was out of sushi rice, and it definitely works for these bowls.

In terms of making perfect sushi rice, I follow the instructions from make my sushi, it always turns out perfectly in terms of cooking and seasoning the rice. If you are making sushi, this is the best method for making it.

However, for these bowls, because the rice doesn't have to hold together the same way as it does for sushi rolls, I use the following method.

• start with 3/4 cup short grain rice (this will yield about 1 1/2 cups cooked rice).
• always rinse the rice very well, until the water runs clear.
• add the rice to a small pot and then add 1 1/2 cups water.
• cover the pot with a lid and bring to a boil.
• once the rice is boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 11 to 12 minutes, until the water is just absorbed.
• when it's done cooking, remove the pot from the heat source and let it steam for ten minutes with the lid on.
• remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork and add to a bowl.

Make the rice seasoning:

• while the rice is cooking, in a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar and salt and stir over low heat, just until the sugar dissolves.
• Remove from the heat and pour over the warmed rice once it's cooked and fluffed, stir and set aside.

Now you have some perfectly seasoned rice and it's time to assemble these salmon sushi bowls!

How to Make Salmon Sushi Bowls

Making the rest of the salmon sushi bowl is super easy. Here's what to do:

• have all the veggies chopped
• have the edamame cooked and seasoned
• cube or slice the salmon
• prepare the toppings you'll be using
• make some spicy mayo for drizzling: you only need mayo and sriracha. Mix the two together using as much or as little sriracha as you like.

What type of salmon to use

Choose sushi-grade or sashimi type of salmon if serving this raw. Always be sure to ask if you are unsure.

You can find sushi grade salmon at most well stocked fish shops, I get mine from a fish shop here in Toronto at St. Lawrence market because it's super close to me and always really fresh and delicious.

If you can't source safe, sushi or sashimi types of salmon, use another type of salmon and cook it. It will still be delicious, even if not served raw.

Substitutions

This recipe is customizable in so many ways. Feel free to adjust and substitute as needed.

• no rice: although, I personally can't stand cauliflower rice (LOL), feel free to substitute with that if you need/want to.
• gluten-free: be sure to use tamari.
• no soy: use coconut aminos and omit the edamame.
• switch the veggies up to what you have on hand or to something you prefer: shredded carrots, sautéed greens and shredded cabbage are different options.

Are Sushi Bowls Healthy?

Absolutely they are, and also super delicious too!

• Salmon is a great source of healthy fat, including omega-3's which have a range of health benefits and is something that can be lacking in the standard American diet.
• Rice is a great, naturally gluten-free grain that is easily digested.
• Lots of veggies add extra fibre and nutrients, such as avocado (more healthy fat!), cucumber, microgreens and radish.
• Nori is also a high mineral rich food and adds flavour as well.
• These salmon sushi bowls also hit so many flavour notes and are sure to leave you feeling satiated and satisfied. That's an important element to any healthy lifestyle IMO.

Other Seafood Recipes to try

• Thai Mussels in Coconut Milk with Lemongrass garlic Toast
• Salmon Tacos with Mango Salsa
• Harissa Salmon and Orzo with Tahini Dressing
• Sweet and Spicy Broiled Salmon
• Thai Shrimp Stir Fry with Basil & Eggplant
• Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
• Slow Roasted Salmon and Fennel
• Air Fryer Calamari
• Jerk Salmon Skewers with Mango Coleslaw

If you make these salmon sushi bowls please share with me, by tagging me on Instagram or leave a comment and/or review below. I truly love seeing and hearing form you!

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