The Crunchy Salmon & Brown Rice Bowl Recipe with Zesty Tahini

Nourishing and packed with vibrant flavors, these brown rice salmon bowls bring a delightful crunch to your weeknight dinner routine.

The herbed tahini sauce adds a creamy, zesty layer that perfectly complements the tender fish.

Salmon sizzles with golden-brown edges, nestled atop fluffy, nutty brown rice.

Crisp vegetables provide a fresh contrast to the rich protein.

Fresh herbs scattered across the bowl create a burst of color and brightness.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will satisfy your hunger and delight your palate.

You’ll find this recipe both comforting and exciting, promising a meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent.

Variations for Brown Rice Bowls with Salmon

• Quinoa Power Bowl: Swap brown rice with quinoa for a protein-packed alternative that adds nutty flavor and extra nutrients.
• Tofu Vegan Delight: Replace salmon with marinated firm tofu for a plant-based version that maintains the dish's rich, herbal profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe completely gluten-free while preserving the original marinade's taste.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Option: Substitute salmon with grilled chicken and add roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean twist on the original recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Herbed Tahini Rice Bowls

• Zesty Citrus Sprinkle: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salmon to enhance the bright, tangy flavors and add an extra citrusy punch.
• Crispy Veggie Crunch: Top the bowl with thinly sliced radishes or quick-pickled cucumber for an additional layer of crisp texture and refreshing taste.
• Nutty Seed Topping: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped almonds over the dish to introduce a delightful nutty crunch and boost nutritional value.
• Spice Level Upgrade: Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a subtle heat that complements the herbed tahini and salmon.

Storage Tips for Crunchy Brown Rice Bowls

• Store leftover salmon and rice separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Separate herbed tahini in a sealed jar.
• Wrap cooled salmon tightly in freezer-safe wrap or container. Store brown rice and salmon separately. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Gently warm salmon in microwave at 50% power for 30-45 seconds to prevent overcooking. Alternatively, place in oven at 275°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

• Is tahini healthy?

Tahini is packed with nutrients like calcium, protein, and healthy fats. It’s made from ground sesame seeds and offers great nutritional benefits, supporting heart and bone health.

• Can I use different types of fish instead of salmon?

Absolutely! You can substitute salmon with other fatty fish like trout, arctic char, or even halibut. Just adjust cooking times based on the fish’s thickness.

• What makes the herbed tahini unique?

The combination of fresh herbs like cilantro and mint adds bright, vibrant flavors to the traditional tahini, creating a zesty and refreshing sauce that complements the salmon perfectly.

• How can I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari when preparing the salmon marinade to keep it completely gluten-free.

Crunchy Brown Rice Bowls with Salmon and Herbed Tahini Highlights

• Craft Flavor-Packed Layers: Every bite delivers a symphony of tastes with tangy marinade, herbed tahini, and perfectly cooked salmon, creating a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Boost Nutritional Power: Brown rice and salmon combine to provide lean protein, healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbohydrates, making this dish a nutritional powerhouse.
• Master Simple Gourmet Techniques: Learn professional cooking methods like marinating, searing, and oven-finishing salmon, which elevate your home cooking skills without requiring advanced culinary training.
• Customize with Ease: Swap herbs, adjust marinade ingredients, or add extra vegetables to personalize the bowl according to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Salmon and Herbed Tahini Rice Bowls

• Salmon: Fresh fillet that serves as the main protein source for the dish.

• Brown Rice: Hearty whole grain that provides a nutritious base for the rice bowl.

• Olive Oil, Lime Juice, Honey, Soy Sauce, Salt: Flavorful combination that helps tenderize and season the salmon.

• Tahini, Olive Oil, Lime Juice, Cilantro, Mint: Creamy sauce that adds a fresh and tangy flavor to the dish.

• Cucumber, Sesame Oil, Cilantro, Mint, Lime Wedges: Fresh ingredients that provide additional texture, flavor, and brightness to the rice bowl.

Preparation Steps for Crunchy Brown Rice Bowls

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F.

This high heat will help create a perfect salmon finish.

Step 2: Whip Up Salmon Marinade

• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Salt

Blend these ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.

Step 3: Marinate The Salmon

Pour the marinade over salmon fillets, ensuring every inch gets coated.

Let the fish soak up those delicious flavors for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Herbed Tahini Sauce

• Tahini
• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Fresh cilantro
• Fresh mint leaves

Blend until silky smooth.

Season with salt to enhance the taste.

Step 5: Cook Brown Rice

Follow package instructions to prepare perfectly fluffy brown rice.

Step 6: Sear The Salmon

Heat a large oven-safe skillet with sesame oil.

Once hot, place salmon skin-side down and sear for 2-3 minutes until beautifully browned.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Step 8: Build Your Bowls

Divide cooked rice into serving bowls.

Top with fresh cucumber slices.

Step 9: Add Salmon

Place a perfectly cooked salmon fillet on top of each rice bowl.

Step 10: Drizzle And Garnish

Pour herbed tahini sauce over the salmon and rice.

Sprinkle with extra cilantro or mint leaves.

Step 11: Serve With Flair

Accompany the bowls with lime wedges for an extra zesty touch.

Pro Tips for Salmon Rice Bowls

• Let salmon sit in the marinade for 15-20 minutes to absorb the delicious blend of lime, honey, and soy sauce, enhancing its taste and tenderness.
• Start salmon skin-side down in a hot skillet to create a crispy exterior while maintaining a moist, flaky interior when baked.
• Use a blender or food processor to create a silky, well-integrated herbed tahini sauce that distributes herbs evenly throughout.
• Opt for fresh cilantro and/or mint to add bright, vibrant flavors that complement the rich salmon and creamy tahini.

Crunchy Brown Rice Bowls with Salmon and Herbed Tahini Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor bold Mediterranean-inspired Crunchy Brown Rice Bowls with Salmon and Herbed Tahini, where tender salmon meets crisp rice and zesty herb-infused tahini. Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate, promising a nutritious and satisfying culinary adventure you’ll want to experience again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 salmon fillets

Grains:

• 1.5 cups cooked brown rice

Vegetables and Garnish:

• 1 cucumber (sliced)
• 1/2 cup packed cilantro and/or mint leaves
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Salmon Marinade:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Herbed Tahini Sauce:

• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) tahini
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking olive oil, lime juice, honey, soy sauce, and salt together in a small bowl.
2. Immerse salmon fillets in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage, and let them absorb flavors for 15-20 minutes.
3. Prepare herbed tahini by blending tahini, olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, and/or mint leaves until silky smooth, then season with salt.
4. Cook brown rice following package guidelines and set aside.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, adding sesame oil.
7. Carefully place marinated salmon fillets skin-side down, searing for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
8. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake 8-10 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
9. Arrange cooked brown rice in serving bowls and layer with cucumber slices.
10. Position baked salmon fillets atop rice bowls.
11. Generously drizzle herbed tahini over salmon and rice.
12. Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro and/or mint leaves, and serve with lime wedges.
13. Savor the vibrant, textured salmon rice bowl.

Notes

• Marinate salmon at room temperature to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Pat salmon dry before searing to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
• Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness; thinner fillets will cook faster and prevent dryness.
• Swap salmon with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s protein-rich profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 630 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 34 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3.5 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg