This SALMON BOWL WITH SPICY MAYO is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, all in one easy-to-make dish. Tender, bite-sized salmon is coated in a flavorful soy-maple glaze, then served over jasmine rice with crisp cucumbers, creamy spicy mayo, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It’s a quick, healthy, and protein-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
There’s something so comforting about a well-balanced bowl, and this salmon bowl with spicy mayo and cucumbers has become a staple in our kitchen. It’s one of those meals that feels like takeout but comes together quickly at home with fresh, simple ingredients. The combination of tender, caramelized salmon, creamy spicy mayo, and crisp cucumbers over a bed of jasmine rice is exactly the kind of meal we crave after a long day.
We first started making this dish when we were looking for a quick and healthy way to enjoy salmon without too much fuss. The marinade is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, coating the salmon in a glaze that’s full of umami. Paired with refreshing cucumbers and the richness of the spicy mayo, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving while still feeling light. Plus, the whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight option.
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Don’t have salmon? Try it with shrimp, tofu, or even chicken. Want to amp up the heat? Add more sriracha or chili garlic sauce. Looking for extra crunch? Toss in some sliced radishes or shredded carrots. This bowl is a great base for whatever flavors you love most, and it’s easy to adjust to whatever you have on hand.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or just need a quick and satisfying dinner, this salmon bowl is a winner. It’s packed with protein, full of bold flavors, and endlessly adaptable. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become one of your go-to meals, just like it has for us!
IN THIS RECIPE...
What do I need to make this bowl?
- SALMON – The star of the dish! Fresh, skinless salmon is cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- SOY SAUCE – Adds a rich umami flavor and forms the base of the sweet-savory glaze.
- MAPLE SYRUP – Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce with a subtle sweetness. You can swap it for honey or brown sugar if needed.
- CHILI GARLIC SAUCE – Brings heat and depth to the glaze. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- SRIRACHA – Adds a little extra kick to both the glaze and the spicy mayo. Feel free to use your favorite hot sauce instead.
- MAYONNAISE – We love using Kewpie mayo for its rich and slightly tangy flavor, but regular mayo works too.
- OLIVE OIL – Helps sear the salmon while keeping it tender and flaky.
- CUCUMBERS – Cool, refreshing, and the perfect crunchy contrast to the bold flavors in the bowl.
- GREEN ONION – Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- JASMINE RICE – Light, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce. Swap with brown rice or cauliflower rice if preferred.
- BLACK SESAME SEEDS – A simple garnish that adds a nutty crunch and extra visual appeal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. MAKE THE SAUCE
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, chili garlic sauce, and sriracha. This marinade is what gives the salmon its deep, rich flavor, balancing salty, sweet, and spicy elements. Set the sauce aside—you’ll use it to both cook the salmon and flavor the spicy mayo.
2. PREPARE THE SPICY MAYO
In another small bowl, mix ½ cup mayonnaise (we love Kewpie for its extra creaminess) with 2 tablespoons of the sauce from Step 1. Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level—if you love heat, feel free to add a little extra sriracha or chili garlic sauce! Set aside until ready to serve.
3. COOK THE SALMON
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, take the salmon fillets (skin removed) and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the salmon to the pan. Immediately pour in the remaining sauce from Step 1, making sure the salmon is evenly coated.
Let the salmon cook undisturbed for about 1-2 minutes so it can develop a light sear. Then, stir occasionally, allowing the salmon to cook through and absorb the sauce. This should take 3-5 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces and how well-cooked you like your salmon. The sauce should slightly caramelize, leaving you with glossy, flavorful salmon bites. Remove from heat once done.
4. ASSEMBLE THE BOWLS
Start with a base of warm jasmine rice—the fluffy grains soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully. Arrange sliced cucumbers on the side, adding a crisp, refreshing contrast to the savory salmon. Spoon the cooked salmon over the rice, making sure to drizzle any extra sauce from the pan over the top.
5. ADD THE TOPPINGS & SERVE
Sprinkle on thinly sliced green onions and black sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. Generously drizzle the spicy mayo over the salmon, using as much or as little as you like. If you love extra heat, add another squeeze of sriracha or chili garlic sauce on top.
And that’s it! Serve immediately while the salmon is still warm, and enjoy a bowl packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Related Recipes
Salmon Bowl with Spicy Mayo
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- ½ cup mayonnaise we use Kewpie
- 1 pound fresh salmon skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cucumbers sliced into half-moons
- 1 stalk green onion sliced thin
- Jasmine rice for serving
- Black sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Make the sauce by combining the soy sauce, maple syrup, chili garlic sauce, and sriracha.3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce, 1 teaspoon sriracha
- Make the spicy mayo by whisking 2 tablespoons of the sauce from step 1 with the mayonnaise.½ cup mayonnaise
- Set both sauces aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Once heated, add the salmon pieces and the sauce from step 1.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 pound fresh salmon
- Cook the salmon, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes until it reaches your desired doneness.
- Serve with jasmine rice and sliced cucumbers, top with green onion, spicy mayo, and black sesame seeds, and enoy!2 cups cucumbers, 1 stalk green onion, Jasmine rice, Black sesame seeds