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Stoneware bowl of seared salmon over rice with cucumber ribbons and glossy chili crisp, sesame seeds scattered on a wood table

Seared Salmon Rice Bowls with Cucumber and Chili Crisp

Crispy-skin seared salmon over rice with quick-pickled cucumber and a spoonful of chili crisp, ready in 45 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, American comfort, Tex-Mex, Italian-American
Calories: 69

Ingredients
  

Salmon and marinade
  • 4 salmon fillets, skin-on (150 g each, 600 g total)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar divided
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil (avocado or vegetable) for searing
  • salt and black pepper to taste
Rice and toppings
  • 1.5 cups jasmine rice, uncooked (280 g)
  • 1 English cucumber (about 300 g); thinly sliced
  • 4 tbsp chili crisp
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Method
 

Cook the rice and marinate the salmon
  1. Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs mostly clear, then cook with 2.25 cups water in a saucepan or rice cooker, about 18 minutes, and let it steam covered for 5 minutes off heat.
  2. Whisk the soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger together in a shallow dish. Add the salmon fillets, turn to coat, and let them marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Sear the salmon
  1. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels, this helps the skin crisp instead of steam, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high with the neutral oil until it shimmers.
  3. Lay the fillets in skin-side down with space between them, press gently for 10 seconds so the skin stays flat, and sear for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is crisp and releases from the pan on its own.
  4. Flip and cook 3 to 4 minutes more until the salmon reaches 145 F / 63 C on an instant-read thermometer and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Build the bowls
  1. Toss the sliced cucumber with the remaining 2 tablespoons rice vinegar and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
  2. Divide the rice among 4 bowls, top each with a salmon fillet, a pile of dressed cucumber, and a spoonful of chili crisp.
  3. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Pat salmon fully dry before searing for crisp skin.
  • Don't flip the fillet until skin releases naturally, about 4 minutes.
  • Cook rice ahead and reheat with a splash of water for faster assembly.
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.