Carmen'z Kitchen

THAI CHILI SALMON BOWL

🍴 Serves 5
⏰ 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

For Salmon Bites:

  • 3 lbs salmon fillets (cut into 1-inch bites)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

For Rice:

  • 2.5 cups dry rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • 5 cups water or broth (for extra flavor)

For Thai Chili Slaw:

  • 3 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust for spice level)

For Creamy Thai Chili Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer dressing)
  • 2 tbsp Thai chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp water (to thin, if necessary)

SIDES & VARIATIONS (OPTIONAL)

  • Rice Substitutes: Quinoa, couscous, or mixed greens for a lower-carb option.
  • Protein Alternatives: Chicken bites, tofu cubes, or shrimp.
  • Extra Veggies: Edamame, roasted bell peppers, or steamed broccoli.
  • Spicy Boost: Add sriracha or chili oil drizzle for extra heat.
  • Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, green onions, or parsley.
  • 1.5 cups diced cherry tomatoes
  • 2 large avocados (cubed)
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:  Prepare Rice

  • Rinse rice thoroughly under cold water.
  • Cook rice in water or broth according to package instructions. Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make Salmon (while rice is cooking)

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet over medium heat.
  • Toss salmon bites with olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger, salt, and pepper.
  • For oven: Place salmon bites on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
  • For skillet: Sear salmon bites for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through.

Step 3:  Prepare Thai Chili Slaw

  • Toss shredded cabbage, carrots, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (optional), and chili flakes in a large bowl. Mix well and let marinate for at least 5 minutes.

Step 4:  Make the Dressing

  • Whisk Greek yogurt, Thai chili sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Adjust consistency with water if needed.

Plating: Assemble Day of Serving or Meal Prep Ahead

  • Divide rice evenly into 5 meal-prep containers.
  • Add a layer of Thai chili slaw, followed by diced cherry tomatoes and cubed avocado.
  • Top with salmon bites.
  • Drizzle with creamy Thai chili dressing.
  • Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.

HEALTHY TIPS

  • Meal Prep Efficiency: Store the ingredients separately and assemble bowls as needed to maintain freshness. Use pre-shredded slaw mix to save time.
  • Balanced Fats: Include the avocado for healthy fats, but limit to 1/2 an avocado per portion to control calories.
  • Dressing Alternatives: Swap Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option.
  • Storage: Keep dressing separate if meal-prepping to avoid soggy ingredients.
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