FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook
- My Salmon Bowl Recipe Is Sweet, Sticky Bliss
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How To Make Salmon Bowls
- My Recipe Tips
- Salmon Bowl (30-Minute Recipe) Recipe card
- Recipe Reviews
My Salmon Bowl Recipe Is Sweet, Sticky Bliss

Some of you know I’ve been on a “bowl meal” kick lately, and this easy salmon bowl recipe is one of my favorites ever. Here’s why:
- Moist, flaky bites of salmon – Most salmon bowls I’ve seen either use raw fish (more like a poke bowl ) or just overcook the salmon completely. This recipe leaves your fish incredibly moist and flaky, neither raw nor dry. And it’s a nice change of pace from the chicken bowls and beef bowls I usually make.
- Sweet, sticky, umami-packed sauce – My easy homemade teriyaki sauce coating each bite of salmon makes it special and offers so much flavor. It’s the perfect contrast to the bright, crisp veggies and hearty base.
- Easy to make – You can have this dish on the table in just half and hour, using simple grocery store staples.
When you want a healthy lunch or dinner without much effort, this teriyaki salmon rice bowl is it. Make it with me!

Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my salmon bowl recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .
- Salmon – I prefer wild-caught, but any kind you like will work. Check out my pan seared salmon recipe to help you choose. We’ll cut the fish into 1-inch cubes, so I sometimes use this recipe as a way to use up odd-shaped fillets.
- Teriyaki Sauce – I used my homemade teriyaki sauce recipe made with coconut aminos (or you can use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari), honey, apple cider vinegar, blackstrap molasses, garlic powder, ground ginger, and sesame oil. It’s naturally gluten free.
- The Base – I made this salmon rice bowl using brown rice, but feel free to use white rice or even quinoa. When it’s just my husband and me eating it, I usually choose lighter cauliflower rice .
- Vegetables – I used carrots, cucumbers, radishes, and avocado slices. Sometimes I use leftover sauteed radishes instead of fresh. Feel free to add other fresh or cooked veggies. In the past I’ve experimented with broccoli, snow peas, bean sprouts, zucchini , mushrooms, edamame, and roasted sweet potatoes .
- Olive Oil – For sauteing. Avocado oil works, too.
- Garnish – I used green onions, but fresh chives or cilantro are good, too.

How To Make Salmon Bowls
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .
- Cook the salmon. Heat a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add the salmon pieces and sear on one side, then carefully flip and finish cooking on the other side. Remove the fish from the pan and cover to keep warm.
- Make the sauce. Prepare my teriyaki sauce recipe here , using the same skillet instead of a saucepan. Once it’s thick, return salmon to the pan and toss to coat.
- Assemble the salmon bowls. Cook rice using your favorite method, and divide among four bowls. Top with the teriyaki salmon, then the carrots, cucumbers, radishes, and avocado. Spoon any remaining sauce from the pan on top, and garnish with green onions.
My Recipe Tips
- Be careful not to overcook the fish. I highly recommend using a meat thermometer like this and removing the fish once it hits 130-135 degrees F. It will rise a few more degrees after tossing with the sauce right before serving, but this range will ensure that your salmon bowl isn’t dry.
- Does your skillet matter? Sort of. I usually prefer a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution, but this time I just used a stainless steel skillet and it worked fine. I recommend against very lightweight pans, because they don’t retain heat well and your fish will stick more easily.
- If you have picky eaters, customize your salmon bowls for each family member. I usually make mine with cauliflower rice and brown rice for my kids. If your family likes different toppings, plate them all separately and let each person top their bowl how they like. Oh, and we all love a bowl of egg drop soup as a starter with these!
- Want a spicy kick? Drizzle your salmon bowl with spicy mayo or simply sriracha. I often pair these with sesame seeds for texture.
Recipe Video
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.
- 1 tbsp Olive oil ▢
- 24 oz Salmon (cut into 1-inch pieces) ▢
- 1 recipe Teriyaki sauce (1/2 cup) ▢
- 2 cups Cooked brown rice (or cauliflower rice ) ▢
- 1 cup Carrots (shredded) ▢
- 1 cup Cucumbers (sliced thinly) ▢
- 1 cup Radishes (sliced thinly) ▢
- 1 medium Avocado (sliced thinly) ▢
- 1/4 cup Green onions (sliced) ▢
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
- Heat a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
- Add the salmon. Sear for 2-3 minutes on one side, then carefully flip with a spatula or tongs. Be very gentle, as the salmon will flake easily if you use too much force. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes on the other side.
- Remove salmon from the pan and cover to keep warm.
- Make the teriyaki sauce recipe here , using the same skillet instead of a saucepan. (It will cook faster than a saucepan, about 10-12 minutes .)
- Once the sauce is thickened, add the salmon back in and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Assemble each bowl with 1/2 cup brown rice, 1/4 of the salmon (plus more teriyaki sauce drizzled over the top), 1/4 cup each of carrots, cucumbers, and radishes, 1/4 of the avocado, and 1 tablespoon of green onion.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/2 cup rice, 1/4 of the salmon, 1/4 cup each of carrots, cucumbers, and radishes, 1/4 avocado, and 1 tablespoon green onion
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get moist, flaky fish, skillet notes, and ways to customize your salmon bowl.
- Storage & meal prep: I love these as a meal prep lunch idea! Just assemble and keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I do like to line with plastic wrap between the fresh ingredients and the rest of the bowl, so I can easily lift them out before reheating and then put back. The avocado is best cut fresh.
- Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing the veggies, but the salmon and rice freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Note on nutrition info: The numbers here are for brown rice. For a low carb option, use cauliflower rice as your base.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Winter Ebook Bundle !
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
Add Your NotesYour Notes
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.
Salmon Bowl Recipe

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List
- Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
- The Basic Keto Meal Formula
- Understanding Macros
- Keto Food Swaps
- Keto Food List
- Electrolyte Basics
- Keto Diet Types
- Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
- Recipe Reviews
Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.
You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).
Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:
- Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
- Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
- Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
- Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
- Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
- Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
- Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
- Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
- FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.
Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)
The Basic Keto Meal Formula
Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.
Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.
Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.
| Pick A Protein | Pick A Veggie | Add Fat |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Chicken Pork Eggs Lamb Turkey Fish Shellfish Protein powder Venison | Cauliflower Broccoli Zucchini Leafy Greens Cucumbers Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Asparagus Radishes Bell Peppers Jicama Celery | Butter Avocado Oil Cheese Bacon Avocado Lard Ghee Mayo Nuts MCT Oil |
Understanding Macros
Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.
You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.
Carbs Are A Limit.
Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.
A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.
“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.
A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.
Protein Is A Goal.
Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].
“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.
Fat Is A Lever.
Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.
A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).
Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.
Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.
“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.
Keto Food Swaps
One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.
So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .
Keto Swaps For Breakfast
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Pancakes | Almond flour pancakes or coconut flour pancakes |
| Oatmeal | Keto oatmeal with hemp seeds |
| Cinnamon rolls | Fathead cinnamon rolls |
| Cereal | Keto nut granola |
| Muffins | Almond flour muffins or coconut flour muffins |
| Donuts | Almond flour donuts |
| Scones | Almond flour scones |
| High-sugar smoothies | Smoothie with berries or avocado |
| Hash browns | Cauliflower hash browns |
| Breakfast casserole | Breakfast casserole with no potatoes |
| Egg whites | Whole eggs |
| Turkey bacon | Bacon |
| Waffles | Chaffles |

Keto Swaps For Bread
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Bagels | Fathead bagels |
| English muffin | Almond flour English muffin |
| White bread | Keto white bread |
| Multigrain bread | Coconut flour bread with seeds |
| Tortillas for wraps | Coconut flour tortillas |
| Corn taco shells | Cheddar cheese taco shells |
| Burger buns | Oopsie rolls , portobello mushroom caps |
| Breadsticks | Cauliflower breadsticks |
| Biscuits | Almond flour biscuits |
| Cornbread | Almond flour cornbread |
| Croutons | Parmesan crisps |
| Rice | Cauliflower rice , konjac rice |

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Breaded wings | Crispy air fryer wings (unbreaded) |
| Low-fat meat & poultry | High-fat cuts, or cook low-fat cuts with fat |
| Mashed potatoes | Mashed cauliflower |
| Roasted potatoes | Roasted or fried radishes |
| Tacos | Taco salad |
| Pizza | Fathead crust , chicken crust , or cauliflower crust pizza |
| Lasagna | Eggplant lasagna |
| Potato salad | Cauliflower “potato” salad |
| French fries | Jicama , rutabaga , or zucchini fries |
| Tater tots | Cauliflower tots |
| Wraps | Lettuce wraps , almond flour tortillas |
| Sushi | Naruto-style or homemade rice-free sushi |
| Breaded chicken or fish | Breaded cuts with almond flour or pork rinds |
| Spaghetti | Zoodles , spaghetti squash , shirataki noodles, kelp noodles |

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Nachos | Cheese crisps |
| High-sugar fruit | Berries & other keto fruits |
| Crackers | Almond flour crackers |
| Hummus | Cauliflower hummus |
| Soft pretzels | Fathead pretzels |
| Popcorn | Puffed cheese |
| Granola bars | Grain-free granola bars |
| Jam | Sugar-free berry chia jam |
| Sweet fruity yogurt | Full-fat plain Greek yogurt with berries |
| Sweet salad dressing | Ranch , blue cheese , or plain vinaigrette |
| Ketchup | Mustard and/or sugar-free ketchup |
| BBQ sauce | Sugar-free BBQ sauce |
| Sweetened peanut butter | Natural, sugar-free nut butters |
| Light mayo | Avocado oil mayo |
| Maple syrup | Sugar-free, maple flavored syrup |
| Potato chips | Zucchini chips , pepperoni chips , pork rinds |

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Sugar | Monk fruit or allulose |
| Powdered sugar | Powdered monk fruit or allulose |
| White flour | Almond or Coconut flour (use in tested recipes) |
| Making baked goods soft/chewy | Xanthan gum, flax seed meal, psyllium husk powder |
| Breadcrumbs | Pork rinds or almond flour |
| Margarine | Butter, coconut oil, or ghee |
| Vegetable oil | Olive or avocado oil |
| Bananas | Banana extract |
| Chocolate chips | Sugar-free chocolate chips |
| Cornstarch or flour roux | Xanthan gum or gelatin powder (used at the end) |
| Simple syrup | Dissolve monk fruit allulose blend in water over heat |

Keto Swaps For Drinks
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Lemonade | Water with lemon |
| Soda | Flavored sparkling water |
| Milk | Almond milk, coconut milk, heavy cream |
| Latte | Butter coffee |
| Coffee creamer | Heavy cream |
| Sweet wine | Dry wine |
| Beer | Ultra light beer |
| Mixed drinks | Hard liquor with soda + lemon |
If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List
When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.
The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto
- Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
- Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
- Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
- Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
- Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
- Avocados
- Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
- Almond flour and coconut flour
- Eggs
- Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.
Foods To Avoid On Keto
- White flour & sugar
- Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
- Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
- Cereal
- Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
- Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
- Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
- Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
- Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
- Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.
That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)
Electrolyte Basics
Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.
For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .
The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.
Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:
| Sodium | Magnesium | Potassium |
|---|---|---|
| Bone broth Boullion cubes Bacon Salted nuts Pickles | Seaweed Seeds Nuts Avocado Leafy greens | Potassium chloride Avocado Bone broth Spinach Broccoli Mushrooms Beef Pork |
Keto Diet Types
People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.
Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.
Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!
- Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
- Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
- Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
- Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.
For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!
Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:
- Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
- Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
- Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
- Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
- Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
- Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
- Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
- Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
- FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)
Salmon Bowl (30-Minute Recipe)

Make my easy salmon bowl recipe in just 30 minutes, with flaky teriyaki salmon, crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and brown rice.
Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/salmon-bowl/
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 24 oz Salmon (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 recipe Teriyaki sauce (1/2 cup)
- 2 cups Cooked brown rice (or cauliflower rice )
- 1 cup Carrots (shredded)
- 1 cup Cucumbers (sliced thinly)
- 1 cup Radishes (sliced thinly)
- 1 medium Avocado (sliced thinly)
- 1/4 cup Green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Heat a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
- Add the salmon. Sear for 2-3 minutes on one side, then carefully flip with a spatula or tongs. Be very gentle, as the salmon will flake easily if you use too much force. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes on the other side.
- Remove salmon from the pan and cover to keep warm.
- Make the teriyaki sauce recipe here , using the same skillet instead of a saucepan. (It will cook faster than a saucepan, about 10-12 minutes .)
- Once the sauce is thickened, add the salmon back in and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Assemble each bowl with 1/2 cup brown rice, 1/4 of the salmon (plus more teriyaki sauce drizzled over the top), 1/4 cup each of carrots, cucumbers, and radishes, 1/4 of the avocado, and 1 tablespoon of green onion.
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/2 cup rice, 1/4 of the salmon, 1/4 cup each of carrots, cucumbers, and radishes, 1/4 avocado, and 1 tablespoon green onion
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get moist, flaky fish, skillet notes, and ways to customize your salmon bowl.
- Storage & meal prep: I love these as a meal prep lunch idea! Just assemble and keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I do like to line with plastic wrap between the fresh ingredients and the rest of the bowl, so I can easily lift them out before reheating and then put back. The avocado is best cut fresh.
- Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing the veggies, but the salmon and rice freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Note on nutrition info: The numbers here are for brown rice. For a low carb option, use cauliflower rice as your base.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Winter Ebook Bundle !
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)