Mediterranean Salmon Bowl (Printable version)

Pan-seared salmon served over crispy rice with colorful vegetables and Mediterranean toppings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 salmon fillets (about 5.3 oz each), skin-on, pin bones removed
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Rice

04 - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice, preferably chilled
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Vegetables and Toppings

06 - 1 cup baby bell peppers, sliced into rings
07 - 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and thinly sliced
08 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
09 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
10 - 1/2 lemon, cut into wedges
11 - 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)
12 - 1 small cucumber, diced (optional)

# How To Make:

01 - Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the same skillet. Add cooked rice, pressing gently with a spatula to form a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy. Stir and continue crisping if desired.
04 - In a separate pan over medium heat, quickly sauté sliced baby bell peppers for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender. Remove from heat.
05 - Divide crispy rice among four serving bowls. Top each portion with one salmon fillet.
06 - Arrange sautéed baby bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh cilantro around the salmon. Add kalamata olives and diced cucumber if using. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Rich in healthy fats and high-quality protein from fresh salmon.
  • The crispy rice technique adds an irresistible texture that pairs perfectly with tender fish.
  • Simple to prepare in 40 minutes, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and healthy lunches.
  • Gluten-free and pescatarian-friendly.
02 -
  • Use a large nonstick skillet to ensure the salmon skin doesn't tear when flipping.
  • When crisping the rice, leave it undisturbed for several minutes to allow a solid crust to form.
  • Squeezing the fresh lemon wedge over the salmon just before eating cuts through the richness and brightens all the flavors.
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