Sticky Miso Salmon Bowl

Updated: July 17, 2025

Recipe Overview

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

Base (Sushi Rice)

• 2 cups sushi rice

• 2¼ cups cool water (for cooking)

Marinade & Seasonings

• 3 tablespoons white miso paste

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

• 2 teaspoons fresh grapefruit zest + 1 tablespoon grapefruit juice

• 4 (6–8 ounce) skinless salmon fillets, patted dry

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Flavor Additions

• 4 scallions, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cubed

Toppings (Optional)

• Kimchi, chile crisp, toasted nori sheets, sliced cucumber, avocado, or radish (customize as desired)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Rinse Sushi Rice

Place rice in a medium bowl and fill with cool tap water. Gently swirl fingers to release excess starch, then drain. Repeat 2–3 times until water runs clear. This step ensures rice grains remain fluffy and separate.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Transfer drained rice to a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Add 2¼ cups water, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then stir gently to prevent sticking. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer without lifting the lid for 18 minutes (set a timer!).

Step 3: Marinate the Salmon

While rice cooks, preheat broiler to high with a rack 5 inches from heat. In a large bowl, whisk miso, honey, oil, ginger, grapefruit zest, and juice. Season salmon lightly with salt, add to marinade, and toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature until rice timer finishes (≈15 minutes total).

Step 4: Rest the Rice

After 18 minutes, remove rice from heat. Cover and let steam for 10 minutes to finish cooking and hydrate.

Step 5: Broil the Salmon

Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Arrange marinated salmon (with excess marinade) on the sheet. Broil until glossy and charred in spots: 5 minutes for medium-rare (135°F internal temp) or 7 minutes for medium (145°F). Adjust time for desired charring.

Step 6: Fluff & Assemble

Uncover rice, stir in scallions and butter. Season with salt/pepper, then fluff with a spatula. Serve salmon over rice and add toppings.

Community Tips & Reviews

Pro Tips

• Meal Prep Hack: Portion marinade with individual salmon fillets, freeze in Ziploc bags, and thaw overnight for quick meals.

• Rice Upgrade: Add 3 tablespoons white miso to cooking water for deeper umami (per Kay Chun’s recipe).

Community Feedback

• “This cured my depression! Made in 15 minutes post-gym—rice, broiled salmon, and avocado. Perfect weeknight.”

• “Best salmon ever! My partner dislikes raw veggies, so I served with grilled zucchini.”

• “Marinade is divine—caramelizes into a sweet-savory crust. Added kimchi for tang.”

Enjoy this vibrant, umami-rich bowl with customizable toppings!