Honey Sriracha Salmon Sushi Bowls (Low Carb & Gluten-Free)

Sushi bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of sushi without the complicated rolling process. This recipe for Honey Sriracha Salmon Sushi Bowls takes that concept and elevates it with a delicious balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, all while remaining low carb and gluten-free. It’s a perfect weeknight meal, meal prep option, or a crowd-pleasing dish for entertaining. This guide will walk you through each step, offering tips and tricks to ensure success.

Why You’ll Love These Salmon Sushi Bowls

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, sriracha, and soy sauce (or coconut aminos) creates an addictive and irresistible flavor profile.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from salmon, healthy fats from avocado, and vitamins from various veggies.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences; swap out veggies, proteins, or sauces.
• Quick and Easy: Much faster to prepare than traditional sushi rolls.
• Low Carb & Gluten-Free: A guilt-free way to enjoy sushi flavors, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Ingredients can be prepped ahead of time for quick assembly during the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the instructions, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe uses readily available components.

• Salmon: The star of the show! Look for high-quality, sushi-grade salmon for the best flavor and texture. Skin-on or skin-off, your preference.
• Cauliflower Rice: The low-carb base. You can buy it pre-riced or make your own using a food processor or grater.
• Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
• Edamame: Adds a pop of green and plant-based protein.
• Cucumber: Provides a refreshing crunch.
• Carrot: Adds sweetness and color.
• Green Onions: For a mild onion flavor and garnish.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty flavor and visual appeal.
• Nori (Seaweed) Sheets: Provides the authentic sushi flavor; cut into strips.
• Honey Sriracha Sauce: The magic ingredient!
  • Honey
  • Sriracha
  • Soy Sauce (or Coconut Aminos for Gluten-Free)
  • Rice Vinegar (or Apple Cider Vinegar)
  • Sesame Oil
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Ginger (grated)
• Optional Toppings:



• Spicy Mayo (made with avocado oil mayo for low carb)
• Pickled Ginger
• Wasabi
• Everything Bagel Seasoning
• Furikake

Preparing the Honey Sriracha Salmon

The salmon is the heart of this dish, so getting it right is crucial. Here’s how to prepare it to perfection.

Choosing Your Salmon

• Sushi-Grade Salmon: This is essential if you plan to use the salmon raw. Sushi-grade means it has been handled and frozen in a way that minimizes the risk of parasites. Buy from a reputable fishmonger.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh is great if you can get it, but frozen, properly thawed, is perfectly acceptable and often more readily available. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Sustainability: Look for salmon that is sustainably sourced. Labels like “MSC Certified” can help you make an informed choice.

Cooking the Salmon (Two Methods)

You can cook your salmon in two ways: pan-seared or baked. Both methods yield delicious results.

Pan-Seared Salmon

1. Pat Dry: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy skin (if using skin-on).
2. Season: Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat Oil: Heat a tablespoon of avocado oil or coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear Skin-Side Down (if using skin-on): Place the salmon skin-side down in the hot pan. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
5. Flip and Cook: Flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
6. Rest: Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Baked Salmon

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Season: Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
5. Rest: Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Making the Honey Sriracha Sauce

This sauce is the key to the bowls’ incredible flavor. It’s quick and easy to make.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, sriracha, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
2. Adjust to Taste: Taste and adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add more sriracha for extra heat, or more honey for sweetness.
3. Set Aside: Set the sauce aside until ready to use.

Marinating the Salmon (Optional)

For an even more intense flavor, you can marinate the cooked salmon in the honey sriracha sauce.

1. Slice Salmon: Slice the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces.
2. Marinate: Place the salmon in a bowl and pour the honey sriracha sauce over it. Gently toss to coat.
3. Refrigerate: Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavors to meld.

Preparing the Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional sushi rice. Here’s how to prepare it.

Cooking the Cauliflower Rice

1. Microwave Method: Place the cauliflower rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a tablespoon of water. Cover and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until tender. Drain any excess water.
2. Stovetop Method: Heat a tablespoon of avocado oil or coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.

Seasoning the Cauliflower Rice (Optional)

To enhance the flavor of the cauliflower rice, you can season it with a few simple ingredients.

• Rice Vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar adds a tangy flavor that mimics traditional sushi rice.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
• Coconut Aminos or Soy Sauce: A dash of either will add a savory depth to the cauliflower rice.

Assembling Your Sushi Bowls

Now comes the fun part – assembling your sushi bowls! This is where you can get creative and customize your bowls to your liking.

1. Base: Start with a base of cauliflower rice.
2. Protein: Add the honey sriracha salmon on top of the rice.
3. Veggies: Arrange the avocado, edamame, cucumber, and carrot around the salmon.
4. Garnish: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
5. Nori: Add strips of nori seaweed to the bowl.
6. Sauce: Drizzle with spicy mayo (optional).
7. Toppings: Add any additional toppings you like, such as pickled ginger, wasabi, everything bagel seasoning, or furikake.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Sushi Bowls

• Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients, especially salmon, will make a significant difference in the flavor of your bowls.
• Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. Aim for a perfectly cooked, flaky texture.
• Taste as You Go: Taste the honey sriracha sauce and adjust the ingredients to your liking.
• Prep Ahead: You can prepare the salmon, sauce, cauliflower rice, and veggies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the bowls quick and easy.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and sauces to find your perfect combination.
• Presentation Matters: Arrange the ingredients in an appealing way to make your sushi bowls even more enjoyable.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about sushi bowls is how easily they can be customized to your preferences and dietary needs.

• Protein Options: Not a fan of salmon? Try tuna, shrimp, tofu, or even shredded chicken.
• Vegetable Options: Swap out the vegetables for your favorites. Bell peppers, radishes, and snap peas are all great choices.
• Sauce Options: Experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki sauce, peanut sauce, or a simple sesame ginger dressing.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the honey sriracha sauce to control the spice level.
• Vegan Option: Use tofu instead of salmon and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
• Whole30 Option: Substitute the honey with a date syrup to keep this Whole30 compliant.

Health Benefits of Salmon Sushi Bowls

These Honey Sriracha Salmon Sushi Bowls aren’t just delicious – they’re also packed with health benefits.

• Salmon: A rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health, heart health, and reducing inflammation. Also high in protein, vitamin D, and B vitamins.
• Avocado: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Also a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins C, E, and K.
• Edamame: A great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals.
• Cucumber: Hydrating and low in calories. Contains antioxidants and vitamins K and C.
• Carrot: Rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Important for vision, immune function, and skin health.
• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional rice, high in fiber and vitamins.

Serving Suggestions

These Honey Sriracha Salmon Sushi Bowls are a complete meal on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make them even more enjoyable.

• Appetizer: Serve as an appetizer or starter for a dinner party.
• Lunch: Perfect for a healthy and satisfying lunch.
• Dinner: A quick and easy weeknight dinner option.
• Meal Prep: Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the bowls for a convenient meal prep option.
• Potluck: Bring a batch of sushi bowls to a potluck or gathering.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

• Salmon: Leftover salmon is best consumed within 1-2 days.
• Cauliflower Rice: Leftover cauliflower rice can be stored for up to 3 days.
• Veggies: Leftover veggies can be stored for up to 3 days.
• Sauce: Leftover sauce can be stored for up to a week.

When reheating, it’s best to reheat the salmon and cauliflower rice separately to maintain their texture. Assemble the bowls fresh for the best taste and presentation.

These Honey Sriracha Salmon Sushi Bowls are a delightful and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of sushi without the carbs or gluten. With their balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, they’re sure to become a new favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to create your own unique version. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a crowd-pleasing dish for entertaining, these sushi bowls are a fantastic choice. Enjoy!

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