Smoked Salmon and Avocado Sushi Bowl Recipe

You’ll love this smoked salmon and avocado sushi bowl for its delicious flavors and easy preparation. Start by cooking sushi rice with water, then mix in a vinegar solution. Cool the rice to room temperature before assembling. Prepare your toppings: smoked salmon, sliced avocado, and cucumber. Arrange the cooled rice in bowls and add your prepared toppings. For best results, use short-grain Japanese rice and avoid overmixing it with the vinegar. Prevent avocado browning by adding a touch of lemon juice. To spice things up, mix wasabi into your soy sauce. This versatile dish offers numerous variations and nutritional benefits to explore.

Ingredients and Preparation

Sushi Bowl

Sushi bowls are a delightful fusion of traditional Japanese flavors and contemporary convenience. This deconstructed sushi dish offers all the delicious elements of a sushi roll in an easy-to-assemble bowl format. With its colorful presentation and balance of textures, the sushi bowl has become a popular choice for those craving sushi flavors without the rolling expertise. This recipe combines tender sushi rice, succulent smoked salmon, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber, all brought together with the umami notes of soy sauce and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 oz smoked salmon, sliced
• 1 large avocado, cubed
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 2 sheets nori, cut into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• Soy sauce, for serving

Instructions

1. Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
3. While the rice cooks, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved.
4. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Allow to cool to room temperature.
5. Prepare the toppings: slice the smoked salmon, cube the avocado, and thinly slice the cucumber.
6. Divide the cooled rice between 4 bowls.
7. Arrange the smoked salmon, avocado, and cucumber on top of the rice.
8. Sprinkle with nori strips and sesame seeds.
9. Serve with soy sauce on the side.

Top Tips

1. Use short-grain Japanese rice for the best texture and stickiness.
2. Don’t overmix the rice when adding the vinegar mixture to avoid making it mushy.
3. To prevent the avocado from browning, toss it with a little lemon juice before adding to the bowl.
4. For a spicy kick, mix some wasabi paste into the soy sauce before serving.
5. Prepare the rice in advance and refrigerate to save time on busy days.
6. Use a sharp knife when slicing the salmon and cucumber for clean, precise cuts.

Variations

1. Vegetarian: Replace smoked salmon with grilled tofu or tempeh.
2. Spicy Tuna: Substitute smoked salmon with sushi-grade tuna mixed with sriracha mayo.
3. California Roll Bowl: Use imitation crab meat, add masago (fish roe), and sprinkle with furikake seasoning.
4. Teriyaki Chicken: Top with grilled teriyaki chicken instead of salmon.
5. Poke Bowl: Use raw sushi-grade tuna or salmon cubes marinated in a poke sauce.
6. Vegan: Top with edamame, pickled radish, and marinated shiitake mushrooms.

Nutritional Guide

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Servings	4
Calories	420
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	58g
Protein	18g

This sushi bowl is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein. The salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health. Avocado contributes monounsaturated fats and fiber, while the cucumber adds freshness and hydration with minimal calories. To reduce the carbohydrate content, you can substitute some of the rice with cauliflower rice or mixed greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute the Smoked Salmon With Another Protein?

You can definitely swap out the protein. Consider vegetarian alternatives like tofu or tempeh. Marinate them for flavor depth. For meat options, try seared tuna or grilled chicken. Maintain sushi presentation by slicing proteins thinly and arranging artfully.

How Long Can I Store Leftover Sushi Bowls in the Refrigerator?

You’ll want to eat your leftover sushi bowls within 24 hours for best freshness. Make sure proper storage in an airtight container. While best served cold, you can gently reheat rice components if desired. Always prioritize food safety.

Is This Recipe Suitable for Meal Prepping?

You’ll find this recipe perfect for meal prep. It offers nutritional benefits from protein-rich salmon and healthy fats in avocado. For ideal presentation, store components separately and assemble just before eating. You’ll impress your fellow meal preppers!

What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With This Bowl?

You’ll enhance your meal with these complementary options. For salads, try seaweed or cucumber sunomono. As appetizer pairings, consider miso soup, edamame, or gyoza. These choices will create a well-rounded and authentic Japanese dining experience.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. For ingredient substitutions, try gluten-free rice vinegar. Explore flavor variations with gluten-free seasonings like furikake or nori flakes. Welcome to the gluten-free sushi community!

Before You Go

You’ve now mastered the art of creating a delicious smoked salmon and avocado sushi bowl. By layering sushi rice, fresh vegetables, and high-quality protein, you’ve crafted a nutritionally balanced meal that’s both visually appealing and satisfying. Remember to adjust seasoning to your taste preferences and experiment with additional toppings or sauces. This versatile dish can be customized for various dietary needs and serves as an excellent introduction to sushi-inspired home cooking.