16 Easy Salmon and Rice Dinners Perfect for Tonight
Nothing beats the perfect pairing of tender salmon with fluffy rice for a satisfying weeknight dinner. These simple combinations create restaurant-quality meals right in your own kitchen.
From spicy firecracker salmon to creamy risotto dishes, these recipes transform basic ingredients into something truly special and delicious.
01. Spiced Salmon and Broccoli Bake
A warming curry-spiced casserole that works perfectly with fresh or frozen salmon fillets. This one-dish wonder delivers comfort food satisfaction with minimal cleanup required.
Ingredients: 1 pound salmon fillets, 2 cups jasmine rice, 3 cups frozen broccoli florets, 1 can coconut milk, 2 tablespoons curry powder, 1 medium onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Spiced Salmon and Broccoli Bake
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook rice according to package directions until tender and fluffy, then spread evenly in the prepared baking dish as your base layer.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and curry powder, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant and well combined.
3. Pour coconut milk into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Add frozen broccoli florets and cook for 3 minutes until slightly tender. Season with salt and pepper, then pour this mixture over the rice layer.
4. Cut salmon into bite-sized chunks and nestle pieces throughout the casserole. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internal temperature.
02. Fresh Tomato Garlic Salmon
Light and summery salmon cooked with ripe tomatoes and aromatic garlic. This Mediterranean-inspired dish brings bright flavors to your dinner table without heavy sauces.
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved), 4 cloves garlic (sliced thin), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3 tablespoons butter, 2 cups cooked white rice, 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped), olive oil, salt and pepper.
How To Make Fresh Tomato Garlic Salmon
1. Season salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
2. Add salmon fillets skin-side up and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown crust forms. Flip carefully and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and flakes easily.
3. Remove salmon to a plate and reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, then add sliced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, then return salmon to skillet.
5. Serve immediately over warm cooked rice, spooning the tomato mixture generously over each fillet for maximum flavor in every bite.
03. Quick Creamy Dill Salmon Skillet
A simple six-ingredient skillet dinner that comes together in just twenty minutes. Creamy sauce with fresh dill creates an elegant meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 1/2 cup whole milk, 4 ounces cream cheese (softened), 1 cucumber (diced), 3 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped), 2 cups cooked white rice, salt and pepper, olive oil for cooking.
How To Make Quick Creamy Dill Salmon Skillet
1. Pat salmon fillets completely dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
2. Cook salmon fillets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 145°F internal temperature. Transfer to a clean plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and add softened cream cheese to the same skillet. Whisk in milk gradually until smooth and creamy, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Stir in diced cucumber and fresh dill, cooking for 2 minutes until cucumber is slightly tender. Return salmon to skillet and spoon sauce over fillets.
5. Serve immediately over warm rice, allowing the creamy dill sauce to coat both the salmon and rice for the perfect bite every time.
04. Smoky Salmon Fried Rice
Transform leftover rice into this quick seafood fried rice using flaky smoked salmon. Ready in thirty-five minutes, it’s ideal for those hectic weeknight dinner rushes.
Ingredients: 8 ounces smoked salmon (flaked), 4 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old), 3 large eggs (beaten), 4 green onions (sliced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 cup frozen peas.
How To Make Smoky Salmon Fried Rice
1. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble until just set but still slightly creamy, about 2 minutes. Remove eggs to a plate and set aside.
2. Add sesame oil to the same pan and heat until fragrant. Add minced garlic and white parts of green onions, stir-frying for 30 seconds until aromatic but not browned.
3. Add day-old rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until rice is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
4. Return scrambled eggs to the pan along with frozen peas and flaked smoked salmon. Drizzle with soy sauce and toss gently for 2-3 minutes until peas are heated through.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onion tops. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each portion gets plenty of smoky salmon throughout.
05. Salmon and Avocado Wraps
These simple six-ingredient wraps work beautifully as light dinners or make-ahead lunches. Adding sliced avocado brings extra creaminess and vibrant color to each bite.
Ingredients: 1 pound cooked salmon (flaked), 4 large flour tortillas, 2 ripe avocados (sliced), 2 cups cooked brown rice, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, mixed greens, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Salmon and Avocado Wraps
1. Combine flaked salmon with Greek yogurt and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper, mixing gently to coat the salmon without breaking it apart too much.
2. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in damp paper towels for 20 seconds until pliable and soft.
3. Lay each tortilla flat and spread a handful of mixed greens down the center, leaving 2 inches on each side for wrapping without spillage.
4. Top greens with 1/2 cup warm rice, then add a generous portion of the salmon mixture and several avocado slices arranged in an even layer.
5. Fold in the sides of each tortilla, then roll tightly from bottom to top. Cut in half diagonally and serve immediately, or wrap in foil for easy transport.
06. Nutritious Salmon Rice Bowl
A nutrient-packed bowl featuring tender salmon over rice with healthy greens like kale and seaweed. Customize with your favorite vegetables for a personalized healthy meal.
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 2 cups cooked brown rice, 2 cups baby kale (massaged), 1/4 cup dried seaweed (rehydrated), 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
How To Make Nutritious Salmon Rice Bowl
1. Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl to create a flavorful dressing. Set aside for flavors to meld together.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and flakes easily.
3. While salmon cooks, massage baby kale with a pinch of salt until leaves become tender and bright green. Rehydrate dried seaweed according to package directions and drain well.
4. Divide warm brown rice among four bowls. Top each with massaged kale, rehydrated seaweed, and a cooked salmon fillet broken into large chunks.
5. Drizzle each bowl with the prepared dressing and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately while salmon is still warm for the best texture contrast.
07. Slow Cooker Salmon Casserole
Let your Crock-Pot do the work with this creamy, comforting casserole. Two types of cream soup create an extra rich and satisfying one-pot meal.
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds salmon fillets, 2 cups long-grain white rice, 1 can cream of broccoli soup, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 2 cups frozen broccoli florets, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 medium onion (diced).
How To Make Slow Cooker Salmon Casserole
1. Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray. Combine both cream soups with chicken broth in the slow cooker, whisking until completely smooth and well blended.
2. Add uncooked rice, diced onion, and frozen broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until rice is evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.
3. Cut salmon into 2-inch chunks and nestle pieces throughout the rice mixture. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours until rice is tender and salmon flakes easily.
4. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Replace lid and let cheese melt completely before serving hot.
08. Marinated Smoked Salmon Poke
Quick-marinated smoked salmon creates this fresh poke bowl in under an hour. Colorful fruits and vegetables make each bite vibrant and refreshing.
Ingredients: 12 ounces smoked salmon (cubed), 2 cups sushi rice (cooked), 1 mango (diced), 1 cucumber (diced), 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sriracha, 2 green onions (sliced), sesame seeds for garnish.
How To Make Marinated Smoked Salmon Poke
1. Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha in a medium bowl, whisking until smooth and well combined for the perfect poke marinade.
2. Cut smoked salmon into 1-inch cubes and add to the marinade. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly, then let marinate for 30-45 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. While salmon marinates, prepare your vegetables by dicing mango and cucumber into small, uniform pieces for the best texture and presentation.
4. Divide cooked sushi rice among serving bowls. Top each bowl with marinated salmon, diced mango, cucumber, and sliced green onions in separate sections.
5. Drizzle any remaining marinade over each bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately while rice is still slightly warm for the perfect temperature contrast.
09. Sweet Miso Glazed Salmon
Salmon fillets get coated in a sweet and savory miso glaze before baking. The result is beautifully caramelized fish that’s brown and bubbly on top.
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 3 tablespoons miso paste, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy-ginger salad dressing, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, 2 green onions (sliced).
How To Make Sweet Miso Glazed Salmon
1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat salmon fillets completely dry and place on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Whisk together miso paste, brown sugar, soy-ginger dressing, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth and no lumps of miso remain.
3. Brush the miso glaze generously over the top of each salmon fillet, making sure to coat the entire surface for even caramelization during baking.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon reaches 145°F internal temperature and the glaze is caramelized and bubbly on top with golden brown edges.
5. Serve immediately over warm jasmine rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. The sweet and salty glaze pairs perfectly with the neutral rice.
10. Sake Butter Miso Salmon
Restaurant-quality salmon served with an incredible sake butter sauce infused with ginger and lime. This zesty, rich sauce delivers more flavor than most restaurant versions.
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 3 tablespoons miso paste, 1/4 cup sake, 4 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated), 2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 cups cooked short-grain rice, 1 tablespoon honey, salt and pepper.
How To Make Sake Butter Miso Salmon
1. Mix miso paste with honey in a small bowl. Brush this mixture over salmon fillets and let marinate for 15 minutes while you prepare the sauce ingredients.
2. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon fillets miso-side down first for 4 minutes until caramelized, then flip and cook 3 more minutes.
3. Transfer skillet to a 400°F oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until salmon reaches 145°F internal temperature and flakes easily with a fork.
4. While salmon bakes, combine sake, grated ginger, and lime juice in a small saucepan. Simmer for 2 minutes, then whisk in cold butter one piece at a time.
5. Remove salmon from oven and let rest 2 minutes. Serve over warm rice with the sake butter sauce drizzled generously over each fillet for maximum flavor impact.
11. Spicy Firecracker Salmon
This top-rated recipe has earned over a thousand rave reviews from happy home cooks. The spicy, tangy glaze creates an addictive flavor that’s perfect over rice.
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated), 2 cups cooked white rice, green onions for garnish.
How To Make Spicy Firecracker Salmon
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until sugar dissolves completely.
2. Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush generously with half of the firecracker sauce, reserving the remaining sauce for later use.
3. Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes until it flakes easily and reaches 145°F internal temperature. The edges should be slightly caramelized and golden brown.
4. While salmon bakes, pour remaining sauce into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until thickened and syrupy.
5. Serve salmon immediately over warm rice, drizzling with the reduced sauce and garnishing with sliced green onions. The spicy-sweet combination is absolutely irresistible.
12. Fresh Chirashi Sushi Bowl
If you love sushi, this fresh-tasting dinner is basically sushi deconstructed in a bowl. All your favorite sushi flavors come together in one satisfying meal.
Ingredients: 8 ounces sushi-grade salmon (cubed), 2 cups sushi rice (prepared), 1 cucumber (julienned), 1 avocado (sliced), 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon wasabi paste, 2 sheets nori (cut into strips), pickled ginger, sesame seeds.
How To Make Fresh Chirashi Sushi Bowl
1. Prepare sushi rice according to package directions, seasoning with rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar while still warm. Let cool to room temperature before assembling bowls.
2. Cut sushi-grade salmon into 1-inch cubes using a very sharp knife. Keep salmon chilled until ready to serve for the best texture and food safety.
3. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and wasabi paste in a small bowl to create a simple but flavorful dipping sauce for the salmon pieces.
4. Divide seasoned sushi rice among serving bowls. Arrange cubed salmon, cucumber julienne, and avocado slices in separate sections on top of the rice.
5. Garnish each bowl with nori strips, pickled ginger, and sesame seeds. Serve with the wasabi soy sauce on the side for drizzling over each bite.
13. Citrus Orange Salmon
Orange juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil create a sweet and savory glaze with fruity flair. This combination brings bright, fresh flavors to tender salmon fillets.
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon orange zest, 2 cups cooked basmati rice, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 green onions (sliced).
How To Make Citrus Orange Salmon
1. Whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and orange zest in a small bowl. Reserve 1/4 cup of this mixture for the sauce.
2. Marinate salmon fillets in the remaining orange mixture for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through for even flavor penetration throughout the fish.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove salmon from marinade and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 145°F.
4. Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Add reserved orange mixture to the same skillet and bring to a simmer, then whisk in cornstarch mixture until thickened.
5. Return salmon to the skillet and spoon the glossy orange sauce over each fillet. Serve over basmati rice, garnished with sliced green onions for fresh color and flavor.
14. One-Pot Pesto Salmon and Rice
This unique seven-ingredient dinner uses an interesting technique where the salmon gets steamed by the moisture from cooking rice. Everything cooks together in one pot for easy cleanup.
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 2 cups jasmine rice, 1/3 cup basil pesto, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 medium zucchini (diced), 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), 1/4 cup pine nuts, salt and pepper.
How To Make One-Pot Pesto Salmon and Rice
1. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add rice and toast for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
2. Stir in chicken broth, diced zucchini, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly.
3. After rice has cooked for 10 minutes, quickly nestle seasoned salmon fillets on top of the rice without stirring. Replace lid immediately to maintain steam.
4. Continue cooking for 12-15 more minutes until rice is tender and salmon flakes easily. The steam from the rice will perfectly cook the salmon.
5. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Gently fold in pesto and top with pine nuts before serving directly from the pot for a rustic presentation.
15. Tropical Mango Salmon
Baked salmon seasoned with coriander, brown sugar, and lemon-pepper gets served over rice with sweet mangoes. This combination brings tropical vacation vibes to your dinner table.
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 2 teaspoons ground coriander, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning, 2 cups cooked coconut rice, 2 ripe mangoes (diced), 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped), 2 tablespoons lime juice, salt to taste.
How To Make Tropical Mango Salmon
1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix coriander, brown sugar, and lemon-pepper seasoning in a small bowl for the spice rub.
2. Pat salmon fillets dry and rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each fillet, pressing gently to help seasonings adhere to the fish.
3. Bake salmon for 12-14 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The spice coating should be golden and aromatic.
4. While salmon bakes, combine diced mango with fresh cilantro and lime juice. Toss gently and season with a pinch of salt to brighten all the flavors.
5. Serve baked salmon over warm coconut rice, topped generously with the fresh mango mixture. The sweet fruit perfectly complements the spiced salmon for a tropical flavor experience.
16. Creamy Seafood Risotto
Transform leftover salmon into this luxurious creamy risotto. Using clam juice instead of regular broth allows the delicate seafood flavors to really shine through.
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked salmon (flaked), 1 cup arborio rice, 4 cups clam juice (warmed), 1/2 cup white wine, 1 medium shallot (minced), 3 tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped), olive oil.
How To Make Creamy Seafood Risotto
1. Keep clam juice warm in a saucepan over low heat. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add minced shallot and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add arborio rice and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until edges become translucent but centers remain white.
3. Pour in white wine and stir until completely absorbed. Begin adding warm clam juice one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is absorbed before adding more.
4. Continue this process for 18-20 minutes until rice is creamy but still has a slight bite. Stir in flaked salmon during the last 3 minutes to warm through.
5. Remove from heat and stir in butter, grated Parmesan, and fresh parsley. Serve immediately in warm bowls while the risotto is still creamy and at its peak texture.
Final Thoughts
These salmon and rice combinations prove that simple ingredients can create truly memorable meals. From quick weeknight skillets to elegant weekend dinners, there’s something here for every occasion.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and add your own favorite vegetables to make these recipes uniquely yours.
