Healthy Teriyaki Salmon Bowl with Cucumber – The Meal Prep You’ll Want Every Week
If there’s one meal prep recipe I find myself going back to week after week, it’s this Healthy Teriyaki Salmon Bowl with Cucumber. As someone who has spent years testing high protein and clean eating recipes in my own kitchen, this dish is the kind that checks every single box: it’s flavorful, beautifully aesthetic, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for busy weekdays when you want something nourishing but not complicated. And trust me — after writing hundreds of articles on food and cooking, this is the bowl I still crave for lunch more than anything else.
The hero of this bowl is tender, caramelized, glazed teriyaki salmon paired with crunchy cucumber, creamy avocado, and warm fluffy rice. The balance of textures makes it impossible not to love. What I personally enjoy most is how simple the entire process is — one marinade, one pan, and done. If you’re searching for one pot meal prep recipes that are healthy but still feel like comfort food, you’re exactly in the right place.
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Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Salmon Bowl with Cucumber
There’s something incredibly satisfying about having your weekly meals neatly portioned and ready to go. This bowl is high in omega-3s, rich in protein, and loaded with fresh vegetables — but still insanely delicious. It’s a clean eating recipe that tastes anything but diet food.
- High protein from the salmon
- Perfect for meal prep
- Made with clean, wholesome ingredients
- Easy to assemble and visually aesthetic
- Balanced with rice, cucumber, and avocado
- One marinade + one pan = minimum cleanup
Ingredients You’ll Need (Exact Measurements)
Below is the full ingredient list with precise measurements so your bowl turns out perfect every single time.
For the Teriyaki Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 4–5 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Marinade / Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp water + 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken)
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or brown rice)
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
These ingredients create four perfectly portioned bowls ideal for lunch meal prep.
The Secret to Perfect Glazed Teriyaki Salmon
If you've ever wondered how restaurants get that glossy, sticky glazed finish on their teriyaki salmon, the answer is simple: a well-balanced marinade plus a quick thickened sauce added at the end. My readers often tell me this is the step that transforms their meal prep from “just okay” to “I want to eat this every day.”
Let your salmon rest in the marinade for at least 20–30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak deeply and naturally caramelize when cooked. The result is fork-tender salmon with a bold, savory-sweet finish.
How to Make the Best Teriyaki Salmon Bowl with Cucumber
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow bowl or container and pour half of the mixture over the top. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. Reserve the other half to turn into your final glaze.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Add the salmon skin-side down and cook 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
In a small pot, simmer the reserved marinade. Add the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp water + 1 tsp cornstarch) and whisk until the sauce becomes glossy and thick.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Prepare 2 cups of jasmine rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
Now for the fun part — building your aesthetic bowl.
- Add a scoop of warm rice.
- Top with salmon.
- Add cucumber slices and avocado.
- Drizzle the teriyaki glaze over the top.
- Finish with green onions and sesame seeds.
RECOMMENDED AMAZON PRODUCTS TO ENHANCE THIS RECIPE
Here are three kitchen tools I personally swear by in my own kitchen — and I genuinely use all of them when testing meal prep recipes like this one. These will make cooking faster, smoother, and far more enjoyable.
1. Nonstick Cast Iron Skillet
A good skillet is essential for achieving that perfect sear on your salmon. This one heats evenly, doesn’t stick, and lasts for years. I’ve used it for everything from teriyaki salmon to chicken stir-fry.
Call to action: Elevate your cooking — get this skillet on Amazon today and make perfectly seared salmon every time.
2. Glass Meal Prep Containers
If you meal prep regularly, having quality containers is a must. These glass containers keep food fresh, hold heat well, and make your meals look instantly aesthetic — which always motivates me to stay consistent.
Call to action: Stay organized all week — order these glass meal prep containers here.
3. Japanese-Style Santoku Knife
This knife glides through cucumbers, avocados, and even raw salmon effortlessly. As someone who writes about food for a living, having a knife I trust is non-negotiable. This one will completely change how fast and clean your prep work feels.
Call to action: Slice ingredients like a pro — get the Santoku knife now on Amazon.
One-Pot Cooking Option for Easy Cleanup
One of the biggest reasons this recipe is a weekly staple in my home is that it easily adapts to a one pot (or one-pan) method. If you prefer minimal cleanup, simply bake the salmon and vegetables together on one sheet pan:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place marinated salmon on a lined baking sheet.
- Add sliced cucumbers on the side.
- Bake 12–15 minutes, brushing with glaze halfway through.
It’s the fastest way to make a full batch of bowls for meal prep.
Meal Prep Tips to Keep Your Bowls Fresh All Week
After testing countless meal prep recipes, these are the tips that consistently keep this bowl fresh and delicious:
- Store cucumber separately so it stays crisp.
- Add avocado right before eating to prevent browning.
- Reheat rice and salmon together for best texture.
- Drizzle glaze after reheating to keep the bowl aesthetic.
This bowl lasts up to 4 days in airtight containers.
High Protein Benefits of This Recipe
Each bowl contains roughly 30–35 grams of protein, making it perfect for women who want meals that keep them full longer. Salmon is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, hormones, and skin glow. When paired with rice and vegetables, it creates the ideal clean eating balance.
Variations You Can Try
- Spicy version: add sriracha mayo or chili crisp
- Low carb: swap rice for cauliflower rice
- Veggie loaded: add edamame, carrots, or cabbage
- Gluten-free: use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes — the entire dish is simple, quick, and foolproof.
Can I make this using one pot?
Absolutely! Bake everything on one sheet pan for easy cleanup.
Can I freeze teriyaki salmon?
Yes, but freeze without cucumber and avocado for best texture.
What rice works best?
Jasmine rice or sushi rice for softness; brown rice for more fiber.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Teriyaki Salmon Bowl with Cucumber is truly the meal prep you’ll want every week. As someone who spends countless hours cooking, writing, and testing recipes, I can genuinely tell you that this one never gets old. It’s fresh, clean, balanced, high protein, beautifully aesthetic, and most importantly — easy enough for even the busiest days.
Save this recipe, make it this week, and I promise: you’ll be hooked after one bite.
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