Mediterranean Salmon Bowl Crispy Rice (Printable version)

Pan-seared salmon with crispy rice, peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 salmon fillets (about 5.3 oz each), skin-on, pin bones removed
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Rice

04 - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice, preferably chilled
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Vegetables & Toppings

06 - 1 cup baby bell peppers, sliced into rings
07 - 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced in oil, drained
08 - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
09 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
10 - 1/2 lemon, cut into wedges

→ Optional

11 - 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
12 - 1 small cucumber, diced

# Directions:

01 - Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
03 - Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the same skillet. Add cooked rice, pressing gently with a spatula to form a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy. Stir and continue crisping if desired.
04 - In a separate skillet, quickly sauté sliced baby bell peppers over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender. Set aside.
05 - Divide crispy rice among four bowls. Top each portion with one salmon fillet. Arrange sautéed bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh cilantro around the salmon. Add olives and cucumber if using.
06 - Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for brightness.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The salmon gets impossibly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, and honestly, that contrast is addictive.
  • Everything comes together in under 40 minutes, which means weeknight dinner without the usual scramble.
  • It's the kind of bowl that looks like you spent hours on it but actually lets you relax while cooking.
02 -
  • Don't flip that salmon too early, even if you're nervous. That skin needs time to render and crisp, and the fish will release naturally when it's ready.
  • Chilled or cold rice is absolutely essential for this crispy rice base, so plan ahead or let your rice cool in the fridge while you prep everything else.
03 -
  • Make your rice crispy layer the moment you finish cooking the salmon while the pan is still hot and your focus is sharp.
  • Cut your sun-dried tomatoes thinly so they distribute throughout the bowl rather than clumping in one spot.
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