Gochujang Salmon Rice Bowl

This gochujang salmon rice bowl is as delicious as it is quick and easy to make. The salmon is undoubtedly the star of the show. Simply cut it into chunks, toss it in a simple 3-ingredient gochujang marinade, and air fry for just 4 minutes. The vegetable component is just as easy to make. Simply boil and drain your chosen frozen vegetables, then toss them with toasted sesame seeds and oil. Serve with rice and your favourite toppings for a tasty, nutritious meal.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• What is Gochujang?
• Why Use an Air Fryer?
• Preparing the Vegetables
• How to Cook the Gochujang Salmon
• Serving Suggestions
• Making The Optional Gochujang Mayo
• More Salmony Goodness!

Ingredient Breakdown

• Salmon Fillets: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is a nutrient-dense fish that provides a robust flavour and a tender, flaky texture.
• Gochujang: A Korean fermented red chilli paste that adds a complex mix of spicy, sweet and umami flavours. It’s the key ingredient that gives the salmon its distinctive, delicious taste.
• Light Soy Sauce: Adds salty, umami depth to the marinade, balancing the sweetness of the honey and the spice of the gochujang.
• Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the heat from the gochujang and rounding out the overall flavour profile.
• Frozen Vegetables: Convenient and quick to prepare, they add a nutritious element to the dish. Green beans and edamame are great choices for their vibrant colour and crunch.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds and Oil: These add a nutty flavour and a lovely texture to the vegetables, enhancing their taste and providing healthy fats.
• Cooked Sushi Rice: A staple base for the bowl, providing a neutral, slightly sticky backdrop that complements the bold flavours of the salmon and vegetables.

What is Gochujang?

Gochujang is a traditional Korean condiment made from red chilli pepper flakes, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans and salt. It has a unique flavour profile that is both spicy and slightly sweet, with a rich umami depth. Gochujang is incredibly versatile and can be used in marinades, sauces and soups. In this recipe, it forms the base of the marinade, giving the salmon a distinctive, bold flavour.

Gochujang is such a versatile ingredient. Once you’ve made this recipe, why not try one of these gochujang-based ones:

• Gochujang Butter Onions: Adapted from Ottolenghi’s miso butter onions, this recipe transforms the humble onion into something incredibly delicious with just three ingredients: gochujang, butter and water. They’re perfect as a side dish or a topping for rice and meat dishes.
• Gochujang Charred Cabbage: Charring cabbage brings out its natural sweetness and creates the most beautiful sweet, nutty flavour. Topped with a deliciously garlicky gochujang-based sauce and served over rice, it’s absolutely delicious.
• Gochujang Aubergine (Eggplant) Focaccia: This is one of my favourite ways of making aubergine (or eggplant, for my American friends): cut into thick slices, roasted until golden on the outside and soft and squidgy in the middle, and finished with a sticky glaze. This one is gochujang-based, which pairs beautifully with the creamy, crunchy slaw. Load it all up into a fluffy focaccia and you’ve got yourself an epic sandwich.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

Air frying is a fantastic method for cooking salmon. Here’s why:

• Quick and Efficient: The air fryer cooks the salmon in just 4 minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick meal.
• Healthier Option: Using an air fryer requires less oil than traditional frying methods, resulting in a healthier dish.
• Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a beautifully crispy exterior while keeping the salmon moist and tender inside.

Preparing the Vegetables

For this recipe, I use frozen green beans and edamame. They’re quick to prepare and add a nutritious component to the bowl. Here’s how to prepare them:

• Boil and Drain: Cook the frozen vegetables according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling them for a few minutes until tender.
• Toss with Sesame: After draining, toss the vegetables in toasted sesame seeds and sesame oil. This adds a delightful nutty flavour and a bit of crunch, enhancing the overall texture and taste of the dish.

How to Cook the Gochujang Salmon

• Marinate the Salmon: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the gochujang, light soy sauce and honey until well-combined. Add the salmon chunks and toss to coat them evenly.
• Air Fry: Line the air fryer basket with foil and preheat to 200℃. Place the salmon chunks in the basket and air fry for 4 minutes. The salmon should be cooked through with a slightly crispy exterior.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, add the cooked sushi rice to each bowl, then top with the gochujang salmon and the sesame vegetables. Here are some additional topping ideas to enhance your bowl:

• Kimchi: Adds a tangy, spicy element that pairs wonderfully with the gochujang salmon.
• Toasted Nori or Crispy Seaweed: Provides a crunchy texture and an umami boost.
• Crispy Onions: Adds a savoury crunch.
• Avocado: Creamy and rich, it balances the spiciness of the salmon.
• Cucumber Slices: Fresh and crisp, they add a cooling element.
• Fried or Boiled Egg: Adds protein and richness.

Making The Optional Gochujang Mayo

Gochujang mayo is a fantastic addition to this dish. It’s simple to make and adds a creamy, spicy element. Here’s how to prepare it:

• Combine Ingredients: Mix 50g of Kewpie mayo, 2 tablespoons of water or kimchi brine, and 1 teaspoon of gochujang in a small bowl.
• Stir Until Smooth: Ensure all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.

More Salmony Goodness!

If you loved this gochujang salmon rice bowl, here are some other delicious salmon recipes that you might enjoy:

• Salmon with Mango & Avocado Salsa: Oven-roasted salmon fillets served with a bright, zingy mango and avocado salsa. This healthy salmon dish is super tasty, easy to make, and perfect for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner.
• Salmon in a Turmeric Coconut Sauce: This dish features salmon fillets cooked in a rich turmeric coconut sauce, accompanied by kale and tenderstem broccoli, making it a nutritious and flavourful meal.
• Miso Salmon: Marinated in a mix of white miso paste, mirin and sugar, this salmon is roasted to perfection and served with steamed rice and vegetables.
• Garlic and Chilli Butter Salmon: This recipe feature a baked salmon side topped with a delicious garlic and chilli butter sauce, making for a flavour-packed dish.
• Olive Salsa Salmon: This dish pairs salmon with a tangy olive salsa, adding a Mediterranean twist to the meal.
• Peri Peri Salmon Tray Bake: This tray bake combines salmon with peri peri spices, baby potatoes and tenderstem broccoli for a simple yet flavourful meal.