Sushi bowls are the kind of midweek dinner that feel a little bit fancy — but they’re actually all about ease. And if you’re not into raw fish (or just want something warm and hands-off), oven-baking your salmon in paper is the ultimate shortcut.
Flaky, tender, and full of flavour — without the splatter or babysitting the pan.
Let’s build your new go-to family dinner: the oven-baked salmon sushi bowl.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)
🐟 For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or off)
- 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- Optional: chilli flakes or a squeeze of lime
🍚 For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked short grain rice (or brown rice for extra fibre)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1–2 carrots, julienned or grated
- Edamame (fresh or frozen)
- Pickled ginger or radish (optional)
- Nori strips or toasted sesame seeds to finish
🔪 Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 180°C (fan forced).
Cut 4 squares of baking paper (large enough to wrap a fillet).
2. Marinate the Salmon
In a bowl, mix soy/tamari, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger.
Place salmon fillets on paper squares and spoon marinade over each. Fold paper into loose parcels and seal tightly.
3. Bake
Place parcels on a tray and bake for 12–15 minutes until just cooked through and flaky.
4. Assemble Your Bowl
Layer rice into bowls and top with veg, avocado, and edamame.
Add your salmon (straight from the parcel) and drizzle any leftover juices over the top. Finish with sesame seeds or torn nori.
🧠 Why This Works
- No raw fish, no stress. Great for kids, pregnancy, and leftovers.
- Customisable. Use whatever veg you’ve got.
- No fancy sushi skills needed. Just a bowl and a fork.
You can also swap the salmon for teriyaki chicken or tofu if needed.
🧊 Make-Ahead Tip
- Bake extra salmon to flake through wraps or salads the next day.
- Prep the veg in advance and store in jars or containers in the fridge for a super quick build.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Tweak
Serve deconstructed — a scoop of rice, plain cucumber, carrot sticks, and salmon on the side. Add a drizzle of tamari or a small dipping bowl for fun.