Teriyaki Salmon Bowls with Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed: A perfect blend of savory teriyaki, sweetness from honey, and a hint of spice.
• Crispy perfection: Golden, roasted Brussels sprouts add irresistible crunch and depth.
• Quick and easy: Ideal for weeknights or meal prep, ready in under an hour.
• Healthy and versatile: A dairy-free option that’s nutrient-rich and adaptable.

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Preparation Phase

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or broiler: For perfectly cooked salmon with a caramelized glaze.
• Mixing bowls (2): To prepare the marinade and sauce.
• Baking sheet: For evenly roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Tongs: To flip the salmon and sprouts during cooking.
• Whisk or fork: To blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.

Preparation Tips

• Choose quality salmon: Fresh fillets ensure a rich, flaky texture.
• Prep ahead: Marinate the salmon and trim the Brussels sprouts in advance for quicker assembly.
• Get even cooking: Slice Brussels sprouts uniformly and arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Ingredients List

For the Salmon

• 1 pound salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Brussels Sprouts

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Make the Marinade:
   • In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
   • Mix thoroughly to create a rich, flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Salmon:
   • Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the fillets, ensuring they’re completely coated.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
3. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
   • In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
   • Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
4. Cook the Salmon and Brussels Sprouts:
   • Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
   • Cook the salmon for 5–7 minutes per side, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
   • Simultaneously roast the Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
5. Make the Sauce:
   • Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
   • Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste if necessary.
6. Assemble and Serve:
   • Serve the grilled salmon and crispy Brussels sprouts over a bed of rice or quinoa.
   • Drizzle the sauce generously over the top. For added garnish, sprinkle with sesame seeds or freshly chopped herbs.

Serving Suggestions

• Base Options:
  Serve your teriyaki salmon and crispy Brussels sprouts over:
  • Steamed jasmine rice for a classic pairing.
  • Brown rice or quinoa for a fiber-rich alternative.
  • Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Garnishes:
  • Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
  • Add a pop of color and flavor with thinly sliced green onions.
  • Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over the dish for a citrusy brightness.
• Extra Toppings:
  • A drizzle of sriracha or spicy mayo for heat lovers.
  • Pickled ginger on the side to complement the teriyaki glaze.

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Side Dish Recommendations

Pair your teriyaki salmon bowls with these complementary sides for a complete meal:

1. Garlic Butter Rice: A rich, buttery side that balances the teriyaki’s sweet and salty flavors.
2. Steamed Edamame: A simple, protein-packed side sprinkled with sea salt.
3. Pickled Cucumbers or Radishes: Add tangy crunch to the meal.
4. Sesame Ginger Slaw: A refreshing, crispy salad with a zesty kick.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory salmon.
6. Miso-Glazed Carrots: A soft, flavorful complement to the crispy sprouts.
7. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed and drizzled with soy sauce or sesame oil.
8. Soba Noodle Salad: A chilled, tangy noodle salad for a contrasting texture.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Salmon:
   • Salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and retains a moist texture. Overcooking leads to dryness.
   • Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
2. Skipping the Marinade:
   • The marinade is crucial for infusing the salmon with flavor. Rushing this step can result in bland fish.
3. Crowding the Brussels Sprouts:
   • Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in soggy sprouts.
4. Ignoring Sauce Adjustments:
   • Taste the sauce before serving. You can tweak the balance of sweetness, tang, or spice to suit your preferences.
5. Cooking Everything at Once:
   • Manage timing carefully. Begin roasting the Brussels sprouts first, as they take longer than the salmon to cook.

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How to Perfect the Recipe

• Enhance the Glaze: Brush the salmon with extra marinade during cooking for a shiny, caramelized finish.
• Crispier Sprouts: Turn the sprouts halfway through roasting and broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crispness.
• Balance the Meal: Serve with a refreshing side like a cucumber salad to offset the richness of the teriyaki sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead:
  • Prepare the marinade and sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
  • Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts ahead of time for quicker assembly.
• Customize the flavor:
  • Add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange juice to the marinade for a citrus twist.
  • For extra umami, mix a teaspoon of sesame oil into the marinade or drizzle over the finished dish.
• Cooking options:
  • If you don’t have a grill or broiler, cook the salmon in a skillet on medium heat. Sear each side for 4–5 minutes.
  • For an air fryer option, cook the Brussels sprouts at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Extra crunch:
  • Toss the Brussels sprouts with a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs before roasting for added texture.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage:
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Keep the salmon, Brussels sprouts, and sauce separate for the best reheating results.
• Reheating:
  • Salmon: Warm gently in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals. Avoid overcooking to maintain moisture.
  • Brussels Sprouts: Reheat in the oven or an air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
  • Sauce: Let the sauce come to room temperature or microwave for a few seconds if needed.
• Freezing:
  • Avoid freezing the assembled dish. However, the salmon can be frozen for up to 3 months if wrapped tightly. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

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FAQs

1. Can I use other vegetables instead of Brussels sprouts?
   Absolutely! Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus work well as substitutes.
2. What’s the best rice to pair with this dish?
   Jasmine rice is the most popular choice, but brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice are excellent alternatives.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
4. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
   Replace the salmon with firm tofu or tempeh. Marinate and cook using the same method for a plant-based alternative.
5. How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
   The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Can I add more spice to the recipe?
   Yes, increase the red pepper flakes in the marinade or mix sriracha into the sauce for an extra kick.
7. Can I use frozen salmon?
   Yes, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking.

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Conclusion

Teriyaki Salmon Bowls with Crispy Brussels Sprouts are a delightful combination of bold flavors and healthy ingredients, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, paired with golden Brussels sprouts and a creamy sauce, ensures a dish that’s both satisfying and memorable. With simple customizations and side pairings, this recipe can easily become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Serve it with your favorite sides, experiment with garnishes, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Give it a try and savor the harmony of flavors in every bite!