How to Make Emily Mariko’s Viral Salmon Rice Bowl at Home

Emily Mariko’s salmon rice bowl recipe went viral on TikTok in 2021 and for good reason – it’s fresh flavorful, easy to make, and customizable. This simple bowl features tender, flaky salmon served over fluffy rice and crisp vegetables, all drizzled with a tangy-sweet sauce. Making this bowl at home is easy, especially if you have leftover rice and salmon on hand. Read on to learn how to recreate Emily Mariko’s famous TikTok salmon rice bowl recipe from your own kitchen.

An Overview of Emily Mariko’s Salmon Rice Bowl

The star of Emily Mariko’s rice bowl recipe is the salmon. She recommends using leftover cooked salmon, which helps cut down on prep time. Over day-old rice in a bowl, the cooked salmon is broken up into bite-sized flakes. Here’s what sets Emily’s recipe apart:

• An ice cube is nestled into the rice before microwaving. This steams and reheats the rice perfectly.

• Drizzles of soy sauce, kewpie mayonnaise, and sriracha season the salmon and rice. Kewpie mayo has a unique sweetness that sets it apart from regular mayonnaise.

• Avocado and kimchi dices add texture and a bit of acidity to the salmon, which is very rich.

• Toasted sesame seeds and scallions add crunch

• In her viral video, Emily wraps the finished rice bowl filling in sheets of nori seaweed. This step is optional but tasty.

The blend of flavors and textures is what makes this such an crave-worthy bowl. It comes together in just minutes, satisfies hunger, and highlights simple ingredients beautifully. Let’s break down how to make it at home.

How to Make Emily Mariko’s Salmon Rice Bowl

Ingredients

• Cooked salmon – About 3-4 oz per serving, skin removed
• Cooked rice – Emily recommends leftover rice straight from the fridge. Use about 1 1/2 cups per serving.
• Ice cube – This will steam the rice when reheating
• Soy sauce
• Kewpie mayonnaise
• Sriracha (optional for extra heat)
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• Kimchi
• Scallions, sliced
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Nori seaweed sheets (optional)

Instructions

1. Flake the cooked salmon into small pieces in a microwavable bowl. Use a fork to break it up into bite-size flakes.

2. Layer the cold cooked rice over the salmon. Nestle an ice cube into the center of the rice.

3. Cover the bowl loosely with a plate or parchment paper. Microwave on high for 2-2 1/2 minutes. The ice cube will steam the rice and salmon.

4. Remove the bowl from the microwave and discard any unmelted ice.

5. Drizzle soy sauce and kewpie mayo over the salmon and rice. Add sriracha for spice if desired. Toss gently to coat.

6. Top with sliced avocado, kimchi, scallions, and sesame seeds.

7. At this point, you can either enjoy the salmon rice bowl as is, or wrap it in sheets of nori seaweed, as Emily Mariko does in her viral video.

That’s it! In just a few short steps, you can enjoy this crave-worthy salmon rice bowl. The flavor combinations are incredible. Keep reading for tips to customize this recipe and make it your own.

Tips for Making the Viral Salmon Rice Bowl

• Choose sustainable salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon over farmed for the best texture, flavor, and nutrition. Sockeye and king salmon are excellent choices.

• Cook once, eat twice: Roast or pan-sear a big batch of salmon fillets to have leftovers handy for assembling this quick bowl.

• Fluff day-old rice: The fridge dries out cooked rice, but a splash of water and microwave steam (thanks to the ice cube) brings it back to life.

• Mix up the mayo: Can’t find kewpie mayo? Mix sriracha into regular mayo instead. For a spicy crab cake dipper vibe, combine mayo, sriracha, and a splash of rice vinegar.

• Top it off: Make it your own bowl with toppings like shredded carrot, cucumber, crispy wontons, edamame, hard boiled egg, or pickled ginger.

• Seaweed is optional: Skip the nori wraps if you can’t find seaweed sheets. The bowl is still delicious on its own.

• Meal prep: Double the recipe and pack individual portions for easy work lunches. The salmon and rice keep well. Assemble bowls and add toppings right before eating.

FAQs About Making Emily Mariko’s Salmon Rice Bowl

What kind of rice works best?

The recipe was designed to use day-old rice straight from the fridge. Long grain white rice is traditional, but you can sub in brown rice, sushi rice, or cauliflower rice.

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh cooked?

Absolutely! Canned wild salmon is a handy shelf-stable option. Drain it well before flaking it over the rice.

What if I can’t find kewpie mayo for the sauce?

Regular mayonnaise is a fine substitute. For a more authentic flavor, mix mayo with a bit of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar before drizzling it on.

Do I need a microwave to make this recipe?

You can, but it’s not essential. Simply cook the salmon and rice fresh instead of reheating leftovers. A drizzle of water while reheating on the stovetop mimics the steaming effect of the ice cube.

Can I meal prep this rice bowl?

Yes! Cook salmon and rice ahead of time. Store the rice and salmon separately. When ready to eat, assemble bowls and just microwave to heat through. Add fresh toppings like avocado right before serving.

Why Emily Mariko’s Salmon Bowl Went Viral

It’s easy to see why Emily Mariko’s simple yet crave-worthy salmon rice bowl blew up on TikTok. Here are some reasons it gained millions of views:

• Using leftovers is brilliant – It eliminates extra steps and makes the bowl come together fast. Who doesn’t love reinventing leftovers?

• Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor – With just a handful of components, you get sweet, salty, spicy, and savory flavors in each bite.

• Universal appeal – Salmon, rice, avocado – what’s not to love? It’s fresh and satisfying fare with broad appeal.

• Low effort, big payoff – For barely any active prep, you get a beautiful, tasty lunch or dinner. It’s the ultimate weekday recipe.

• Easy personalization – Swap in your favorite toppings to customize your bowl with what you have on hand.

More Crave-Worthy Rice Bowl Recipes to Try

Now that you know how to make the famous Emily Mariko rice bowl at home, try these tasty rice bowl recipes next:

Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

Turn leftover chicken into a quick teriyaki chicken rice bowl topped with caramelized pineapple and crunchy cabbage slaw.

Thai Pork Larb Bowl

Spicy, herbaceous ground pork is served over rice and fresh veggies for a rice bowl with Thai flair.

Burrito Bowl

All of your favorite burrito fillings – beans, rice, salsa, cheese, and more – come together in an easy, satisfying rice bowl.

Chicken Yaki Udon Bowl

Transform udon noodles and ginger chicken into a hearty one-bowl dinner or lunch.

BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl

Your favorite BBQ flavors unite in this cheesy chicken and rice bowl topped with caramelized onions.

Vegan Buddha Bowl

A base of quinoa tossed in ginger dressing is topped with roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and tahini sauce for a filling vegan meal in a bowl.

Emily Mariko made the humble leftovers combo of salmon and rice into an internet sensation with her creativity and charm. Now that you know how to recreate her viral rice bowl at home, you can enjoy this tasty meal any night of the week. What will you top your salmon rice bowl with? Get creative with your favorite fresh vegetable toppings and sauces!