📝 About This Recipe
This vibrant bowl is a nutritional powerhouse designed specifically to appeal to young palates with its balance of buttery textures and mild, sweet flavors. Flaky, honey-glazed salmon meets velvety avocado over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, creating a colorful 'treasure map' of ingredients that kids love to explore. It is the perfect introduction to healthy fats and omega-3s, presented in a fun, customizable format that makes dinner feel like an edible art project.
🥗 Ingredients
The Grain Base
- 1.5 cups Jasmine rice (rinsed thoroughly until water runs clear)
- 2.25 cups Water (for steaming the rice)
- 1 teaspoon Rice vinegar (optional, for a subtle brightness)
Honey-Glazed Salmon
- 1 pound Fresh salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (for searing)
- 2 tablespoons Honey (mild wildflower or clover honey works best)
- 1 tablespoon Low-sodium soy sauce (to add umami without too much salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder (for a gentle savory note)
Fresh Toppings & Veggies
- 2 pieces Ripe avocados (pitted and sliced into thin wedges or cubes)
- 1/2 piece English cucumber (thinly sliced into half-moons)
- 1 cup Edamame beans (shelled, steamed and lightly salted)
- 2 medium Carrots (shredded or peeled into thin ribbons)
The 'Magic' Drizzle & Garnish
- 3 tablespoons Mayonnaise (Kewpie style preferred for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lime juice (to brighten the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Toasted sesame seeds (for a 'polka dot' garnish)
- 1 piece Nori seaweed sheets (cut into tiny strips with kitchen shears)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Rinse the jasmine rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures the rice stays fluffy rather than gummy.
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2
Combine the rinsed rice and 2.25 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes.
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3
While the rice cooks, prepare the salmon. Pat the cubes dry with a paper towel—this is the secret to getting a nice golden sear. Toss the cubes gently with the garlic powder.
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4
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and soy sauce until fully combined. Set this glaze aside for later.
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5
Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the salmon cubes in a single layer, ensuring they aren't crowded.
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6
Sear the salmon for 2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the edges. Reduce the heat to low.
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7
Pour the honey-soy glaze over the salmon in the pan. Toss gently for 30-60 seconds until the sauce bubbles and coats each piece of fish in a glossy, sticky glaze. Remove from heat immediately.
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8
Once the rice timer goes off, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff with a fork and stir in the rice vinegar if using.
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9
Prepare the 'Magic Drizzle' by mixing the mayonnaise and lime juice in a small squeeze bottle or bowl until smooth.
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10
Begin assembly: Scoop a generous portion of fluffy rice into the center of four shallow bowls.
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11
Arrange the glazed salmon, avocado slices, cucumber half-moons, edamame, and carrot ribbons in separate 'neighborhoods' around the rice to keep the colors distinct and appealing for kids.
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12
Drizzle the lime-mayo sauce over the bowl in a fun zigzag pattern. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and the tiny nori strips for a professional chef's touch.
💡 Chef's Tips
If your child is sensitive to textures, try mashing the avocado with a fork and a drop of lime juice to prevent browning. To save time on busy weeknights, use frozen shelled edamame and pre-shredded carrots from the grocery store. For the best salmon texture, avoid overcooking; the cubes continue to cook slightly once removed from the pan due to the residual heat of the glaze. If you don't have jasmine rice, short-grain sushi rice provides a fun 'sticky' texture that kids often enjoy eating with chopsticks. Always check the salmon cubes for any stray bones before serving to young children.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of mild miso soup for a complete Japanese-inspired experience. Pair with a glass of sparkling water infused with a slice of orange or strawberry. Provide child-friendly training chopsticks to make the meal an interactive activity. A side of steamed broccoli florets 'trees' can add extra crunch and nutrition to the plate. Offer extra honey-soy glaze on the side for kids who love to dip their veggies.