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Ready in 40 minutes | Serves 4 | Easy | Pescatarian
Sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy—these Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Bowls are packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party. Juicy chunks of salmon roasted in a bold chipotle honey glaze pair perfectly with fluffy rice, creamy avocado salad, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Done in under 45 minutes from prep to plate.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples like rice, honey, and chipotle peppers.
- Customizable – Add extra heat or swap sides to suit your taste.
- Healthy & Hearty – Full of protein, healthy fats, and satisfying fiber.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 (4–6 oz) salmon filets, cut into bite-size chunks
- 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1–2 tbsp chopped chipotle in adobo
- 2 tbsp + 2 tsp honey, divided
- 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3–4 cups cooked rice
For the Avocado Feta Salad:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 2 small cucumbers, chopped
- 1 serrano or jalapeño, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lime juice
For the Chipotle Mayo:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tbsp chopped chipotle in adobo
- 2 tsp honey
How to Make Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Bowls
1. Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Prep & Roast the Salmon
Toss salmon chunks with 3 tbsp olive oil, chipotle, 2 tbsp honey, tamari, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 10–15 minutes, broil in the last minute for a lightly charred finish.
3. Make the Cilantro Sauce
Whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp honey, and apple cider vinegar. Stir in chopped cilantro, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Make Avocado Feta Salad
Combine avocado, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, and cumin. Toss with olive oil, lemon, and lime juice. Gently fold in feta.
5. Mix the Chipotle Mayo
Stir together mayonnaise, chipotle in adobo, and honey until smooth.
6. Assemble the Bowls
Add a scoop of rice to each bowl. Top with roasted salmon, avocado salad, a drizzle of cilantro sauce, and a spoonful of chipotle mayo.
How to Serve
Pair these bowls with:
- Fresh lime wedges for added zing
- A side of roasted veggies or a crisp green salad
- Optional crunchy tortilla strips for texture
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicier: Add extra chipotle or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Dairy-free? Skip the feta or sub with dairy-free cheese.
- Low-carb option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Storage Tips
- Store salmon and rice in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheat in the microwave in short intervals or in the oven at 350°F.
- Freeze cooked salmon separately from the rice for longer storage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overcooking Salmon: Don’t dry it out! Salmon cooks fast. Aim for flaky but moist (145°F internal temp).
- Burning Glaze: Honey burns easily. Keep the heat moderate when simmering the chipotle honey glaze for a sticky, not burnt, sauce.
- Uneven Salmon Pieces: Cut salmon into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Skipping Rest Time: Let salmon rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How spicy is it? Can I change it? A: It depends on the chipotle! Use less for milder, more for spicier. You’re in control of the heat!
Q: Best rice for these bowls? A: Basmati or Jasmine rice are great for their fluffy texture and ability to soak up flavor.
Q: Can I use different protein? A: Yes! The glaze works well with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Q: Storing and reheating leftovers? A: Store in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet to keep salmon moist.
Q: What are good toppings? A: Try sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, pickled red onions, or sriracha mayo for extra flavor and freshness.
Save This Recipe
Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Bowls are your go-to for an easy, healthy dinner that feels gourmet. Whether you’re meal prepping or hosting friends, this bold, flavor-forward bowl will leave everyone wanting seconds.
Printable Recipe Card
Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Bowls
Ready in: 40 mins
Serves: 4
Flavor: Sweet, smoky, spicy
Healthy, Dinner, Pescatarian, Easy MealsIngredients
Salmon:
- Salmon filets (bite-sized)
- Olive oil, chipotle in adobo, honey
- Soy sauce, apple cider vinegar
- Fresh cilantro, salt & pepper
Avocado Salad:
- Avocados, cucumbers, jalapeño
- Feta cheese, cumin, cilantro
- Lemon & lime juice, olive oil
Chipotle Mayo:
- Mayo, chipotle in adobo, honey
Serve with: Cooked rice
Instructions
- Roast Salmon: Toss salmon with oil, chipotle, honey, and seasonings. Bake at 450°F for 10–15 min.
- Make Sauce: Whisk oil, honey, vinegar, and cilantro.
- Mix Salad: Combine salad ingredients in a bowl.
- Chipotle Mayo: Stir mayo, chipotle, and honey.
- Assemble: Serve rice topped with salmon, salad, sauces.
Tips
- Broil salmon for 1–2 min for crispy edges.
- Sub cauliflower rice for low-carb.
- Adjust chipotle for spice level.
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