Salmon fried rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make at home. It is a great way to use up leftover rice and salmon. The rice soaks up the flavorful juices from the salmon, vegetables, and sauce, making each bite packed with flavor. This fried rice recipe is special because it includes wild-caught salmon which provides heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon is also an excellent source of protein. Paired with fiber-rich brown rice and colorful vegetables like peas and carrots, this salmon fried rice makes for a well-balanced meal. Let’s take a look at how to make this tasty one-pan dinner!
Ingredients
To make salmon fried rice you will need:
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
Follow these easy steps for making flavorful salmon fried rice:
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon pieces in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned on the outside but still raw in the middle. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the peas and carrots and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan. Pour the eggs into the center and scramble until cooked through, about 1 minute.
- Add the cooked rice and gently mix everything together.
- Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked salmon back to the pan and gently mix with the rice and vegetable mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is warmed through.
- Remove pan from heat. Garnish fried rice with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Tips
Here are some tips for making the best salmon fried rice:
- Use day-old rice or leftover rice for best results. The grains separate more easily.
- Cut the salmon and vegetables into small pieces so they cook quickly and mix evenly into the rice.
- Cook the salmon until just opaque in the center before removing from the pan. It will finish cooking when added back to the fried rice.
- Add frozen peas and carrots to save time on chopping. They also retain texture better than fresh.
- Scramble the eggs before adding rice so they coat the grains.
- Go light on the soy sauce. Add a little at a time to avoid over-salting.
- Cook over high heat to get crispy rice on the bottom of the pan.
Serving Suggestions
Salmon fried rice tastes great on its own but can also be served with:
- Sriracha hot chili sauce
- Sliced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sautéed bok choy or broccoli
For a complete meal, enjoy the fried rice with a side salad or miso soup.
Storage
Leftover salmon fried rice will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet before serving. The flavors meld together even more on the second day making leftovers taste even better!
You can also freeze cooked salmon fried rice for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition
This salmon fried rice is packed with good-for-you nutrients:
- Protein from the salmon and eggs
- Fiber from the brown rice and vegetables
- Omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon
- Vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium
- Antioxidants from ingredients like carrots and sesame oil
Salmon is one of the best sources of heart-healthy omega-3s which can help reduce inflammation and lower risk for chronic diseases. Paired with veggies and whole grains, it makes for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
Salmon fried rice is an easy, nutritious one-pan dinner. It comes together quickly by cooking the aromatic ingredients first, then adding the rice, vegetables, protein and sauce. Feel free to swap in your choice of veggies or protein. Leftover salmon fried rice makes for excellent leftovers thanks to its dynamic flavors. Enjoy this tasty dish any night of the week!