Teriyaki Salmon & Rice Snack Boxes

Teriyaki Salmon & Rice Snack Boxes

Julia

These Teriyaki Salmon & Rice Snack Boxes bring all the satisfaction of sushi without the fussy rolling technique. Tender, flaky salmon is glazed with a homemade gluten-free teriyaki sauce that caramelizes beautifully, creating a sweet-savory coating that pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice. Each bite-sized piece of salmon sits atop a bed of seasoned rice, making these bento boxes as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Inspired by Japanese bento culture, these portable lunch boxes are designed for busy professionals, students, and anyone who needs a nutritious meal on the go. The teriyaki sauce is naturally gluten-free when made with tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, ensuring this recipe fits seamlessly into a gluten-free lifestyle. The high protein content from the salmon keeps you satisfied throughout the afternoon, while the rice provides sustained energy.

What makes these snack boxes truly special is their versatility and meal-prep friendliness. Prepare several boxes at once for the week ahead, and you'll have restaurant-quality lunches ready to grab from the fridge. Add cucumber slices, edamame, or pickled ginger to customize each box to your taste. The salmon can be served warm or cold, making these boxes perfect for offices without microwaves.

With their beautiful presentation and balanced nutrition, these teriyaki salmon boxes prove that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or time-consuming. They're Instagram-worthy, budget-friendly, and deliver that coveted sushi-bar experience right to your desk.

Julia

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

35 minutes
None servings
485 calories
Fat 14.00g
Carbs 52.00g
Protein 35.00g

Ingredients

1.5 lbssalmon fillets, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
1.5 cupswhite rice, uncooked
3 cupswater
1/3 cupgluten-free tamari or soy sauce
3 tbsphoney
2 tbsprice vinegar
1 tbspfresh ginger, minced
2 clovesgarlic, minced
1 tspsesame oil
1 tspcornstarch
1 tbspwater, for cornstarch slurry
2 tbspvegetable oil
2 tbspsesame seeds, toasted (optional)
2 stalksgreen onions, thinly sliced (optional)
1 mediumcucumber, sliced into half-moons (optional)
1 cupedamame, cooked and shelled (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Whisk
medium saucepan with lid
paper towels
fine-mesh strainer
measuring cups and spoons
sharp knife
small mixing bowls
spatula or wooden spoon
large non-stick skillet or wok
bento boxes or meal prep containers

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Salmon is a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, while the fresh ginger and garlic provide additional anti-inflammatory benefits. The recipe focuses on whole foods and avoids processed ingredients, making it an excellent choice for reducing inflammation.

Clean Eating

This recipe embodies clean eating principles with whole, minimally processed ingredients like fresh salmon, homemade teriyaki sauce, and fresh vegetables. The focus on whole foods and absence of artificial additives makes it a perfect clean eating meal.

Gluten-Free Diet

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and featuring whole food ingredients like salmon, rice, and fresh vegetables without any gluten-containing components.

Heart-Healthy Diet

Salmon provides heart-protective omega-3 fatty acids, while the recipe uses minimal oil and emphasizes lean protein and vegetables. The cooking method (likely baking or grilling) and focus on whole ingredients support cardiovascular health.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe perfectly aligns with Mediterranean Diet principles by featuring fatty fish (salmon), olive oil, and fresh ingredients. The emphasis on fish, vegetables, and minimal processed ingredients makes it an ideal Mediterranean-style meal.

Instructions

1

Rinse the white rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear, about 1-2 minutes.

2 min
2
5 min

Combine the rinsed rice and 3 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat.

3
15 min

Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

4

Remove rice from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and set aside.

5 min
5

While the rice cooks, prepare the teriyaki sauce by whisking together tamari, honey, rice vinegar, minced ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a small bowl.

2 min
6

In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry and set aside.

1 min
7

Pat the salmon cubes completely dry with paper towels to ensure good browning.

1 min
8
2 min

Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.

9
3 min

Add the salmon cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving to develop a golden crust.

10
2 min

Gently flip each salmon cube and cook for another 2 minutes until golden on all sides but still slightly pink in the center.

11
1 min

Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the teriyaki sauce over the salmon, stirring gently to coat all pieces.

12
2 min

Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

13

Remove the pan from heat and let the salmon rest for 2 minutes to finish cooking through from residual heat.

2 min
14

Divide the cooked rice evenly among 4 bento boxes or meal prep containers, creating a bed of rice in each.

2 min
15

Arrange the teriyaki salmon cubes on top of the rice in each container, dividing evenly.

1 min
16

Drizzle any remaining teriyaki sauce from the pan over the salmon and rice in each box.

1 min
17

If using, garnish each box with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Add cucumber slices and edamame to the sides of each container.

2 min
18

Allow the boxes to cool to room temperature before sealing with lids. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

15 min

Frequently Asked Questions