"Teriyaki Salmon Bowl – A Taste of Japan at Home"

There are some dishes that transport you to a different world — not just through flavors, but also through memories and feelings. For me, Teriyaki Salmon Bowl is one of them.

I still remember the first time my aunt made this in our kitchen. It was a quiet Sunday morning, the sunlight was gently filtering through the windows, and she said, “Today, we’re going to try something different — a taste of Japan!” My cousins ​​and I crowded around the kitchen counter — someone was chopping green onions, someone was marinating salmon, while my aunt was whisking together soy sauce, mirin, and honey. The aroma of sweet soy, garlic, and sesame filled the air, warm and inviting.

Last weekend, I recreated this Teriyaki Salmon Bowl for my family. The result wasn’t just food – it was a beautiful, shared moment filled with laughter, storytelling, and appreciation for good food.

Ingredients:
For the salmon:
Salmon fillets: 2
Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
Mirin (sweet rice wine): 2 tablespoons
Honey: 1 tablespoon
Garlic: 1 clove, finely chopped.
Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon

For the bowl:
Cooked Japanese rice: 2 cups
Broccoli: 1 cup, lightly steamed
Carrot: 1 medium, julienned
Edamame: ½ cup
Red bell pepper: ½ cup, finely chopped.
Sesame seeds: For garnish
Green onions: 1-2 stalks, chopped

How to make:
Step 1 - Marinate the salmon:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, honey, garlic, and sesame oil. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

Step 2 - Cook the Salmon:
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and sear the salmon on each side for 3-4 minutes until shiny and caramelized. The aroma of the teriyaki glaze filling the kitchen is simply irresistible.

Step 3 - Prepare the bowl:
Place a generous serving of cooked rice in the bottom of the bowl. Arrange steamed broccoli, julienned carrots, edamame, and bell peppers on top. Lay the beautifully glazed salmon on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a finishing touch.

Time to Serve:
The vibrant colors and sweet-sour aroma immediately lifted our spirits as we sat down to enjoy this teriyaki salmon bowl. Every bite was a harmony of tender salmon, crisp vegetables, and flavorful rice.

Phones were hung up, laughter filled the dining room, and stories of past family meals were shared. This wasn’t just dinner – it was a journey from our own home to Japan, a connection through flavors, love, and the joy of cooking together.