Chicken Bowls

Chipotle Lime Rice & Blackened Salmon Bowl

Blackened salmon over chipotle lime brown rice with avocado and quick pickled onions.

Prep
15 min
Cook
45 min
Total
1 hr
Makes
4 bowls
Chipotle Lime Rice & Blackened Salmon Bowl with chipotle lime brown rice, blackened salmon, avocado and pickled onions in a pale gray ceramic bowl

Salmon's fattiness holds up to a dark spice crust better than leaner fish. The rice is tossed with blended chipotle and lime for smoky heat, and avocado cools everything down.

Why this recipe works

Salmon's natural oils help the spice crust stick and keep the fish moist under high heat. The chipotle rice and blackened crust share a smoky note.

Ingredient notes

Many cooks prefer salmon at about 125°F (52°C) for a moist center; the USDA recommends 145°F (63°C).

Common mistakes

  • Moving the salmon before the crust forms.
  • Overcooking salmon until chalky.

What to serve with it

Lime wedges and a little sour cream.

Meal prep

Salmon keeps 3 days; eat cold or reheat gently.

More bowls like this

Cooking tips

Turn on the fan before blackening. Use a thin, wide spatula to flip the fillets.

Swaps and variations

Use shrimp or chicken thighs (chicken to 165°F / 74°C). Use white rice for a quicker base.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.

Recipe

Chipotle Lime Rice & Blackened Salmon Bowl

Prep
15 min
Cook
45 min
Total
1 hr
Makes
4 bowls

Ingredients

4 servings

You’ll need: cast-iron skillet; medium saucepan with lid; instant-read thermometer

Method

  1. Cook the brown rice: bring the rice and water to a boil, cover and simmer on low 40 to 45 minutes; rest 10 minutes.

  2. Mix the chipotle, adobo, lime juice and olive oil and toss with the warm rice.

  3. Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, cayenne and salt and press onto all sides of the salmon.

  4. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with the neutral oil. Cook the salmon 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the crust is dark and the salmon flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C).

  5. Divide the rice among 4 bowls, add the salmon, avocado and pickled onions.

Questions

Is blackened salmon spicy?

Moderately; reduce cayenne for mild.

Can I bake it?

Yes, at 425°F (220°C) for 10 to 12 minutes; the crust will be less dark.

Comments

Made it? Tell us how it went

Questions, swaps that worked, things that didn’t. Comments are moderated.