Oh, friends—let me tell you about my ultimate weeknight lifesaver: this Five-Ingredient Salmon Rice One-Pot. It’s the meal I make when I’m wiped out from work but still want something wholesome that doesn’t taste like “I gave up.” Just five ingredients (yes, really!), one pot, and 30 minutes? Magic. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve thrown this together during chaotic evenings when my toddler’s clinging to my leg and the dog’s barking at invisible squirrels. The salmon stays tender, the rice soaks up all that goodness, and—bonus—there’s barely any cleanup. No fancy skills needed, just trusty staples and a hungry heart.
Why You’ll Love This Five-Ingredient Salmon Rice One-Pot
This dish became my weeknight superhero for so many good reasons—let me count the ways:
- Five ingredients you probably have right now – No special grocery runs required, just rice, salmon, oil, salt and pepper doing the heavy lifting.
- One pot = happy dishwasher (that’s you!) – Everything cooks together in a single pot, meaning more Netflix time, less scrub time.
- Done in 30 flat – From fridge to table faster than most delivery drivers can find your apartment.
- Healthier than takeout – You control the oil and salt, plus get a powerhouse of omega-3s from that beautiful salmon.
- The rice soaks up ALL the flavor – Each grain turns into a little vessel for the salmon’s delicious juices. Trust me, you’ll scrape the pot clean.
Ingredients for Five-Ingredient Salmon Rice One-Pot
Here’s all you need to make this magic happen:
- 1 cup white rice (rinsed until the water runs clear – this removes excess starch)
- 1 salmon fillet (200g) (skin-on or skinless works – I prefer skin-on for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any neutral oil you have)
- 1 teaspoon salt (I use kosher salt – adjust to your taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked makes all the difference)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Don’t stress if you’re missing something – here’s how to adapt:
- Rice: Brown rice works but needs 10 extra minutes cooking time and ½ cup more water.
- Salmon: Frozen salmon? Thaw overnight in fridge first. No salmon? Try cod or trout.
- Oil: Butter adds richness but burns faster – reduce heat if using.
- Seasonings: Add garlic powder or lemon zest if you’re feeling fancy.
The beauty? This recipe forgives substitutions beautifully while still tasting amazing.
How to Make Five-Ingredient Salmon Rice One-Pot
Okay, let’s get cooking! This is so simple you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout. Just follow these steps:
- Rinse that rice! Seriously, don’t skip this—it removes excess starch so your grains stay fluffy, not gummy. Run cold water over 1 cup white rice until the water runs clear (about 30 seconds).
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and stir for 1 minute—this toasts it slightly for extra nutty flavor.
- Pour in 2 cups water (it’ll sizzle—that’s good!) and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes. No peeking! Steam is your rice’s best friend here.
- Prep the salmon while the rice cooks. Pat the fillet dry (moisture is the enemy of crispy skin!), then season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Nestle the salmon right on top of the rice after the 15 minutes are up. Re-cover and cook another 10 minutes—the salmon will steam gently to perfection.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes off the heat. This lets the rice absorb any last bits of moisture and the salmon finish cooking through.
Tips for Perfect One-Pot Salmon Rice
- Dry salmon = happy salmon: Pat that fillet thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning—it’ll brown better and won’t make the rice soggy.
- Brighten it up: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Stuck rice? If a few grains cling to the pot, add 2 tablespoons water after removing the salmon and scrape gently—they’ll loosen right up.
Serving Suggestions for Five-Ingredient Salmon Rice One-Pot
This dish stands proud all on its own, but if you want to jazz it up, here’s how I love to serve it:
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly
- Steamed broccoli or asparagus for a veggie boost (toss them right in the pot last 2 minutes if you’re feeling lazy)
- A dollop of Greek yogurt with dill makes it feel fancy with zero effort
- Extra lemon wedges – because everything’s better with a citrus squeeze
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat again, just cover the salmon rice with a damp paper towel and microwave for about 2 minutes—it’ll come back to life beautifully. Pro tip: That paper towel trick keeps the rice from drying out!
Five-Ingredient Salmon Rice One-Pot Nutritional Info
This simple dish packs a nutritious punch with lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Keep in mind: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.
FAQs About Five-Ingredient Salmon Rice One-Pot
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people ask me most about this recipe:
- Can I use frozen salmon? Absolutely! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge first. Pat it extra dry before cooking—frozen fish tends to release more moisture.
- Why is my rice mushy? Two likely culprits: You didn’t rinse the rice enough (keep going until the water runs clear!), or you peeked under the lid too soon. That precious steam needs to stay trapped!
- Can I add vegetables? Of course! Toss in peas, diced carrots, or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Just don’t overload the pot—about ½ cup max keeps everything cooking evenly.
- Skin on or off? Your call! I love the crispy skin, but if you’re not a fan, just remove it before eating. The skin helps keep the salmon moist while cooking though.
- Can I double this? Yes, but use a wider pot (not deeper) so the rice cooks evenly. You may need 2-3 extra minutes cooking time—trust the toothpick test for doneness.
Share Your Five-Ingredient Salmon Rice One-Pot
Did you make this lifesaver dinner? I’d love to see your masterpiece! Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram—nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen wins. You can also find more recipe inspiration on Pinterest.