In September 2021, TikToker Emily Mariko silently made a salmon rice bowl in her kitchen. No voiceover, no music, just ASMR cooking sounds. The video got over 1 billion views and became the most-saved recipe in TikTok history.
The Ice Cube Trick
The genius move is the ice cube. When you microwave rice, it dries out. The ice cube creates steam inside the covered bowl, rehydrating the rice to just-cooked freshness. It’s the kind of trick that makes you wonder why you never thought of it.
Why Kewpie Mayo Matters
Regular mayo won’t give you the same result. Kewpie is Japanese mayo — it’s made with only egg yolks (no whites), rice vinegar instead of distilled, and MSG. It’s richer, tangier, and more umami. This is non-negotiable.
The Beauty of This Recipe
It’s a leftover transformation. You’re taking food that would otherwise be “meh day-two leftovers” and turning it into something you actively crave. The total cost is basically $0 if you already have the salmon and rice.
Emily Mariko's Salmon Rice Bowl
Emily Mariko''s viral salmon rice bowl. Leftover salmon, rice, Kewpie mayo, soy sauce, Sriracha, and the ice cube trick.
Easy
Prep: 5 min
Cook: 3 min
Total: 8 min1 servings
~$2.80/serving
Prep5 min
Cook3 min
Total8 min
Servings
1
At home~$2.80/serving
vs
Restaurant~$12.60/serving
You save ~78%
Ingredients
Instructions
💡
Pro tip: This recipe tastes even better the next day. The flavors need time to meld together in the fridge.
❄️
Storage: Keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Freezer-friendly for up to 3 months.
~300-500 cal/serving
CopycatSpices
Emily Mariko's Salmon Rice Bowl
Emily Mariko''s viral salmon rice bowl. Leftover salmon, rice, Kewpie mayo, soy sauce, Sriracha, and the ice cube trick.
viral · copycat · japanese · bowl
🕑Prep5 min
🍳Cook3 min
⏱Total8 min
🍽Serves1
⭐DifficultyEasy
Ingredients
1 cup cooked rice
4 oz cooked salmon
2 tablespoons Kewpie mayo
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Sriracha
1 ice cube
1/4 avocado, sliced
1 sheet nori seaweed, cut into strips
Instructions
1.Place the cooked rice in a microwave-safe bowl.
2.Place an ice cube on top of the rice.
3.Cover the bowl and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and the ice cube has melted.
4.Flake the cooked salmon into the bowl with the rice.
5.Add Kewpie mayo, soy sauce, and Sriracha to the bowl.
6.Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
7.Top with sliced avocado and nori seaweed strips.
8.Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 servings)
Calories450
Total Fat18g
Total Carbs45g
Dietary Fiber3g
Sugars5g
Protein30g
Sodium700mg
* Estimated values based on standard recipe preparation. Actual values may vary.
🥗
Make It Healthier
Love Emily Mariko's Salmon Rice Bowl but want a lighter version? Try these simple swaps:
✓Use brown rice or quinoa for more fiber and nutrients.
✓Increase vegetable portions like avocado and add leafy greens.
✓Reduce soy sauce/sriracha or opt for low-sodium versions.
✓Grill or bake salmon instead of pan-frying for less added fat.
Jane Smith founded Copycat Spices with a passion for recreating beloved restaurant dishes at home. A seasoned home cook, Jane meticulously tests and refines each recipe to ensure authentic flavors and straightforward instructions for home chefs of all skill levels.
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