Name: Caribbean Jerk Salmon Bowl
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (homemade or store-bought); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lime juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice; 1 cup coconut milk; 1 cup cooked or canned black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 ripe mango, diced; 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 red onion, finely chopped; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

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This Caribbean Jerk Salmon Bowl is a bold and vibrant dish packed with sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors that instantly transport me to the islands. Featuring tender, flaky salmon marinated in a homemade jerk seasoning, paired with coconut rice, black beans, and fresh mango salsa, it’s a well-balanced meal that hits every craving in one bowl. Caribbean Jerk Salmon Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings together a perfect mix of spicy, sweet, and savory. The jerk seasoning adds a fiery kick that’s mellowed by the creamy coconut rice and the refreshing fruit salsa. It’s a great meal prep option and works beautifully as a light summer dinner or a flavorful lunch that keeps me energized. Plus, everything comes together in one bowl, making cleanup easy.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets
Jerk seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
Olive oil
Lime juice
Garlic
Coconut milk
Jasmine or basmati rice
Black beans (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed)
Mango (diced)
Red bell pepper
Red onion
Fresh cilantro
Salt
Pepper

directions

I start by marinating the salmon in jerk seasoning, olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. I let it sit for at least 30 minutes to soak up all the island flavor.
While the salmon is marinating, I cook the rice in coconut milk until it’s fluffy and aromatic.
I prep the mango salsa by mixing diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice. It’s fresh and adds a lovely sweetness.
I pan-sear or grill the salmon until it’s charred on the outside and tender on the inside—usually about 4–5 minutes per side.
To assemble the bowl, I layer the coconut rice, a scoop of black beans, the seared jerk salmon, and a generous spoonful of mango salsa.
I finish it with fresh herbs or an extra lime wedge if I feel like adding more zing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. I usually have it ready in about 40 minutes total—30 minutes for marinating and 10 minutes for cooking and assembly.

Variations

Sometimes I swap out the salmon for shrimp or grilled chicken when I want to change it up. If I’m avoiding rice, I use cauliflower rice or even a base of shredded lettuce for a low-carb version. For extra crunch, I’ve added sliced avocado, cucumber, or even roasted plantains on top.

storage/reheating

I store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm the rice and salmon in the microwave or a skillet on low heat until just heated through. The mango salsa is best kept cold and added fresh to each bowl.

FAQs

What is jerk seasoning made of?

Jerk seasoning is typically a blend of spices like allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic, and hot peppers. I use a mix of dried spices or a paste, depending on what I have on hand.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, I just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating so the seasoning sticks well.

Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted. I tone it down by using less jerk seasoning or using a mild version when I don’t want too much heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often prep the rice and salsa a day ahead, and marinate the salmon overnight so everything’s ready to cook the next day.

What can I use instead of mango in the salsa?

Pineapple or papaya work beautifully as substitutes for mango. I sometimes even use peaches if I’m out of tropical fruits.

Conclusion

This Caribbean Jerk Salmon Bowl is one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something flavorful, colorful, and satisfying. The combination of spicy jerk salmon, creamy rice, and fresh mango salsa never fails to brighten up my mealtime. It’s healthy, adaptable, and full of island vibes in every bite.