Delicious & Easy Vegan Viral “Salmon” Bowl: A Plant-Based TikTok Sensation

Experience the irresistible taste of the viral “Salmon” Bowl, reimagined in a vibrant, plant-based version featuring marinated tofu, crisp diced cucumber, and zesty kimchi, perfectly complemented by fresh nori strips and a sprinkle of organic sesame seeds.

Lately, I’ve found myself in the delightful grip of a sushi obsession. As the weather warms and longer days beckon, there’s nothing quite like the fresh, vibrant flavors of Japanese-inspired cuisine to satisfy a craving. This particular recipe, however, isn’t just any sushi-inspired dish; it’s a culinary phenomenon you’ve likely seen sweeping across social media feeds.

Like countless others, I was utterly captivated by Emily Mariko’s Viral Salmon Bowl on TikTok. The simplicity of its ingredients and the effortless way she brought it together made it an instant classic. Its widespread popularity, evident in its viral status, was a clear sign that this dish truly resonates with people, and for good reason!

What I especially love about this concept is its essence as a deconstructed sushi experience. It offers all the familiar components of your favorite rolls, including a generous side of nori for wrapping, allowing for a customizable and interactive meal. For years, the idea of creating a delicious, plant-based rendition of this viral bowl has been simmering in my mind. Today, I’m thrilled to share my unique take on the Viral Salmon Bowl, meticulously crafted with a few innovative vegan twists and an abundance of flavor.

This Vegan Viral “Salmon” Bowl is a celebration of plant-based deliciousness, built around beautifully marinated tofu “salmon” steaks, crisp diced cucumber, and a punchy kimchi. It’s served with delicate nori strips and a blend of organic sesame seeds, creating a meal that’s both nourishing and incredibly satisfying.

Crafting the Perfect Vegan “Salmon” Steaks: Ingredients You’ll Need

Our vegan “salmon” steaks are the star of this bowl, and they’re crafted from humble tofu. Don’t let that fool you; they’re so flavorful and perfectly textured, they might just surprise even the most ardent salmon enthusiasts! The key lies in selecting extra-firm tofu, which holds its shape wonderfully and provides a satisfying, meaty bite when prepared correctly. This recipe elevates simple tofu into a culinary delight, mimicking the richness and umami of traditional salmon.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients required to create these incredible Tofu “Salmon” Steaks:

• A substantial block of extra-firm tofu, providing the ideal canvas for our marinade.
• Tamari Lite, a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, delivering deep umami flavor with less sodium.
• Eden Foods Organic Brown Rice Vinegar, for a delicate tang and brightness that cuts through the richness.
• Miso paste, an essential Japanese seasoning that adds a complex, salty, and savory depth, contributing significantly to the “seafood” flavor profile.
• Garlic powder, a pantry staple that infuses a foundational aromatic warmth.
• Organic vegetable broth, to help tenderize the tofu and allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
• Pure maple syrup, for a touch of sweetness that balances the savory and acidic notes, also helping with caramelization.
• Eden Foods Organic Black Sesame Oil, providing a distinct nutty aroma and flavor, crucial for cooking and enhancing the overall sushi-like experience.

Each ingredient plays a vital role in transforming the tofu into succulent, flavorful “salmon” steaks that are utterly convincing and delicious.

Expert Tips for Preparing Your Tofu “Salmon”

The secret to creating perfectly flavored and textured tofu “salmon” lies in two crucial steps: how you cut the tofu and how thoroughly you marinate it. These techniques ensure maximum flavor absorption and a delightful culinary experience.

Begin by carefully cutting the block of extra-firm tofu into quarters. These thicker pieces will serve as your “steaks,” providing a substantial and satisfying bite.

Next, meticulously score the tofu steaks on the diagonal. This is a clever trick to increase the surface area and allow the marinade to penetrate deep into the tofu. To prevent slicing all the way through, you can use two chopsticks placed on either side of the tofu as guides while you make your cuts. The scoring creates small crevices that act as channels, ensuring every inch of the tofu soaks up the rich flavors of the marinade. This step is essential for achieving a deeply flavorful and aromatic “salmon” steak.

Once your tofu is perfectly scored, it’s time for the marinade. In a shallow dish, combine all the marinade ingredients (Tamari, rice vinegar, miso paste, garlic powder, vegetable broth, maple syrup, and black sesame oil). Whisk them thoroughly until well combined, creating a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes.

Add the scored tofu quarters to the prepared marinade. Gently toss them, making sure each “steak” is completely submerged and coated. Allow the tofu to luxuriate in this flavorful bath for a minimum of 30 minutes, or for an even richer taste, let it marinate for up to 4 hours. The longer the tofu marinates, the more intense and delicious its flavor will become, truly transforming it into a remarkable plant-based alternative to salmon.

Cooking Your Vegan “Salmon” Steaks to Perfection

While your tofu “salmon” steaks are marinating, this is the perfect time to get ahead with your other preparations. Start by cooking your rice according to your preferred method, ensuring it’s fluffy and ready to serve. Simultaneously, prepare all your desired toppings – slicing avocados, dicing cucumbers, and getting your kimchi ready. This efficient multi-tasking ensures a smooth cooking process and a quick assembly once the tofu is done.

Once the tofu has absorbed all that wonderful flavor, it’s time to cook. Heat a generous amount of Eden Foods Organic Black Sesame Oil in a pan over medium-high heat. The black sesame oil not only adds a unique, rich flavor but also contributes to a beautiful crispy exterior.

As soon as the oil is shimmering and warm, carefully add the marinated tofu steaks to the pan. Cook them for approximately 10-15 minutes, flipping them gently at the halfway point to ensure even cooking. The goal is to achieve a beautiful, crispy brown crust on both sides, which adds an incredible textural contrast to the tender interior. Continue to cook until each tofu steak is golden brown and perfectly caramelized.

And just like that, your delectable tofu “salmon” steaks are ready! They are now primed to be the star of your Vegan Viral “Salmon” Bowl, offering a delicious and convincing plant-based alternative to the original dish.

Whipping Up the Zesty Vegan Sriracha Mayo

A crucial component that brings all the flavors of this bowl together is the creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive vegan sriracha mayo. I personally adore preparing this vibrant dressing to drizzle generously over my bowl; it adds a fantastic kick and a unifying creaminess that elevates every bite.

In Emily Mariko’s original viral recipe, she drizzles both mayonnaise and sriracha separately onto the bowl before mashing them together. While that method certainly has its charm, I find that pre-combining them creates a more consistent and harmonious flavor profile, ensuring every drop delivers that perfect balance of heat and richness.

Here’s what you’ll need to create this simple yet impactful Vegan Sriracha Mayo:

• Your favorite vegan mayo, serving as the creamy, indulgent base.
• Coconut aminos, a fantastic soy-free alternative that provides a subtle sweetness and umami depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Sriracha, the star of the show, delivering that signature spicy, garlicky heat that makes this mayo so irresistible. You can adjust the quantity to suit your preferred spice level.

With just these three ingredients, you’re mere moments away from a dressing that will become your new go-to for many dishes beyond this bowl!

Simple Steps to Make Your Vegan Sriracha Mayo

Preparing this delicious sriracha mayo is incredibly straightforward, and it can be done effortlessly while your tofu is cooking, saving you precious time in the kitchen.

Simply add all the ingredients – the vegan mayo, coconut aminos, and sriracha – to a small mixing bowl. Using a whisk, combine them thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and uniform in color.

The ideal consistency for this dressing should be on the runnier side. This allows it to drizzle beautifully over your bowl, coating all the ingredients evenly without being too thick or clumpy. If it feels too thick, you can add a tiny splash of water or a touch more coconut aminos to achieve the desired flow.

Once perfectly whisked, set the sriracha mayo aside. It’s ready to be used as the crowning glory of your Vegan Viral “Salmon” Bowl, adding that essential creamy, spicy, and tangy kick that brings the whole dish to life.

Essential Components for Serving Your Perfect Bowl

One of the many joys of this “salmon” bowl is its incredible versatility. While the core components provide a fantastic foundation, feel free to customize it with your favorite sushi-inspired toppings. Here’s a list of what I recommend for assembling a truly sensational and balanced Vegan Viral “Salmon” Bowl:

Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to bring this delightful meal together for serving:

• Freshly cooked rice: The base of any great bowl, providing a comforting and substantial foundation. Opt for sushi rice for authentic flavor and texture, or brown rice for a healthier alternative.
• Ripe avocado: Sliced or diced, avocado adds a creamy texture, healthy fats, and a subtle richness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Crisp English cucumber: Diced for a refreshing crunch and a cool contrast to the spicy and savory elements.
• Eden Foods Organic Kimchi Sauerkraut: This adds a vibrant, tangy, and subtly spicy kick, along with beneficial probiotics for gut health. Its bold flavor is a fantastic counterpoint to the milder ingredients.
• Eden Foods Sushi Nori Sheets: Cut into convenient strips or squares, these toasted seaweed sheets are essential for wrapping up bites of your bowl, mimicking the authentic sushi experience.
• Homemade Sriracha mayo: Our specially prepared creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce, designed to tie all the flavors together.
• Eden Foods Organic Black Sesame Seeds: These add a beautiful visual contrast and a delicate, nutty flavor, along with a pleasant textural pop.
• Eden Foods Organic Brown Sesame Seeds: Offering a slightly different nutty profile and an earthy color, they complement the black sesame seeds perfectly.

Each of these components contributes to a harmonious and delicious bowl, offering a spectrum of textures, colors, and flavors for a truly satisfying meal.

Highlighting Premium Eden Foods Products in Your Bowl

For this Vegan Viral “Salmon” Bowl, I’ve had the pleasure of incorporating several of my favorite high-quality products from Eden Foods. Their commitment to organic, wholesome ingredients truly shines through, enhancing both the flavor and nutritional value of this dish.

To craft the rich and aromatic tofu marinade, I specifically reached for Eden Foods Organic Brown Rice Vinegar and Eden Foods Organic Black Sesame Oil. The organic brown rice vinegar lends a subtle, authentic tang that balances the savory notes of the marinade, while the organic black sesame oil provides a distinctive, deep nutty aroma and flavor profile that is absolutely essential for creating that desired “sushi” essence.

For one of the standout toppings, I chose Eden Foods Organic Kimchi Sauerkraut. This unique product offers a fantastic blend of fiery spice and probiotic goodness, adding a dynamic, complex layer of flavor that enlivens the entire bowl. It’s a wonderful way to introduce a fermented element that is both delicious and beneficial for digestion.

When it comes to the nori, I highly recommend using Eden Foods Sushi Nori Sheets. Cutting them into small, manageable squares makes them perfect for scooping up all the delightful ingredients in one bite, allowing you to enjoy the full symphony of flavors and textures in every mouthful. The quality of these sheets is superb, providing that classic crisp, slightly salty seaweed flavor.

I’m particularly excited about two new additions that Eden Foods released this spring: their Organic Black Sesame Seeds and Organic Brown Sesame Seeds! These unhulled, raw, and organic sesame seeds are not only incredibly delicious but also packed with nutrients.

While I’ve used them raw in this recipe for a subtle crunch and nutty hint, you absolutely have the option to lightly toast them prior to use. Toasting enhances their natural aroma and deepens their flavor, providing an even more intense nutty punch and a satisfying crispness. They truly elevate this bowl, adding a crucial layer of nutty flavor and delightful texture that brings everything together.

Beyond this bowl, I love sprinkling these wholesome sesame seeds on nearly all my meals. They’re a fantastic source of plant-based protein, essential vitamins and minerals, and healthy fats, making them a simple yet powerful addition to any diet. Their versatility and nutritional benefits make them a pantry essential.

Assembling and Serving Your Vegan Viral “Salmon” Bowl

Assembling your Vegan Viral “Salmon” Bowl is a joyful process, transforming individual components into a cohesive and visually appealing meal. Here’s how to create your masterpiece:

First, add a generous serving of your freshly cooked rice to the bottom of a bowl or plate. This forms the essential base for all your vibrant toppings. Next, carefully place one of your beautifully pan-fried and marinated tofu “salmon” steaks on top of the rice.

Typically, Emily Mariko, the originator of the viral bowl, mashes her salmon and rice together at this point. However, for the sake of clear photography and to showcase the distinct textures of each ingredient, I’ve chosen to keep my tofu and rice separate in the images. Feel free to adopt either approach when you prepare your own bowl – mash them together for a rustic, comforting texture, or keep them separate for a cleaner presentation and defined bites.

Now, it’s time to adorn your bowl with the colorful array of toppings. Arrange the thinly sliced avocado, the crisp diced cucumber, and the tangy kimchi around the tofu and rice. The visual contrast of these fresh ingredients is just as important as their taste!

Generously drizzle everything with your homemade sriracha mayo. This creamy, spicy dressing acts as a binding agent, infusing every ingredient with its irresistible flavor.

Finally, sprinkle the bowl with a mix of both organic black and brown sesame seeds. These not only add a lovely textural crunch and nutty flavor but also contribute to the authentic aesthetic of the dish. Serve your Vegan Viral “Salmon” Bowl immediately while all components are fresh and at their best.

The best way to enjoy this delightful bowl is by taking small strips of nori and using them like mini wraps or spoons. Load a piece of nori with a bit of rice, a piece of tofu “salmon,” a slice of avocado, cucumber, and kimchi, along with a touch of the sriracha mayo. This method allows you to savor all the harmonious flavors and textures in one perfect, sushi-like bite. Enjoy the interactive and incredibly delicious experience!

Discover More Delicious Vegan Sushi Creations

If you’re anything like me and can’t get enough of plant-based sushi, then you’re in for a treat! The world of vegan sushi is incredibly diverse, offering a spectrum of flavors and textures that are both innovative and deeply satisfying. Beyond this viral “salmon” bowl, there are so many creative ways to enjoy the fresh, vibrant experience of sushi without any animal products. Here are a few more of my favorite vegan sushi recipes that I highly recommend you explore, each bringing a unique twist to traditional rolls:

• Vegan Avocado & Roasted Red Pepper Sushi

  This recipe offers a delightful combination of creamy avocado and the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers, creating a vibrant and flavorful roll that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying.

• Sweet Potato & Avocado Rolls with Sriracha Tahini

  Experience a wonderful blend of textures and tastes with these rolls, featuring tender sweet potato and creamy avocado, all brought together with a zesty sriracha tahini sauce for a comforting yet exciting bite.

• Avocado Cucumber Rolls with SunButter Sauce

  For a refreshing and allergen-friendly option, these rolls highlight the crispness of cucumber and the richness of avocado, enhanced by a unique and creamy SunButter sauce that adds an unexpected nutty twist.

These recipes demonstrate the endless possibilities within vegan sushi, proving that plant-based ingredients can create rolls that are just as, if not more, exciting and flavorful than their traditional counterparts. Dive in and explore your new favorite!

I Want to Hear From You! Share Your Culinary Creations!

If you embark on the delightful journey of making this Vegan Viral “Salmon” Bowl recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Your feedback is invaluable and inspires me to continue creating delicious and exciting plant-based meals.

Please take a moment to leave me a comment below, share your rating, and write a review. Your insights help me understand what resonates with you and enable me to craft even more “yums” in the future.

Don’t forget to give me a shout on Instagram! When you share your beautiful creations, please use the hashtag #floraandvino so I can easily find and admire your culinary masterpieces.

For more recipe inspiration and to save your favorites, be sure to check out my Pinterest page. You’ll find plenty of other plant-based recipes like this one, perfect for pinning and making later.

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XO Lauren

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This post is proudly brought to you by Eden Foods. Rest assured, all opinions expressed and ingredients savored are entirely my own. I extend my sincere gratitude for supporting the wonderful sponsors who keep my kitchen brimming with exciting culinary adventures!