Salmon Bowl Tips

• Prep the Avocado Crema first: the crema is very best after being refrigerated for at least one hour so make it first so it has time to chill or pop it in the freezer for 30 minutes.
• Use Avocado crema.  I know we just talked about this, but this is me begging you not to skip the crema!  The refreshing tanginess of the avocado crema cuts through the spiciness of the salmon bowls and the luscious creaminess marries all of the different components together - and it literally takes MINUTES in your blender!
• Use ripe plantains. If you aren’t familiar with plantains, welcome to a wonderful new world!  Plantains look like bananas but are quite different.  Unripe green plantains are hard and starchy, like a potato - not what we want.  For this Salmon Bowl recipe, we want dark brown/black plantains because this means they are fully ripe and wonderfully sweet.
• How to ripen plantains.  Green unripe plantains can take up to 10 days to ripen – so plan accordingly!   Ripen plantains at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.
• Where to buy plantains.  Plantains are widely available throughout the U.S. and should be easily found in the produce section of your grocery store.
• Don’t overcook salmon. Take care not to overcook your salmon because it will only remain buttery, juicy and tender as long as it isn’t overcooked.  It is better for salmon to be under-cooked than overcooked in my opinion.
• How to keep salmon warm after cooking.  Salmon is always best hot out of the oven, so If your salmon is all cooked but you aren’t quite ready to assemble the salmon bowls, can keep the salmon warm in your oven.  Transfer salmon to a wire rack placed on a baking sheet.  Place in a 200-degree oven for up to 30 minutes.
• 90 second rice: save time by using brown rice or quinoa packets which take 90 seconds to cook. Leftover rice is also a great shortcut option.
• Customize salmon bowls.  You can combine whatever salmon bowl ingredients you have on hand or your favs to make them easy, convenient and delicious every time!
• Low carb salmon bowls.  Swap the rice for cauliflower rice, broccoli rice, zoodles, etc. or substitute it with additional steamed greens or fresh greens.
• You don’t have to make a bowl!  Turn these salmon bowls into a burrito by wrapping in tortillas, or turn into a wrap by wrapping in spinach wraps (or your fav), or turn into a salad by swapping the rice and steamed greens for fresh lettuce and swapping the avocado crema for Cilantro Lime Dressing or Tomatillo Avocado Ranch.

SALMON BOWL RECIPE MEAL PREP

• Divide rice between 3-4 containers. 
• Top with salmon, grilled pineapple, plantains, steamed greens, and black beans.
• Season with fresh lime juice, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes and a generous, sprinkle of paprika. 
• Don’t close containers until salmon has cooled.
• Store green onions, cilantro and optional jalapeno together in a container/bag and store the sliced tomato in its own container/bag.
• Blend Avocado Crema in the blender and transfer to an airtight container.  Press a piece of plastic wrap against the surface of the crema, cover and refrigerate OR divide between 3-4 plastic bags, squeeze out excess air and twirl the bag to eliminate extra air.