Smoked Salmon Bowl (Lox-Style Bagel Bowl)

Published on 04/19/24

The best recipe for making a lox bagel rice bowl.

Quick Look: Smoked Salmon Bowl

What It Is: A lox-inspired rice bowl with smoked salmon, fresh toppings, and creamy elements
Flavor: Savory, smoky, fresh, and slightly tangy
Time: ~20 minutes
Best For: Breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner
Key Ingredients: Smoked salmon (or lox), rice, cucumber, avocado, cream cheese or yogurt-based sauce
Why You’ll Love It: All the flavors of a lox bagel in a satisfying, customizable bowl

At our house, we have been making an ultimate lox bagel for a weekend breakfast or brunch for years AND we love a good rice bowl recipe for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, SO we knew we had to combine these two favorites into an epic smoked salmon rice bowl! Whether you call it a smoked salmon rice bowl, a lox bowl, or a deconstructed bagel bowl, one thing is guaranteed: it’s packed with flavor and surprisingly simple to make.

Looking for More Rice Bowl Recipes?

If you love a good rice bowl as much as we do, you definitely need to try our Banh Mi Rice Bowl or Chili Lime Shrimp Rice Bowl!

Key Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for a full listing of ingredients, instructions, and estimated nutritional information.

Ingredients for a lox bagel rice bowl in separate bowls.

sour cream & cream cheese – these combine for a creamy sauce that is perfect on top of this rice bowl.
fresh dill, chives, & parsley – fresh herbs that really amp up the flavor!
rice vinegar, lemon juice & lemon zest – a little bit of acidity helps to lighten & brighten all the fresh flavors.
cooked rice – any variety of rice will work here, white rice, brown rice, etc.
lox/smoked salmon – keep it easy by grabbing a package of smoked salmon at your local grocery store or feel free to make your own cured salmon recipe. Lox or smoked salmon (which tend to be used fairly interchangeably) can be used here!
red onion – adds the perfect crunch to this recipe card.
capers – a traditional lox bagel ingredient that brings some wonderful saltiness.
eggs – there is nothing better than those jammy soft-boiled eggs.

What is a Smoked Salmon Rice Bowl

A smoked salmon rice bowl is a fresh, modern take on classic smoked salmon dishes, combining flaky smoked salmon with rice and a variety of toppings like vegetables, herbs, and creamy sauces.

It’s similar to a poke bowl in structure, but instead of raw fish, it uses smoked salmon for a rich, savory flavor. Many versions—like this one—are inspired by a traditional lox bagel, incorporating ingredients like cucumber, red onion, and creamy spreads for that signature combination of flavors.

How To Make A Smoked Salmon Bowl

A bowl of chive and dill cream cheese sauce mixed in a bowl with fresh dill on top and a spoon sticking out.

Step 1: Place all of the cream cheese sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix to combine.

A plate of soft boiled eggs cut in half on a plate with salt and pepper on top.

Step 2: Then bring a pot of water to a boil and soft boil the eggs.

Step 3: Now it is time to assemble this delicious dinner bowl! Divide the rice, onion, capers, lox or smoked salmon, and eggs between to shallow bowls. Place a large dollop of the sauce on top and garnish with some dill.

Smoked Salmon vs. Lox

While smoked salmon and lox are often used interchangeably, they’re actually a little different:

Lox is cured in salt (and sometimes sugar) but not always smoked. It has a silky texture and a saltier, more delicate flavor.
Smoked salmon is typically cured and smoked, giving it a firmer texture and a more pronounced smoky flavor.

Both work beautifully in this rice bowl, so you can use whichever you prefer or have on hand. If you love the classic bagel-and-lox flavor, go with lox. If you want a deeper, smokier taste, opt for smoked salmon.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use lox instead of smoked salmon?

Yes! Lox works perfectly in this recipe and gives it more of that classic bagel-inspired flavor. Smoked salmon has a slightly stronger, smokier taste, while lox is milder and more delicate.

What kind of rice works best for a smoked salmon rice bowl?

Short-grain white rice or jasmine rice are great options because they’re slightly sticky and pair well with the toppings. Brown rice or even cauliflower rice can also be used for a healthier twist.

Is this like a poke bowl?

It’s similar in structure, but instead of raw fish, this bowl uses smoked salmon or lox. The flavors are also different, leaning more toward a bagel-and-lox combination rather than traditional poke.

Can I make this smoked salmon bowl ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead of time (rice, sliced veggies, sauce), but it’s best assembled fresh for the best texture and flavor. Store everything separately and build your bowl when ready to eat.

Made this recipe and loved it?!

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