The TikTok salmon rice bowl.

Nobody has missed the infamous salmon rice bowl by miss Emily Mariko circling the TikTok sphere like a cyclone in stormy weather. That this bowl is hyped is an understatement. Like it’s hyyyyped. Salmon, rice, mayo, and sriracha. Microwaved with an ice cube and eaten with chopsticks and see weed chips. Simplicity at its finest. While I won’t be showing you how to make this meal, Miss Emily Mariko can do this herself, I will break down just why this meal is so great. From a nutrition standpoint.

Salmon rice bowl
https://www.tiktok.com/@emilymariko/video/7013103700654689542 Credit: Emily Mariko/TikTok

Salmon and rice.

This combo is A1. OG. The most real MVP. Absolutely fabulous. With just these two ingredients we have a complete meal with the macronutrients, protein, carbs, and fat. Salmon provides both protein and healthy fat together with rice as a carb source.

When we eat meals that have such a balance of macros, and also from “good sources” we keep our insulin spikes on a steady level. This also leads to easier satiety and regulates our hunger hormones.

Seaweed.

Can we just play with the thought about how many stores have had to order massive amounts of see weed chips after this video? I’m all for it! If any food deserves more hype it’s definitely seaweed. Not only does it add a nice crunch and wrap up your food in the most comforting bites, but it also packs so much nutrition. Omega 3 fats, antioxidants, vitamin k, and vitamin e. Small but almighty.

Eating with chopsticks.

I don’t know about y’all, but I find it extremely cozy to eat with chopsticks. Where applicable of course. I would try to scoop up my soup with them obviously, but they have their place for basically any other meal in my opinion.

In Asian cultures, chopsticks are the utensil standard. Besides being cozy it’s also a great way to slow down when eating. Too many people inhale their food without actually savoring and enjoying it. Add in chopsticks to this mix and you will most likely slow down. If you’re not some ninja that could kill people with chopsticks. Eating slowly also makes us recognize when we’re actually full, which can prevent overeating.

Kimchi for gut health.

Together with her salmon rice bowl, Emily eats avocado and kimchi. Avocado, as we know has its healthy fats and kimchi, this fermented goodness is a pure gift to our gut. Full of probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome.

A healthy gut places a huge part in our immune system, fighting cancers, regulating our metabolism, and helping in anxiety and depression. The gut and kind connection are real and a reason why you often feel sad or anxious when you’re having stomach issues.

Normalize normal meals.

What’s really refreshing with Emily’s salmon rice bowl is not really the originality, because we’ve seen salmon rice bowls before. But the fact that it is just that, salmon with rice, condiments, and toppings. No cauliflower rice substitutes, not trying to make the meal “low carb” or “fat-free”. It’s a normal, healthy meal. Not only is this a normal meal, but also a leftover meal. I’m all here for it!

So the real question is, how are you eating your salmon rice bowl?