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These oven-baked salmon balls combine zesty herbs, tasty spices, and tender salmon chunks for a light, flavorful bite. Paired with a smooth avocado dip, they work great as a starter or main dish. And since they're baked not fried, you get all the taste without the extra calories!
I can't get enough of this dish. The first batch I ever made surprised me with how little effort gave such amazing results. Now they're what I turn to whenever I need something impressive but don't want to spend hours cooking.
Ingredients
- Fresh Salmon Fillet (1 lb): Cut away skin and chop finely to create a juicy base.
- Breadcrumbs (½ Cup): Acts as a binder; swap for almond flour if you can't eat gluten.
- Egg (1, Lightly Beaten): Keeps everything stuck together while cooking.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, Chopped): Gives a pop of freshness against the rich fish.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Adds deep flavor without the hassle of fresh garlic.
- Paprika (½ tsp): Brings a mild smoky touch to each bite.
- Salt & Pepper (To Taste): Season as you like for the perfect balance.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps create a nice brown outside during baking.
- Avocado (1, Ripe): Forms the smooth foundation of your dipping sauce.
- Sour Cream (¼ Cup): Adds zip to the sauce; Greek yogurt works too.
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Gives the sauce a fresh citrus kick.
- Garlic (1 Clove, Minced): Packs the sauce with punchy flavor.
Instructions
- Get Ready:
- Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover a baking tray with parchment and brush lightly with olive oil.
- Mix Your Ingredients:
- Throw chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Mix gently until combined. Don't overwork it or your meatballs will be tough.
- Form Your Balls:
- Dampen your hands slightly and roll mixture into balls about the size of golf balls. Set them on your tray with space between each one.
- Cook Them Up:
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for browning. Bake for 12-15 minutes until they're firm and reach 145°F (63°C) inside.
- Whip Up the Sauce:
- While they're cooking, throw avocado, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender and whizz until smooth.
- Time to Eat:
- Serve the hot meatballs with plenty of the creamy avocado sauce. Sprinkle with extra parsley if you want.
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Getting amazing salmon balls comes down to starting with good fish and not handling the mix too much. That's what keeps them fluffy and tasty instead of heavy or dry.
Storage & Meal Prep
Keep your cooked balls and sauce in different containers in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, warm the balls in a 350°F oven for about five minutes. You can freeze cooked balls for up to three months, but always make fresh sauce when you're ready to eat them.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these salmon balls with toothpicks and sauce on the side for a party snack, toss them in a bowl with quinoa or rice, stuff them in pita bread or lettuce cups, or make them the star of dinner with some roasted veggies or a green salad.
Creative Variations
Try using cod or trout instead of salmon for something different. Add a handful of grated Parmesan to make them even richer. Switch up the herbs with cilantro or dill for new flavors. Want some heat? Mix hot sauce or red pepper flakes into your avocado dip.
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These salmon balls are such a fun twist on regular salmon dishes. They work for just about any meal from quick family dinners to fancy get-togethers. Give them a go and see what you think!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap fresh salmon with canned for this dish?
- Sure thing! Use canned salmon to save time. Just be sure to drain it, flake it, and remove any bones. The texture might be slightly softer, but the flavor stays great.
- → How can I make these gluten-free?
- Easy fix—switch to gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. They’ll hold things together just as well. Adjust the amount if needed depending on their texture.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
- Yep! Mix everything up to a day ahead and chill the raw mixture. Or, fully cook the bites, refrigerate them, and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. For the avocado dip, make it fresh so it stays bright.
- → What are other dipping options for the salmon bites?
- Tzatziki, lemon aioli, or a simple yogurt dill sauce work great. For a full plate, pair with quinoa, rice, or a crisp Mediterranean-style salad.
- → Can I freeze these salmon bites?
- Absolutely! Let them cool fully, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.