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Baked Salmon Meatballs Recipe

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Baked Salmon Meatballs Recipe

Salmon is one of the healthiest and most flavorful fish options available, loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and protein. When you transform it into baked meatballs, you create a nutritious, satisfying, and versatile dish. Whether served as an appetizer, in a main course, or even in a sandwich, baked salmon meatballs are a great option for anyone looking for a tasty, light, and healthy alternative to traditional meatballs.

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In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over every step of the process, from selecting the right salmon to forming the perfect meatballs and baking them to golden perfection. We’ll also cover different variations and tips for making your baked salmon meatballs even more exciting and tailored to your preferences. So, let’s dive into the world of baked salmon meatballs and learn how to make them!

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Salmon Meatballs

Let’s go over the step-by-step process of creating the perfect baked salmon meatballs. These meatballs are incredibly easy to make and bake, making them a great option for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests.

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Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

If you’re using fresh salmon, begin by cutting the fish into chunks. If you’re using frozen salmon, make sure it is fully thawed and remove the skin. Once the salmon is prepared, you need to break it down into smaller pieces to form the meatballs.

To break down the salmon:

  • You can use a sharp knife to finely chop the salmon into small pieces. Alternatively, you can place the fish into a food processor and pulse it until it reaches a fine, ground texture. Just be careful not to overprocess it into mush — you want some texture in the meatballs.
  • Once the salmon is finely chopped, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients for the Meatballs

Now, it’s time to flavor and bind the salmon with the rest of the ingredients. To the bowl with the chopped salmon, add:

  • Egg: The egg will serve as the binder for the meatballs, helping hold the ingredients together when baking.
  • Breadcrumbs: This adds texture to the meatballs, and it also helps absorb some of the moisture from the salmon.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: This adds depth and richness to the flavor of the salmon meatballs.
  • Fresh parsley and dill: These herbs add fresh, vibrant flavors that complement the salmon perfectly.
  • Minced garlic: Garlic brings aromatic, savory notes to the meatballs.
  • Chopped onion: Onion adds moisture and sweetness to the meatballs, balancing the fish’s richness.
  • Lemon zest: Lemon zest brings a burst of citrusy freshness that lifts the flavor of the salmon.
  • Dijon mustard: The mustard adds tang and complexity to the flavor profile.
  • Salt and pepper: Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors.

Step 3: Mix the Meatball Mixture

Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, use your hands or a spatula to gently combine everything. Be sure not to overmix the ingredients, as this can make the meatballs dense and tough. The mixture should be moist, but it should hold together when formed into meatballs. If the mixture is too wet, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs to absorb the moisture. Conversely, if it’s too dry, you can add a small splash of water or milk to bring it together.

Step 4: Form the Meatballs

Once the mixture is well-combined, it’s time to shape the meatballs. To do this:

  1. Wet your hands lightly to prevent the mixture from sticking to them.
  2. Scoop out about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the meatballs are formed. You should end up with about 12-16 meatballs, depending on the size you make them.

Step 5: Bake the Meatballs

Now, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. Place the meatballs on the baking sheet, ensuring that there’s some space between each meatball to allow for even baking.

To ensure a golden, crispy exterior, lightly spray or drizzle the tops of the meatballs with olive oil. This will help them brown as they bake.

Bake the salmon meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when the outside is golden brown, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 145°F (63°C). The meatballs will be firm to the touch and will hold together perfectly.

Step 6: Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional)

While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare a dipping sauce to go with them. A creamy, tangy yogurt-based sauce works wonderfully with the flavors of the salmon meatballs.

To make the dipping sauce:

  1. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of fresh dill, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Mix everything until smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.

If you prefer a different type of sauce, you could also use a simple tartar sauce, a spicy sriracha mayo, or even a soy-based dipping sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.

Step 7: Serve the Meatballs

Once the salmon meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with your dipping sauce on the side. These meatballs are versatile, so you can serve them in a variety of ways:

  • As an appetizer: Serve with toothpicks or small skewers for easy dipping.
  • As a main course: Pair with a side of roasted vegetables, a green salad, or a portion of quinoa or rice for a well-rounded meal.
  • In a sandwich or wrap: For a fun twist, place the meatballs in a whole-grain bun or wrap with a drizzle of the dipping sauce for a salmon meatball sub or wrap.
  • On pasta: You can also serve the meatballs over pasta with a lemony, herbed sauce for a light and healthy take on spaghetti and meatballs.

Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon Meatballs

  1. Use fresh, high-quality salmon: The flavor and texture of the meatballs will be greatly influenced by the quality of the salmon. Fresh salmon is best, but frozen salmon works well too if properly thawed.
  2. Don’t overmix: Overworking the meatball mixture can result in dense meatballs. Gently mix the ingredients together until just combined.
  3. Shape the meatballs evenly: To ensure that all the meatballs bake evenly, try to form them as uniformly as possible. Using a spoon to scoop the mixture can help with this.
  4. Make mini meatballs for appetizers: If you’re making these as appetizers, shape the meatballs smaller to create bite-sized portions that are perfect for dipping.
  5. Experiment with flavorings: You can experiment with different herbs and spices. For example, adding some smoked paprika or cumin can introduce a unique flavor to the meatballs.

Variations on the Baked Salmon Meatballs Recipe

  1. Salmon and Veggie Meatballs: Add finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or carrots to the salmon mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
  2. Asian-Inspired Meatballs: Add ginger, soy sauce, and a splash of sesame oil to the meatball mixture. Serve with a soy-based dipping sauce or a spicy wasabi mayo.
  3. Spicy Salmon Meatballs: Incorporate diced jalapeños or red chili flakes into the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
  4. Lemon and Basil: For a bright, fresh twist, swap the dill for fresh basil and add more lemon zest to the meatball mixture.

Conclusion

Baked salmon meatballs are a fantastic option for anyone looking for a healthy, flavorful, and versatile dish. These meatballs are easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, main course, or in a sandwich, they’re sure to be a hit.

Yield: 20

Baked Salmon Meatballs Recipe

Baked Salmon Meatballs Recipe

Salmon is one of the healthiest and most flavorful fish options available, loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and protein. When you transform it into baked meatballs, you create a nutritious, satisfying, and versatile dish. Whether served as an appetizer, in a main course, or even in a sandwich, baked salmon meatballs are a great option for anyone looking for a tasty, light, and healthy alternative to traditional meatballs.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh salmon fillets (or 2 cans of wild-caught salmon, drained and flaked)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp dried dill (optional, or you can use fresh dill)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing baking sheet or brushing meatballs)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

2. Prepare Salmon:

  • If using fresh salmon fillets, remove the skin and bones, then finely chop the salmon into small pieces. You can also pulse it in a food processor a few times to create a finely chopped texture. If using canned salmon, just drain it well and flake it with a fork.

3. Mix the Ingredients:

  • In a large bowl, combine the chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix everything together until well combined. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a little more breadcrumbs until you can easily form meatballs. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water or a little more lemon juice.

4. Form the Meatballs:

  • Using your hands or a tablespoon, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.

5. Bake:

  • Brush the meatballs lightly with olive oil to help them brown, then bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C).

6. Serve:

  • Once done, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
  • Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce like tartar sauce, lemon aioli, or a simple yogurt-based dip.

Notes

  • Make-Ahead: These salmon meatballs can be made in advance. You can prepare them up to the point of baking, store them in the fridge for up to 1 day, or freeze them for longer storage. When you're ready, just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
  • Alternative to breadcrumbs: If you want to make them gluten-free, you can use almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute for the breadcrumbs.
  • Serving Ideas: These meatballs are great served with a side salad, over a bed of rice, or with roasted vegetables. They also work well as an appetizer or party snack.
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