Simple Salmon Meatballs: The Perfect Family-Friendly Recipe

Salmon meatballs refine ordinary dinner expectations with their vibrant, ocean-fresh essence and culinary creativity.

Mediterranean and Nordic influences merge in this innovative protein option that breaks traditional ground.

Succulent fish blends seamlessly with aromatic herbs and delicate spices, creating a delightful texture that surprises and satisfies hungry palates.

Rich omega-3 nutrients elevate these delectable spheres beyond standard meat preparations.

Light yet substantial, salmon meatballs represent a sophisticated approach to weeknight cooking that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Lean protein meets gourmet technique in this elegant dish that promises to intrigue and delight.

Salmon Meatball Delight: A Savory Twist on Meatballs

• Reinvent Seafood Classics: Transform ordinary salmon into delightful, bite-sized meatballs that break away from traditional fish preparations, offering a playful and innovative twist on dinner.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Pack a protein-rich meal with lean salmon providing 22g of protein, low saturated fat, and essential omega-3s, making these meatballs a heart-healthy choice for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious eaters.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these meatballs in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients and a food processor, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner gatherings with minimal cooking skills required.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoy as an appetizer, main course, or party snack with creamy avocado sauce, appealing to both seafood lovers and those seeking a lighter protein alternative to traditional meat meatballs.

Must-Have Ingredients for Salmon Meatball Delight

• Fresh Salmon: Tender, flaky fish that forms the foundation of the meatballs with rich omega-3 flavor. Wild-caught salmon provides the best taste and nutritional value.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg White: Help hold the meatballs together with a light, cohesive texture. Panko breadcrumbs work best for a crispy exterior.

• Onion, Garlic: Add depth and aromatic base to enhance the salmons natural flavor. Fresh ingredients provide more intense taste compared to dried alternatives.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Oregano, Cilantro: Create a balanced, bright seasoning profile that complements the salmons richness. Fresh herbs provide more vibrant flavor than dried versions.

How to Make Salmon Meatball Delight

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Process the Salmon

Add fresh salmon to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, making sure to scrape down the sides to ensure even consistency. Transfer the processed salmon to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Combine Meatball Ingredients

• Finely chopped onion
• Breadcrumbs
• Chopped cilantro
• Egg white
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried oregano

Blend thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Shape the Meatballs

Scoop out 2-tablespoon portions of the salmon mixture and roll between your palms to create uniform meatballs. Place the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. The meatballs are ready when they become firm and are completely cooked through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the baked salmon meatballs and serve with a creamy avocado sauce for dipping or as a delicious topping. These protein-packed bites are perfect as an appetizer or main course.

Tips for Perfect Salmon Meatball Delight

• Choose Fresh Salmon: Select high-quality, fresh salmon without strong fishy odors for the best flavor and texture.
• Pulse Carefully: Process salmon in short pulses to maintain a chunky, not paste-like, consistency for tender meatballs.
• Chill Before Baking: Refrigerate the salmon mixture for 15-20 minutes to help meatballs hold their shape and prevent crumbling.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon meatballs reach 145°F for perfect doneness and food safety.
• Customize Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs like dill or parsley to create unique flavor profiles that complement the salmon.

Storing and Reheating Salmon Meatball Delight

• Refrigeration: Store leftover salmon meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, these delightful morsels will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.
• Reheating: Warm the meatballs gently in a preheated oven at 325°F for 8-10 minutes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. For quicker results, microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking to avoid overcooking.
• Freezing: Want to extend the shelf life? Freeze the cooked salmon meatballs in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 2 months.

Pairing Salmon Meatball Delight with Sides

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the delicate salmon flavor with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, cutting through the richness of the meatballs and complementing the fresh cilantro notes.
• Match with Zesty Salad Side: Create a light Mediterranean-inspired salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the protein's richness and add refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Herbed Quinoa: Prepare quinoa with fresh dill and parsley to provide a nutritious, protein-packed base that echoes the herb profile of the salmon meatballs and adds textural variety.
• Complement with Citrus Spritzer: Craft a light, bright drink mixing sparkling water with fresh orange or lime juice to cleanse the palate and highlight the meatballs' subtle seafood essence.

Creative Variations of Salmon Meatball Delight

• Spicy Mediterranean Salmon Meatballs: Swap cilantro for fresh mint, add red pepper flakes, and incorporate crumbled feta cheese into the mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Asian-Inspired Salmon Bites: Replace oregano with ginger and green onions, mix in sesame oil, and serve with a soy-ginger dipping sauce for an Asian fusion experience.
• Herb-Crusted Salmon Spheres: Coat the meatballs with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and fresh herbs like parsley and dill before baking to create a crispy, golden exterior.
• Light Greek Salmon Morsels: Add lemon zest, reduce breadcrumbs, and mix in chopped kalamata olives for a lighter, more tangy version of the original recipe.

Salmon Meatball Delight Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Salmon Meatballs blend Norwegian seafood traditions with Mediterranean zest. Mediterranean herbs and delicate salmon create a delightful fusion that invites you to savor each mouthwatering bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) skinless salmon, cut into chunks
• 1 egg white

Herbs and Spices:

• 3 tablespoons minced cilantro
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground oregano

Binding and Base Ingredients:

• ½ medium onion, grated
• ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons (90 milliliters) whole wheat panko breadcrumbs

Sauce Protein:

• ¾ (170 grams) California avocado, skin & seed removed
• 3 tablespoons fat-free plain Greek yogurt

Sauce Herbs and Spices:

• 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Sauce Liquid Ingredients:

• ½ lime, juiced
• 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Place fresh salmon into a food processor and pulse until finely minced, periodically scraping down the sides to ensure uniform texture. Carefully transfer the processed salmon to a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Incorporate finely diced onion, breadcrumbs, freshly chopped cilantro, egg white, crushed garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano into the salmon mixture. Thoroughly blend all ingredients until they are evenly distributed.
4. Using a tablespoon (15 milliliters) measure, portion out the salmon mixture and gently roll between your palms to create uniform spherical meatballs. Strategically place the meatballs across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
5. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, monitoring until the meatballs become firm and completely cooked through. The exterior should be slightly golden and the internal temperature reaching 145°F (63°C).
6. Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately alongside a creamy avocado sauce for dipping or as a complementary topping, enhancing the salmon’s delicate flavor profile.

Notes

• Salmon quality matters most, so choose fresh, wild-caught fish for the best flavor and texture.
• Chop salmon in quick pulses to maintain a slightly chunky consistency, avoiding over-processing.
• Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs, but can be substituted with gluten-free alternatives for dietary needs.
• Refrigerating the mixture for 15 minutes before forming meatballs helps them hold their shape better during baking.
• Cooking time might vary slightly depending on the size of your meatballs, so check for doneness by ensuring they’re firm and opaque.
• Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 30mg