If you love seafood and are looking for a healthy, protein-packed dish, these Savory Baked Salmon Meatballs are the perfect option. Combining the rich, buttery texture of salmon with fragrant herbs and spices, these meatballs are not only delicious but also nutritious. Whether served as an appetizer, a main dish, or in a grain bowl, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of salmon in a fun and unique way.
Unlike traditional meatballs made with beef or chicken, these salmon meatballs are lighter, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and naturally gluten-free (if using the right breadcrumbs). Baking instead of frying keeps them tender, juicy, and lower in fat, making them a great choice for a balanced meal.
Why You Will Love These Salmon Meatballs
- Healthy & Nutritious: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart and brain health.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile & Customizable: These meatballs can be served on their own, over rice, in pasta, or even inside a sandwich.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a double batch and store some for quick meals throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly: A great way to introduce kids to seafood in a fun and tasty way.
Ingredients:
For the Salmon Meatballs:
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed and finely chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking)
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or nonstick spray.
- Combine the Salmon Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs:
- Using your hands, shape the salmon mixture into small meatballs, approximately the size of a tablespoon.
- Place each meatball onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Bake the Meatballs:
- Drizzle the formed meatballs with olive oil to promote browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm and have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Prepare the Avocado Sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, in a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, sour cream, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Serve:
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven.
- Serve warm, accompanied by the creamy avocado sauce.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 20g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
The Best Ways to Serve Baked Salmon Meatballs
These salmon meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in different ways depending on your preferences. Here are some serving ideas to inspire your next meal:
1. Classic with a Creamy Sauce
Drizzle the salmon meatballs with a garlic yogurt sauce, creamy avocado dressing, or lemon-dill aioli for an added layer of flavor.
2. Over a Bed of Rice or Quinoa
Pairing salmon meatballs with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or fluffy quinoa creates a filling, protein-rich meal.
3. In a Mediterranean Grain Bowl
Serve the meatballs in a bowl with hummus, roasted chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce for a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dish.
4. Stuffed in a Pita or Wrap
For an on-the-go meal, tuck these salmon meatballs into a warm pita or wrap, add shredded lettuce, red onions, and a yogurt-based dressing.
5. Tossed with Pasta
For a seafood-inspired pasta dish, serve the meatballs with whole wheat spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or creamy lemon-garlic pasta.
6. As an Appetizer
Place the meatballs on skewers and serve them with a dipping sauce like honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or a citrus vinaigrette.
Tips for Perfect Salmon Meatballs
Even though this dish is easy to prepare, here are a few tips to make sure your salmon meatballs turn out flavorful and perfectly cooked every time:
1. Use Fresh or Frozen Salmon
- Fresh salmon has the best flavor and texture, but frozen salmon works too—just be sure to thaw and pat dry before using.
- If using canned salmon, drain it well and remove any excess liquid to prevent soggy meatballs.
2. Don’t Overmix the Ingredients
Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough. Stir until just combined for a light and tender texture.
3. Shape Even-Sized Meatballs
For even cooking, use a cookie scoop or spoon to make meatballs of the same size. This ensures they bake at the same rate.
4. Avoid Overbaking
Salmon cooks quickly—overbaking can make the meatballs dry. Bake just until they are firm to the touch and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Let Them Rest Before Serving
Allowing the meatballs to sit for a few minutes after baking helps retain their moisture and allows the flavors to develop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Canned Salmon Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Canned salmon is a great substitute, but make sure to:
- Drain the salmon well.
- Remove any excess bones or skin.
- Adjust seasoning since canned salmon may be saltier.
2. How Do I Store Leftover Salmon Meatballs?
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place the cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
3. What’s the Best Way to Reheat These Meatballs?
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5 minutes for a crispy texture.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through (best for softer texture).
4. Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free breadcrumbs and substitute any yogurt-based sauce with coconut yogurt or avocado dressing.
5. What Are Some Good Seasoning Variations?
If you want to switch things up, try:
- Asian-Inspired: Add ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Spicy Cajun: Mix in Cajun seasoning and hot sauce.
- Herb-Lemon: Use fresh dill, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
6. Can I Air-Fry Instead of Baking?
Absolutely! Air-frying gives the meatballs a crispy exterior without extra oil. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
7. What’s the Best Dip for These Salmon Meatballs?
Some fantastic dip options include:
- Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce
- Creamy Avocado Dressing
- Honey Mustard Sauce
- Sriracha Mayo
8. Are These Salmon Meatballs Keto or Low-Carb?
To make them keto-friendly, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and pair with low-carb veggies or cauliflower rice.
Conclusion: A Delicious, Healthy Alternative to Traditional Meatballs
Baked Salmon Meatballs are a delicious, nutritious, and versatile dish that proves seafood can be just as satisfying as traditional meat-based meals. Packed with flavor, protein, and heart-healthy omega-3s, this recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy seafood in a new and exciting way.
What makes this dish truly special is its versatility—whether you serve them as an appetizer, over rice, in pasta, or inside a wrap, these meatballs fit seamlessly into any meal plan. Plus, with simple ingredients and an easy prep process, you can make this recipe any night of the week.
Try making these Savory Baked Salmon Meatballs today and enjoy a healthy, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite!
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Low-Carb Baked Salmon Meatballs – A Keto-Friendly Recipe!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Savory Baked Salmon Meatballs are a delicious, healthy twist on traditional meatballs. Packed with fresh salmon, aromatic herbs, and a hint of garlic, they are light, flavorful, and perfect for any meal. Whether served with a creamy dipping sauce, over rice, or in a grain bowl, these tender, protein-packed meatballs are a great way to enjoy seafood in a fun and creative way. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, making them a nutritious and easy-to-make option for any day of the week.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Meatballs:
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed and finely chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking)
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce (Optional):
- 1 ripe avocado
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the Salmon Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Form the Meatballs:
- Using a spoon or scoop, shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
- Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil for added moisture.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until firm and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F (63°C)).
5. Prepare the Avocado Sauce (Optional):
- Blend avocado, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve the meatballs warm with the avocado sauce or your favorite dip.
- Pair with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Dairy-Free Option: Skip the sour cream in the sauce or use coconut yogurt as a substitute.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
