These tasty salmon balls are packed with flavor and served with a smooth avocado sauce that adds a cool touch. Perfect as a snack or a dinner starter!
Honestly, my favorite part is dipping those salmon balls into the avocado sauce—it just makes everything better! Plus, they are super easy to whip up. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Salmon Fillet: Salmon is the star here! You can also use canned salmon in a pinch, just drain it well. Other fish like tuna or trout could work, but texture and flavor might vary a bit.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give a nice crunch, but regular breadcrumbs are just fine too. For a gluten-free option, try crushed rice crisps or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang to the avocado sauce. Sour cream works well too. For a dairy-free substitute, use coconut yogurt or blended silken tofu.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the sauce. You can substitute lemon juice if lime isn’t available, although the flavor will change a little.
How Do You Achieve the Perfectly Cooked Salmon Balls?
Cooking the salmon balls requires a bit of attention to ensure they’re golden brown outside and tender inside. Here’s how to nail it:
- Heat the oil in the skillet until it’s shimmering – not smoking. This helps achieve that lovely crust!
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the heat and lead to steaming instead of browning.
- Turn the balls gently using tongs, so they brown evenly. About 6-8 minutes generally does the trick for them to cook through without drying out.
Salmon Balls With Creamy Avocado Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Balls:
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and finely chopped or ground
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (coriander)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 small garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water or milk as needed (to thin the sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need about 30-35 minutes to enjoy your delicious salmon balls with creamy avocado sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped salmon, cilantro, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and beaten egg. Mix everything together well until all the ingredients are evenly combined. This is where the flavors start to come together!
2. Shape the Salmon Balls:
Using your hands, form the salmon mixture into small balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about them being perfectly round; a little irregularity adds character!
3. Cook the Salmon Balls:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon balls to the skillet in batches—don’t overcrowd! Cook them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked salmon balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.
4. Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, cilantro leaves, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until everything is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add water or milk a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Plate and Serve:
Arrange the salmon balls on a serving platter and drizzle generously with the creamy avocado sauce. It’s a lovely combination of colors and flavors!
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with extra fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve immediately with some lemon or lime wedges on the side for an extra zing!
Enjoy your flavorful salmon balls paired with the refreshing, creamy avocado sauce! Happy eating! 🥑🐟
Can I Use Canned Salmon Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned salmon is a convenient alternative. Just make sure to drain it well and flake it before mixing with the other ingredients. This will still yield delicious salmon balls!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven or a skillet to maintain their texture.
Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the avocado sauce ahead of time! Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. To prevent browning, cover the surface of the sauce with plastic wrap before sealing the container.
What Can I Serve With Salmon Balls?
These salmon balls pair well with a mixed green salad, steamed veggies, or rice. For added flavor, consider serving them with additional lime wedges or a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping!
