If you’re on the lookout for a meal that’s both healthy and delicious, these Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce are an absolute game-changer. Tender salmon meatballs, baked to perfection, paired with a creamy, tangy avocado sauce, create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or need a weeknight dinner that’s quick and easy, this recipe has you covered. The combination of flaky salmon and creamy avocado will elevate your taste buds to new heights.
In this article, we will walk you through the ingredients, the step-by-step process to make these baked salmon meatballs, and a few variations and tips to customize the dish to your liking. Let’s dive in!
The Ingredients: Fresh, Flavorful, and Nutritious
For the Baked Salmon Meatballs:
- 1 lb Salmon Fillet (skin removed, finely chopped)
The star of this dish is fresh, wild-caught salmon. The fillet should be skinless and finely chopped to ensure it binds well with the other ingredients. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins, making it an excellent choice for a healthy, flavorful meal. - ½ Cup Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs help give the meatballs structure and ensure they hold together. You can opt for regular or whole wheat breadcrumbs depending on your preference. For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko. - 1 Egg (lightly beaten)
The egg serves as the binding agent, helping hold the meatball mixture together and giving the meatballs a soft and tender texture. - 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a mild, herbaceous flavor that enhances the overall freshness of the dish. - 1 tsp Garlic Powder
Garlic powder adds a subtle, savory depth to the meatballs, complementing the salmon perfectly. - ½ tsp Paprika
Paprika imparts a mild, smoky flavor and a beautiful reddish hue to the meatballs. It also balances the richness of the salmon. - Salt and Pepper to Taste
Simple seasonings like salt and pepper are key to enhancing the flavors of the salmon meatballs. Always adjust the amount to your personal taste. - 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for baking)
Olive oil is perfect for baking as it helps keep the meatballs moist while giving them a lovely golden brown color.
For the Avocado Sauce:
- 1 Ripe Avocado
The creamy avocado is the heart of this luscious sauce. It provides a velvety texture and a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the salmon meatballs. - ¼ Cup Sour Cream
Sour cream adds tanginess and helps balance the richness of the avocado, making the sauce creamy without being overly heavy. - 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice gives the sauce a bright, zesty kick, enhancing the flavors of the salmon and avocado. - 1 Clove Garlic (minced)
Minced garlic adds depth and a bit of a kick to the avocado sauce, complementing the tanginess of the lemon. - Salt and Pepper to Taste
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to create the perfect balance of flavors in the sauce.
Directions: How to Make Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Meatballs
- Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will allow the meatballs to bake evenly, becoming golden and crispy on the outside while staying moist on the inside. - Mix the Ingredients for the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, and beaten egg. Add in the fresh parsley, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together gently, ensuring the ingredients are well combined but not overworked—overmixing can result in tough meatballs. - Form the Meatballs
Using your hands, form the salmon mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This recipe should yield approximately 16-20 meatballs, depending on the size you prefer. - Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures the meatballs don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. - Bake the Meatballs
Lightly drizzle or spray the meatballs with olive oil to help them crisp up during baking. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. You can check their internal temperature using a meat thermometer—salmon meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Avocado Sauce
- Mash the Avocado
While the salmon meatballs are baking, cut the ripe avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a small mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash the avocado until smooth. - Mix the Sauce Ingredients
Add the sour cream, lemon juice, and minced garlic to the mashed avocado. Stir everything together until it forms a creamy, cohesive sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for flavor balance. - Optional: If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend the ingredients in a food processor or blender for a perfectly silky sauce.
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