Description
Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce offer a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Tender salmon balls glazed with vibrant sweet chili sauce are paired with a luscious creamy garlic dip, making a quick, nutritious, and crowd-pleasing dish ideal for lunches, dinners, or appetizers.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon Balls
- 1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillets, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying)
For the Sweet Chili Glaze
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (or vegan mayo/coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- Pinch of salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon Mixture: Finely chop fresh salmon fillets or pulse gently in a food processor for a slightly textured mixture. Transfer to a large bowl. Add panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped green onions, egg, and a splash of lime juice. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine.
- Form and Cook the Salmon Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the salmon mixture into bite-sized balls. Heat a non-stick pan with a bit of oil over medium heat. Cook the balls evenly until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: While salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), minced garlic cloves, a squeeze of lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Adjust garlic intensity and creaminess to your taste.
- Glaze and Serve: Once cooked, gently toss the salmon balls in sweet chili sauce, coating them evenly. Serve warm with a generous dollop or drizzle of the creamy garlic sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon for best texture and flavor.
- Gently combine ingredients to keep salmon balls tender, not dense.
- Cook over medium heat to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust garlic and lime juice in sauce to complement without overpowering.
- Let the salmon mixture rest briefly before cooking for better binding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 salmon balls with sauce
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: salmon balls, sweet chili salmon, creamy garlic sauce, appetizer, gluten-free, seafood balls, quick dinner, healthy appetizer
