Description

Tender Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce – a healthy, easy-to-make dish perfect for meals or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

For the Salmon Meatballs:

1 lb fresh salmon fillet: Make sure to remove any skin before chopping.
½ cup breadcrumbs: You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs, depending on the texture you prefer.
1 egg, lightly beaten: This helps bind the ingredients together.
2 garlic cloves, minced: For added flavor and aroma.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a bright, fresh taste to the meatballs.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives the meatballs a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
1 tablespoon lemon zest: Enhances the salmon’s natural flavor and adds a zesty kick.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning.

For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:

1 ripe avocado, mashed: The base of the sauce, providing creaminess and a mild flavor.
¼ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream): Adds a tangy contrast to the avocado and makes the sauce lighter.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Helps brighten the sauce and keeps the avocado from browning.
1 garlic clove, minced: For extra flavor in the sauce.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Adjust to your liking.

Instructions

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Salmon Meatballs

1. Prepare the Salmon

Begin by finely chopping your salmon fillet. If using a food processor, pulse the salmon in short bursts until it’s roughly minced but not too smooth. You want the salmon to retain some texture for the meatballs.

2. Make the Salmon Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the chopped salmon with the breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic, parsley, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients until well combined. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape when formed into meatballs.

3. Shape the Meatballs

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the salmon mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced for proper cooking.

4. Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once heated, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes. They should be firm to the touch and slightly golden on the outside. You can also check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Notes

Storing and Reheating Baked Salmon Meatballs

To preserve the texture and flavor of your Baked Salmon Meatballs, proper storage and reheating techniques are essential. The salmon meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for easy meals throughout the week.

1. Storing in the Refrigerator

If you plan on enjoying the leftovers within a few days, store the baked salmon meatballs in the refrigerator.

How to Store:

Cool Completely: Let the meatballs cool to room temperature after baking.
Airtight Container: Place the meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate them.
Separate the Sauce: Store the avocado sauce in a separate airtight container to prevent the meatballs from becoming soggy.

Shelf Life:

Refrigerator: The salmon meatballs will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Avocado Sauce: The avocado sauce should be consumed within 2 days, as it can start to brown over time, even with lemon juice.

2. Freezing the Meatballs

For longer storage, you can freeze the salmon meatballs. Freezing allows you to enjoy them weeks later without compromising texture or flavor.

How to Freeze:

Flash Freeze: Place the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until firm (about 1-2 hours). This prevents them from sticking together.
Store in a Freezer Bag: Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date.
Do Not Freeze the Sauce: The avocado sauce is best made fresh, as freezing changes its texture.

Shelf Life:

Freezer: The salmon meatballs can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

3. Reheating the Meatballs

To reheat the meatballs without drying them out, use one of these methods:

Oven Reheating:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Reheat: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Microwave Reheating:

Microwave: Place the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on low for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to prevent overcooking.

Reheating Frozen Meatballs:

Oven Method: To reheat from frozen, place the meatballs in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Microwave Method: Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then microwave as directed.

4. Reviving the Avocado Sauce

The avocado sauce is best served fresh, but if storing it for a day or two, place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface to minimize browning from air exposure.
Before serving, give the sauce a quick stir and add a little extra lemon juice to freshen it up.