What ingredients do I need to make salmon balls at home?

To make salmon balls, you’ll typically need fresh or canned salmon, breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, an egg to bind the mixture, finely chopped onions or scallions, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional herbs like dill or parsley. Some recipes include a splash of lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce for added flavor. Mixing these ingredients evenly and shaping them into small balls before cooking will give you tender, flavorful salmon bites.

How do I cook salmon balls so they are crispy on the outside?

For crispy salmon balls, pan-frying is the best method. Heat a tablespoon or two of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon balls gently into the hot oil and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain even heat. Alternatively, baking at 400°F (200°C) on a greased sheet for 15-20 minutes, turning once, also produces a slightly crisp exterior with less oil.

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh for salmon balls?

Yes, canned salmon is a convenient and budget-friendly option for salmon balls. It’s already cooked and easy to flake, which speeds up preparation. Use canned salmon with bones included for extra calcium, or boneless if preferred. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before mixing with other ingredients. Canned salmon yields moist, flavorful salmon balls that work well for quick meals.

How should I store leftover salmon balls to keep them fresh?

Store leftover salmon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain their texture. For longer storage, freeze salmon balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well frozen for up to 2 months and can be reheated directly from frozen.

What sauces pair well with salmon balls for serving?

Salmon balls pair wonderfully with a variety of sauces. Classic options include tartar sauce, creamy dill sauce, or a tangy lemon aioli. Soy sauce or a spicy sriracha mayo add a flavorful kick for those who enjoy bold tastes. For a lighter choice, serve with a simple yogurt and herb dip or a squeeze of fresh lemon. These sauces enhance the salmon's natural taste and add a delicious finishing touch.

Salmon Balls Recipe With Easy Ingredients and Herbs

Name: Salmon Balls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 (15 1/2 ounce) can salmon; – 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; – 1/4 cup diced green onion; – 1 tablespoon mayonnaise; – 1 tablespoon lemon juice; – 1/2 teaspoon dill weed; – 1/4 teaspoon salt

Description

🐟 Enjoy a quick and easy recipe for baked salmon balls packed with flavorful herbs and simple ingredients.
🍋 Perfect as an appetizer or entree, these salmon balls offer a healthy, delicious option that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

– 1 (15 1/2 ounce) can salmon

– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup diced green onion

– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– 1/2 teaspoon dill weed

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1-First Step: Gather and Prepare Ingredients Remove skin from 1 lb (450 g) salmon and pat the fillet dry, or use the canned version as specified. Finely dice or pulse in a food processor for several quick pulses until flaky but not pureed. Measure 1/2 cup panko (or gluten-free crumbs), chop 2 tbsp green onions, mince 1 garlic clove, zest 1 tsp lemon, and crack 1 egg. Preparing ingredients ahead speeds assembly and ensures consistent texture for your salmon balls. Explore similar salmon dishes for more ideas.

2-Second Step: Combine and Season In a large bowl, gently fold the flaked salmon with panko, egg, green onions, garlic, Dijon mustard (1 tbsp), lemon zest, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Avoid overworking to keep the mixture tender. For adaptations, swap in grated zucchini for panko in low-calorie versions.

3-Third Step: Rest and Bind Let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for 8 10 minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb moisture. This helps maintain a uniform interior when cooking salmon balls.

4-Fourth Step: Shape the Balls Wet your hands slightly and scoop roughly 1.5 tablespoons per ball, rolling gently to form even spheres. Uniform sizing ensures even cooking, especially for meal prep.

5-Fifth Step: Choose Your Cooking Method and Preheat For baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment, or follow the recipe by preheating to 350 degrees and using a greased cookie sheet. Each method affects the texture of your salmon balls.

6-Sixth Step: Cook to Safe Temperature Bake the balls for 20 minutes as directed, or adjust for other methods to reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Serve them warm with tartar sauce or as a main entree.

7-Seventh Step: Rest and Finish Transfer cooked salmon balls to a plate to rest for 2 3 minutes. This step yields juicy results, enhancing their appeal for any meal.

8-Eighth Step: Serve and Adapt Serve with lemon wedges or dips like mayonnaise and lime, or add chili lime mayo for spice. For storage, cool and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for later. These practical adjustments keep the recipe adaptable, as seen in variations like Asian-inspired options.

Notes

🐠 For varied texture, try pouched salmon instead of canned.
🌿 Substitute herb-seasoned stuffing mix for breadcrumbs or dill pickle juice for dill weed.
🔥 Add a spicy kick by serving with chili lime mayo or lime-infused mayonnaise dip.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 5 salmon balls

Keywords: Baked salmon balls,Salmon appetizer,Easy salmon recipe,Herbed salmon balls