Salmon Balls with Avocado (Print Version)

Golden-baked salmon balls mixed with savory spices and fresh herbs. Served alongside a smooth avocado dip for a twist on handheld seafood snacks.

# Ingredients:

→ Meatball Ingredients

01 - 1 pound salmon, skin off, chopped finely
02 - 1 egg, whisked lightly
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - A pinch of salt and pepper
06 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
07 - 1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

→ Avocado Sauce Components

09 - 1 medium avocado, ripe
10 - 1 minced garlic clove
11 - 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
12 - 1/4 cup sour cream
13 - Add salt and pepper as needed

→ Toppings (Optional)

14 - Sprinkled parsley leaves, chopped small

# Steps:

01 - Heat your oven up to 375°F (190°C). Use a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray to lightly coat a baking pan.
02 - Stir the finely chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, parsley, whisked egg, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper together in a big bowl. Make sure everything is mixed evenly but don’t overdo it.
03 - Scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture for each meatball. Mold it into a ball and place it on the baking tray. Leave enough space between the balls. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over them. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until they feel firm and hit 145°F (63°C) when measured inside.
04 - While your meatballs cook, combine avocado, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in either a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. If it ends up thicker than you'd like, add water a teaspoon at a time and mix till it’s right.
05 - Move the cooked salmon meatballs onto a platter. Spoon or drizzle the avocado sauce on top, or serve it on the side for dipping. Optionally, toss some chopped parsley over the dish before digging in.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Serve these meatballs as a starter or have them as your main meal with veggies or a salad on the side.
02 - Chop the salmon easier by freezing it briefly—15 minutes works well.
03 - Want to save time? Make the avocado sauce ahead of time and prevent browning by covering its surface with plastic wrap before refrigerating.