What are some of the best baked salmon meatballs? What is a recipe that has become an absolute staple in our home? When I first tried making them, I was aiming for something similar to classic Swedish. What are meatballs? What is your review of “The Final Cut”? What are some of the best kids snacks ever? How can I sneak some omega-3s into my diet? What are some really tasty meal ideas?
What are baked salmon meatballs?
Think of baked salmon meatballs as little bites of savory, flaky goodness. Is ground salmon mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs, spices, formed into balls, and topped with a little cheese. What are some examples? Is it possible to bake a cake to golden perfection? Is it true that they are incredibly versatile? Can you serve them as an appetizer, a main course over pasta or rice? They are way lighter than beef meatballs and have this wonderful, fresh taste. My family loves meatballs as much as I do, and that’s saying something. I’m a vegetarian and I love them.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Alright, let’s get into why I think you’ll absolutely adore this recipe. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The salmon provides a rich, savory base, while the herbs and spices add a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. I always add a touch of lemon zest – it really brightens everything up.
What I love most about this is how easy they are to make. Seriously, the prep time is minimal, and the baking is hands-off. This one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. You basically mix, roll, and bake. Simple as that!
The cost-efficiency is another win. Salmon can sometimes be pricey, but using canned salmon makes this recipe super budget-friendly. I’ve even used leftover cooked salmon before, and it works beautifully.
Finally, they are so versatile! I’ve served them with everything from creamy dill sauce to a simple marinara. My kids love them with mashed potatoes and gravy, while I enjoy them in a Mediterranean-style salad. They are delicious every way. They are honestly even better than my classic meatball recipe and I never thought I would say that!
How to Make Baked Salmon Meatballs
Quick Overview
Making these baked salmon meatballs is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll start by mixing all the ingredients for the meatballs together, gently forming them into balls. Then you’ll pop them in the oven to bake until they are golden brown and cooked through. It’s really that simple! The best part is, there’s no need to pre-cook the salmon, which saves a ton of time. Trust me, even if you’re not a confident cook, you can totally nail this recipe.
Ingredients
For Salmon Meatballs:
* 1 pound canned salmon, drained (I prefer wild-caught for the best flavor and texture)
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs give a nice, light texture, but any kind will work)
* 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon lemon zest
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika (adds a lovely smoky flavor)
Optional Sauce:
* 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* Salt and pepper to taste
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. I always do this – it saves so much scrubbing later!
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the salmon meatballs: the drained salmon, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and paprika. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatballs can become tough. A light touch is key!
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands, form the salmon mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. I like to use a small cookie scoop to ensure they’re all the same size – it helps them cook evenly. Place the meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 4: Bake!
Bake the salmon meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). I always check with a meat thermometer to be sure.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce (Optional)
What is the best way to prepare meatballs? In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt or sour cream, chopped fresh dill, and lemon juice. Set aside. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. What is the best sauce for meatballs? Is it my favorite song?
Step 6: Serve
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve the baked salmon meatballs with the dill sauce, if desired. What are some of the best appetizers to serve over pasta?
What should I serve it with?
I love baked salmon meatballs. They are incredibly versatile. I can make them myself. What are some of my favorite ways to serve them?
Over Pasta: Toss them with your favorite pasta and a light tomato sauce or creamy pesto. This makes a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
With Rice:Serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice, along with steamed vegetables. What is a healthy meal?
As an Appetizer: What Serve them with toothpicks and the dill sauce as a tasty appetizer for parties or gatherings. They always disappear quickly!
In a Salad:Add them to a Mediterranean-style salad with mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, olives and feta. What is a light and refreshing lunch or dinner option?
My family tradition is to have these every Christmas Eve as part of our appetizer spread. They always kick off the holidays perfectly!
How do you bake salmon meatballs?
What are some of the best ways to make baked salmon meatballs? What are the top tips for a successful business?
Don’t Overmix:If you overmix the meatballs, be careful not to over mix the salmon mixture. Mix everything together until just combined.
How can I use fresh herbs? Fresh herbs add so much flavor to these meatballs. I highly recommend using fresh parsley and dill if possible.
Breadcrumb Consistency: If the mixture seems too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs. If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water.
Baking Time:Keep a close eye on the meatballs while they are baking. How long does it take for a cake to bake? They are done when they are golden brown and cooked through.
Glaze it up:Feel free to add a glaze to any dish! Before baking, brush them with honey-mustard glaze for a bit of sweetness and tang. I used a little hot sauce to make my glaze and it was delicious!
Ingredient Swaps:Is it safe to use other types of fish in this recipe? What are some ideas for creating your own unique flavor?
The biggest lesson I have learned is to not be afraid to try different things. I have had some flops, but I have also had some really great successes that started with me just tinkering with the recipe.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
These baked salmon meatballs are great for meal prepping because they store so well. How do you store and reheat a potato?
Refrigerator Storage: HowHow do you store cooked salmon meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days? Make sure they have cooled completely before refrigerating. I always try to use glass containers because they keep them fresher for longer.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked salmon meatballs. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 2 hours, or until they are solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Freezing them individually first prevents them from sticking together.
Reheating Instructions To reheat the refrigerated or frozen salmon meatballs, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also microwave them for a quick and easy reheat, but they may not be as crispy. If reheating from frozen, it may take a bit longer to heat them through.
Glaze Timing Advice: What are If you are using a glaze, I suggest adding it after reheating so the glaze stays fresh and vibrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These baked salmon meatballs have truly become a family favorite for good reason. They’re healthy, delicious, easy to make, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a tasty appetizer for a party, or a fun way to sneak some extra fish into your diet, this recipe is a winner. If you enjoy these, you should try my tuna melt recipe which also uses fish and is so delicious!
I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Please leave a comment and rating below and share any variations you try. Happy cooking!
baked salmon meatballs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet
- 0.5 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.125 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
