Introduction:
Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meatball recipes. Packed with the goodness of omega-3 fatty acids and protein from the salmon, these meatballs are tender, flavorful, and baked to perfection. The creamy avocado sauce adds a rich, smooth contrast to the savory meatballs, making this dish perfect for a light dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to incorporate more fish into their diet while enjoying a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
For the Salmon Meatballs:
1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into chunks
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Make the meatballs:
Place the chunks of salmon in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, but not pureed.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter) and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs for about 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting one meatball in half – it should be opaque all the way through.
Prepare the creamy avocado sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper as needed. Stir in chopped cilantro for extra flavor, if desired.
Serve: Once the meatballs are done, arrange them on a platter and drizzle with the creamy avocado sauce. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Description:
These Baked Salmon Meatballs are a healthier twist on classic meatballs, using fresh salmon fillet as the base. The breadcrumbs and Parmesan provide a nice texture, while the Dijon mustard and lemon zest add a zingy flavor. The Creamy Avocado Sauce complements the rich salmon with its smooth, tangy taste. It’s a great option for those looking for a lower-carb, high-protein dish, and the avocado sauce enhances the overall meal with its creamy richness. This dish is perfect for meal prep, as the meatballs hold up well in the fridge for a few days.
Tips:
Salmon Alternatives: If fresh salmon isn’t available, you can use canned salmon or other fish like trout or white fish, but make sure to drain and flake the canned version well.
For a Crunchy Texture: If you prefer a crispy outer texture, you can briefly sear the meatballs in a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil before baking them.
Avocado Ripeness: Make sure your avocado is ripe for the smoothest sauce. If it’s under-ripe, the texture of the sauce may be lumpy.
Freezing the Meatballs: These meatballs freeze well! After baking, allow them to cool and freeze in an airtight container. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free version, simply omit the Parmesan cheese in the meatballs and use dairy-free yogurt in the avocado sauce.
Corrections:
Consistency of Meatballs: If the meatball mixture is too wet to form into balls, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs or almond flour to help absorb moisture.
Avocado Sauce Texture: If the avocado sauce seems too thick after blending, you can thin it out by adding a splash of water, lemon juice, or more olive oil to get the desired consistency.
Overcooked Meatballs: Be cautious not to overcook the salmon meatballs. Overbaking can cause them to dry out, so keep a close eye on the cooking time. Checking with a thermometer (aim for 145°F internally) will help ensure they are perfectly cooked without being overdone.
Enjoy your Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce as a healthy, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients!