Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a recipe that2s bursting with flavor and surprisingly easy to make: Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce! These delightful little morsels are a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory, with a tender texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you2re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe promises a meal that2s both impressive and effortlessly delicious.
Why You2ll Love This Sweet Chili Salmon Balls Recipe
We all crave meals that are quick, healthy, and incredibly tasty, and these salmon balls tick all those boxes. Salmon is a powerhouse of Omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish not just a treat for your taste buds but also for your health. The sweet chili glaze adds a vibrant, sticky coating that2s utterly addictive, while the creamy garlic sauce provides a cool, tangy contrast that ties the whole dish together. It2s a versatile recipe that can be served as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a satisfying main course.
The Magic of Sweet Chili and Creamy Garlic
The combination of sweet chili and creamy garlic is a match made in culinary heaven. Sweet chili sauce brings a delightful balance of heat and sweetness, creating an irresistible glaze that coats each salmon ball beautifully. It2s a flavor profile that2s beloved globally for its ability to awaken the palate. The creamy garlic sauce, on the other hand, offers a rich, smooth counterpoint. Its zesty, garlicky notes cut through the sweetness of the chili, adding a refreshing finish and a touch of indulgence. Together, they create a harmonious explosion of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You2ll Need for Flavorful Salmon Balls
Making these salmon balls is simpler than you might think. You2ll primarily need fresh salmon fillets, which you2ll finely chop or pulse in a food processor, along with some basic binders and seasonings to create the perfect texture. For the sweet chili glaze, a good quality sweet chili sauce is key, often enhanced with a touch of soy sauce or lime juice. The creamy garlic sauce is a simple whisk-together affair, typically involving mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, fresh garlic, and a hint of lemon.
For best results, always start with fresh, high-quality salmon. If you're tackling your own filleting, a quality chef's knife will make the task much easier and safer, ensuring clean cuts for perfect salmon pieces.
Tips for Perfect Sweet Chili Salmon Balls Every Time
Choose the Right Salmon:
Opt for skinless, boneless salmon fillets. Sockeye or Atlantic salmon both work wonderfully.Don't Overmix:
Mix the salmon ball ingredients just until combined to ensure a tender texture. Overmixing can lead to tough salmon balls.Chill Before Cooking:
After forming the balls, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.Even Browning:
Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.Glaze at the End:
Toss the cooked salmon balls in the sweet chili glaze right before serving to keep them coated and shiny.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
These Sweet Chili Salmon Balls are incredibly versatile. Serve them:
- As an appetizer with toothpicks, alongside a bowl of the creamy garlic sauce for dipping.
- As a main course over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice, with a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables.
- With a fresh, crisp salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a healthier meal.
- Tucked into lettuce wraps for a fun, low-carb option.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They2re quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for company. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to create a meal that2s bursting with vibrant flavors!
FAQs
Can I bake these Sweet Chili Salmon Balls instead of pan-frying?
Yes, for a lighter option, you can bake the salmon balls. Preheat your oven to 400b0F (200b0C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and golden. Then, toss them in the sweet chili sauce.
How do I prevent the salmon balls from falling apart?
The key is to use a good binder like breadcrumbs and an egg, and not to overmix the salmon mixture. Chilling the mixture for 15-20 minutes before forming also helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
Can I make the Sweet Chili Salmon Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salmon ball mixture and form the balls, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. The creamy garlic sauce can also be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
What are the best side dishes to serve with Sweet Chili Salmon Balls?
These salmon balls pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, stir-fried vegetables, a crisp Asian-inspired salad, or even alongside roasted asparagus or broccoli.
Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A delightfully easy and flavorful recipe for tender salmon balls coated in a sticky sweet chili glaze, served with a rich, creamy garlic dipping sauce.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs (about 680g) skinless, boneless salmon fillets, finely chopped
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (or parsley)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the salmon balls. In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped salmon, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped cilantro, grated ginger, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Step 2: Form the salmon mixture into approximately 1-inch balls. You should get about 18-20 balls. Place them on a plate and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes to help them firm up.
Step 3: While the salmon balls chill, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), minced garlic, chopped chives, lemon juice, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 4: Prepare the sweet chili glaze. In another small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and 1 teaspoon soy sauce. Set aside.
Step 5: Cook the salmon balls. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon balls in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Once cooked, remove the salmon balls from the skillet and drain any excess oil if necessary. Add the sweet chili glaze to the skillet (if enough space, or toss the balls in a separate bowl with the glaze) and bring to a simmer. Add the cooked salmon balls back to the skillet and gently toss them in the glaze until evenly coated and glossy.
Step 7: Serve immediately with the creamy garlic sauce on the side. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro or chives if desired.
Notes
For an even lighter option, you can bake the salmon balls at 4000F (2000C) for 12-15 minutes, then toss with the warm sweet chili glaze. Adjust the spiciness of the sweet chili sauce to your preference. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: approx 4-5 balls with sauce
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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