Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado
Grilled salmon balls topped with avocado sauce that is creamy offer the perfect balanced taste and nutritious ingredients. The creamy avocado-cilantro drizzle improves the taste, but also creates a soft texture that pairs with this salmon dish perfectly.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Balls:
1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillet (skin removed)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
For the Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce:
1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream for a richer texture)
2 tbsp lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture
Start by finely chopping the salmon fillet or pulse it in a food processor until coarsely minced. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced salmon, chopped parsley, cilantro, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 2: Shape the Salmon Balls
Once your mixture is ready, take small portions and roll them into balls, approximately 2 inches in diameter. You should have about 12-14 balls depending on size.
Step 3: Grill the Salmon Balls
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the salmon balls in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the salmon balls from the pan and set them aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce
For the creamy avocado sauce, combine the avocado, fresh cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or lime juice to balance the flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your grilled salmon balls with the creamy avocado cilantro sauce either drizzled on top or as a dipping sauce on the side. These bites are best enjoyed fresh but can also be refrigerated for leftovers.
Notes
Use Fresh Salmon: For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh salmon fillet. If you can find wild-caught salmon, it’s even better for both taste and health benefits.
Customize the Sauce: Feel free to play around with the avocado sauce by adding a bit of jalapeño for a spicy kick or using a touch of honey for sweetness.
Grilling Option: While this recipe calls for grilling the salmon balls in a pan, you can also cook them on the barbecue for a smoky flavor. Simply brush the balls with a little oil and grill over medium heat.
Recipe from Optimal Recipes