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Crispy Salmon Balls Recipe with Easy Creamy Avocado Sauce

crispy salmon balls - featured image

Golden-crisp salmon balls with a tender, flavorful inside paired with a creamy avocado sauce. A quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for snacks or appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh or canned salmon, skin removed if fresh
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for frying)
  • 1 large ripe avocado (or 2 small), peeled and pitted
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (60 ml; use dairy-free yogurt for vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or dill, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. If using fresh salmon, steam or poach gently until just done (about 8-10 minutes), then let cool and flake into small chunks. For canned salmon, drain and flake.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped green onions, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined but not too sticky.
  3. Form the mixture into 1.5-inch (about 4 cm) balls using hands or a small cookie scoop, yielding about 16-18 balls.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  5. Carefully place salmon balls in the skillet without overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, turning gently to avoid breaking.
  6. Transfer cooked salmon balls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and let rest for a couple of minutes.
  7. While frying, prepare the avocado sauce by blending ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and optional cilantro or dill until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve salmon balls warm with a dollop or drizzle of creamy avocado sauce. Garnish with extra herbs or lime wedges if desired.

Notes

Chill the salmon mixture for 10-15 minutes if too soft to help hold shape. Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Fry over medium heat to avoid burning or absorbing too much oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Baking option: bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, turning halfway. For vegan version, substitute salmon with mashed chickpeas or lentils and use vegan mayo instead of Greek yogurt. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon balls, crispy salmon, avocado sauce, easy appetizer, quick snack, healthy seafood, party food, gluten-free option