Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Servings
4–5 servings (makes about 18–20 balls)
Ingredients
For the Salmon Balls
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1 pound (450 g) fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
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1 egg, lightly beaten
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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2 green onions, finely chopped
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2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 tablespoon oil (for pan-searing or baking sheet greasing)
For the Sweet Chili Glaze
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1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
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1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
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1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
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1 teaspoon soy sauce
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1–2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon
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If using fresh salmon, bake or steam it lightly until just cooked through (about 10 minutes at 375°F / 190°C).
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Let it cool, then flake into small pieces with a fork.
2. Make the Salmon Mixture
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In a large bowl, combine flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, green onions, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
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Mix until evenly combined. The mixture should be moist but hold together when shaped.
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Form into 1-inch balls (about tablespoon size) and place on a tray or plate.
3. Cook the Salmon Balls
Option A – Pan-Fried:
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Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
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Cook the salmon balls in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Option B – Oven-Baked:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Place salmon balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Lightly spray or brush with oil and bake for 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through.
4. Make the Sweet Chili Glaze
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In a small saucepan, combine sweet chili sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and soy sauce.
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Simmer over low heat for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Brush or toss the cooked salmon balls in the glaze until evenly coated.
5. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Adjust seasoning to taste and chill until ready to serve.
6. Serve
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Serve the salmon balls warm, drizzled or dipped in creamy garlic sauce.
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Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
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Canned salmon (well-drained) can be used for a quicker version.
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For extra crispiness, roll the formed balls lightly in panko before cooking.
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The garlic sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
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