Description
These baked salmon meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish. Made with canned salmon, fresh herbs, and a touch of smoked paprika, they bake to golden perfection in just 10 minutes. Served with lemon wedges and optional tartar sauce, they offer a flavorful and healthy seafood option that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Meatballs
- 4 (5-ounce) cans skinless and boneless salmon, drained
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (or olive oil)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 lemon, zested and cut into wedges
- Salt and black pepper, ½ teaspoon each
Optional
- Tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the drained salmon, panko bread crumbs, mayonnaise, egg, chopped dill, grated garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Gently mix until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Form the meatballs: Shape the salmon mixture into 24 small meatballs, about 2 tablespoons each. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to set.
- Serve: Serve the salmon meatballs warm with lemon wedges on the side. Offer tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce to complement the flavors.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Mayonnaise can be replaced with olive oil for a lighter option.
- Make sure to drain the canned salmon well to avoid soggy meatballs.
- These meatballs can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Adding extra fresh dill or lemon zest enhances the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked salmon meatballs, salmon appetizer, seafood meatballs, easy salmon recipe, healthy seafood dish
