Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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If you’re looking for a flavorful seafood dish that’s easy, elegant, and crowd-pleasing, these Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are the answer. Tender salmon bites infused with sweet chili, garlic, and ginger are oven-baked to perfection, then paired with a smooth, garlicky dipping sauce. This recipe works beautifully as a weeknight dinner, party appetizer, or protein-packed meal prep option.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Chili Salmon Balls

• 1 lb (450 g) fresh salmon, skinless and boneless
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
• ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions For Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

How to Make Sweet Chili Salmon Balls

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the salmon in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, keeping some texture.
3. Transfer salmon to a large bowl. Add breadcrumbs, green onions, red bell pepper, garlic, ginger, egg, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
5. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir until smooth.
3. Refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best texture and taste.
• Don’t over-process the salmon; a slightly chunky texture keeps the balls tender.
• Lightly oil your hands when shaping the balls to prevent sticking.
• For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

• Combines lean protein with bold, balanced flavors
• Oven-baked for a lighter, cleaner finish
• Perfect texture: crispy outside, juicy inside
• Creamy garlic sauce enhances without overpowering the salmon

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap breadcrumbs with panko or almond flour
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter sauce
• Add chili flakes for extra heat
• Substitute salmon with tuna or trout if needed

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

• Make-Ahead: Form salmon balls and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking
• Storage: Store cooked salmon balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked or cooked balls for up to 2 months
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm

Serving Ideas For Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Serve over steamed jasmine rice
• Pair with a crisp cucumber salad
• Add to lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
• Enjoy as a party appetizer with extra dipping sauce

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: ~290 kcal
• Protein: 26 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pan-fry these salmon balls?

Yes, pan-fry in a nonstick skillet with light oil until golden on all sides.

Are these salmon balls good for meal prep?

Absolutely. They store well and reheat beautifully.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Is the garlic sauce optional?

The salmon balls are flavorful on their own, but the sauce adds richness and balance.

These Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or weekly meal prep, this recipe offers versatility, nutrition, and irresistible taste in every bite.

Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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These sweet chili salmon balls are tender, flavorful, and oven-baked for a lighter finish. Made with fresh salmon, garlic, ginger, and sweet chili sauce, they’re paired with a creamy garlic dipping sauce that adds richness and balance. Perfect as a dinner, appetizer, or meal prep option.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian-Inspired

Servings 4 servings

Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

• food processor
• large mixing bowl
• baking sheet
• parchment paper
• small bowl

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb fresh salmon, skinless and boneless
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 0.25 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 large egg
• 0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• salt and black pepper, to taste
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (for sauce)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place the salmon in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, leaving some texture.
• Transfer salmon to a bowl and mix with breadcrumbs, green onions, bell pepper, garlic, ginger, egg, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
• Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 15–20 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden.
• In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not over-process the salmon to keep the texture tender. Lightly oil your hands when shaping the balls. Chill the garlic sauce before serving for best flavor. Broil for the last 2 minutes if you want extra browning.

Keyword easy seafood dinner, oven baked salmon, salmon balls, sweet chili salmon

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