Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Posted on August 7, 2025

Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Welcome to a culinary journey that combines the rich flavors of salmon with the delightful sweetness of chili sauce! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s not only easy to prepare but also perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for an impressive appetizer, or simply craving a delicious snack, these Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce will surely impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Let’s explore the vibrant flavors and textures that make this dish a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. First and foremost, they are incredibly versatile. These delightful bites can serve as an appetizer, a main dish, or even a fun finger food for game night. The combination of fresh salmon with a hint of sweet chili creates a perfect balance of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.

Additionally, this recipe is perfect for those who are health-conscious. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function. Coupled with fresh vegetables like green onions and red bell pepper, these salmon balls provide a nutritious punch. The creamy garlic sauce, made from wholesome ingredients like mayonnaise and sour cream, enhances the dish without overpowering the natural flavors of the salmon.

Not to mention, the preparation process is straightforward and quick. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a plateful of tasty salmon balls ready to bake. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook, making them a convenient choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This recipe for Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce stands out not only for its delectable taste but also for its ease of preparation. If you’re new to cooking or simply looking for a recipe that won’t take up too much of your time, this dish is for you. The use of a food processor to chop the salmon means that you can have everything mixed and ready to form the balls in no time.

Moreover, the sweet chili sauce adds an exciting twist that transforms traditional salmon into an extraordinary treat. If you’ve never tried salmon in a bite-sized format, you’re in for a delightful surprise. The texture is tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, creating a satisfying contrast that elevates the eating experience.

Lastly, serving these salmon balls with the creamy garlic sauce is a game changer. The sauce not only complements the salmon but also adds a layer of richness that enhances the overall dish. This pairing is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters, making it a perfect option for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients for Sweet Chili Salmon Balls

  • 1 lb (450g) fresh salmon, skinless and boneless
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Sauce

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

Necessary Utensils

  • Food processor
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing spoon
  • Refrigerator (for chilling the sauce)

With these ingredients and tools on hand, you’re well-equipped to create delicious Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Now let’s move on to the preparation steps!

Detailed Recipe Steps

To make your Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce, follow these detailed steps for the best results:

For the Salmon Balls:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Prepare the Salmon: In a food processor, add the fresh salmon. Pulse the salmon until it’s finely chopped but not puréed. You want texture, so be careful not to over-process.
  3. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped salmon with breadcrumbs, green onions, red bell pepper, minced garlic, grated ginger, egg, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Using your hands can help ensure the mixture is evenly distributed.
  4. Form the Balls: Using your hands, scoop out a portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
  5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the salmon balls for 15-20 minutes. They should be cooked through and golden brown when done. To check for doneness, you can use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  2. Chill: To enhance the flavors, refrigerate the sauce for at least 15 minutes before serving. This step allows the garlic to infuse its flavor into the sauce.

Once your salmon balls are baked and the creamy garlic sauce is ready, plate them together for a delicious presentation. Serve warm, and enjoy every bite of your Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce!

FAQs

What can I serve with Sweet Chili Salmon Balls?

These salmon balls pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or on a bed of rice. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like soy sauce or additional sweet chili sauce for extra flavor.

Can I make Sweet Chili Salmon Balls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the salmon balls and refrigerate them before baking. Just make sure to bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These salmon balls can be made in batches and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply reheat them in the oven before serving.

Can I substitute the salmon with another fish?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with other types of fish such as tuna or trout, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary. Ensure the fish is fresh and suitable for cooking in balls.

How do I store leftover salmon balls?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage, and reheat in the oven when ready to eat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe, and let us know how it turns out for you! Feel free to comment below, share this article with your friends, or explore more delightful recipes from our blog.

For more delicious ideas, check out these recipes: Sweet Teriyaki Beef Skewers and Garlic Butter Shrimp Poppers. You can also find inspiration on Pinterest. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Delicious salmon balls infused with sweet chili sauce, served with a creamy garlic dip, perfect for appetizers or a main dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Food Processor
  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Small Bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Fresh Salmon, skinless and boneless
  • 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Green Onions, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Red Bell Pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger, grated
  • 1 Egg
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Creamy Garlic Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Sour Cream
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a food processor, add the fresh salmon and pulse until it is finely chopped but not puréed.
  • In a large bowl, combine the chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, green onions, red bell pepper, minced garlic, grated ginger, egg, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the salmon balls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
  • Refrigerate the sauce for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Serve the salmon balls with the creamy garlic sauce for a delightful appetizer or main dish.
Keyword Garlic Sauce, salmon, Sweet Chili

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