How to Make Delicious Salmon Balls – A Step-by-Step Guide

Salmon balls are a classic appetizer that never go out of style. These tasty bites are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of delicious salmon balls in no time.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make perfect salmon balls at home. We’ll cover different types of salmon to use, ingredient ideas, easy recipes, shaping and cooking methods, and serving suggestions. Let’s get started!

Why Make Salmon Balls?

There are so many great reasons to add salmon balls to your appetizer repertoire

• They are quick and easy to assemble. The ingredient list is short and the prep time minimal

• Salmon balls are budget-friendly. Canned salmon is an affordable alternative to fresh fish.

• They make an elegant presentation. The rounds balls look sophisticated on a platter.

• Salmon balls are filled with healthy omega-3s Salmon provides nutrients like protein, vitamins, and healthy fats

• The flavor is universally loved. The savory salmon and creaminess is a crowd-pleasing combination.

• They work for any event or gathering. Salmon balls can be dressed up or kept casual.

• Kids enjoy the bite-size portion. The rounds are perfect for little hands.

• The variations are endless. Get creative with different mix-in ingredients.

With so many benefits, salmon balls are the perfect appetizer to have in your repertoire!

Choosing Salmon for Salmon Balls

The star ingredient for delicious salmon balls is, of course, the salmon! When selecting salmon, here are some tips:

• Canned salmon – Canned salmon is affordable and convenient to use. Opt for wild-caught varieties like pink, sockeye, or red salmon. Drain and remove any bones.

• Pouched salmon – Pre-portioned, ready-to-use pouches make assembly easy. Look for flavorful selections like lemon dill or garlic herb salmon.

• Smoked salmon – Smoked salmon adds wonderful flavor. Chop into small pieces before mixing into the salmon ball mixture.

• Fresh salmon – Fresh wild-caught salmon like salmon fillets can be cooked and flaked to use in place of canned salmon.

• Salmon roe – For an elegant twist, use cubes of smoked salmon and salmon roe as mix-ins.

No matter which type you choose, salmon is the key to tasty salmon balls!

Salmon Ball Ingredient Ideas

Beyond the salmon, you’ll need just a few additional ingredients to make the mixture for the balls. Here are some common add-ins:

• Cream cheese – Cream cheese provides binding and creaminess. Regular, reduced-fat or whipped all work.

• Breadcrumbs – Dry breadcrumbs help bind and absorb moisture. Panko give extra crunch.

• Onions/chives – Minced onions or chives provide flavor. Use green, white, yellow or red onions.

• Lemon juice – A squirt of lemon juice brightens the flavor. You can also use lime juice.

• Dill – Fresh or dried dill gives traditional lox flavor. Dill weed or dill pickle juice work too.

• Spices – Try Old Bay, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and ground pepper.

• Cheese – Grated cheddar, parmesan, or blue cheese add bold flavor.

• Herbs – Mix in any fresh herbs like parsley, basil, tarragon or cilantro.

Get creative and customize the ingredients to suit your tastes!

Easy Salmon Ball Recipes

To take the guesswork out of making salmon balls, here are a few easy and delicious recipes to try:

Old Fashioned Salmon Balls

• 1 (7.5 ounce) can salmon, drained and bones removed
• 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
• 1 Tbsp minced onion
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp dill
• Spices for coating (paprika, dill, pepper, parsley)

Mash salmon and combine with next 5 ingredients. Shape into a ball and refrigerate until firm. Roll in spices to coat. Serve with crackers.

Baked Salmon Balls

• 1 (15 ounce) can salmon, drained and flaked
• 1⁄4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1⁄4 cup diced onion
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 1⁄2 tsp dill
• 1⁄4 tsp garlic powder

Combine all ingredients and shape into 1-inch balls. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden brown.

Smoked Salmon Ball

• 8 ounce cream cheese block, softened
• 1⁄4 cup sour cream
• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp chopped chives
• 2 Tbsp chopped dill pickle
• 1⁄4 lb smoked salmon, diced

Gently mix all ingredients. Form into a ball and refrigerate until firm. Serve with crackers.

Shaping and Forming the Salmon Balls

Once you’ve mixed up the salmon ball filling, it’s time to shape it into balls. Here are some tips:

• Scoop up 1-2 tablespoon size portions to shape into rounds.
• Lightly wet hands to prevent sticking.
• Gently roll between palms to form smooth, compact balls.
• Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space apart.
• Refrigerate 30 minutes to firm up before baking or frying.
• For a uniform shape, use a small ice cream scoop to portion the mixture.
• Keep the salmon balls around 1 inch in diameter for proper cooking.
• Chill the shaped salmon balls until ready to cook so they hold their shape.

Make all salmon balls the same size for even cooking.

Cooking Methods for Salmon Balls

There are several easy ways to cook prepared salmon balls:

• Baking – Bake in a 350°F oven 15-20 minutes until lightly browned.

• Frying – Fry in oil over medium heat 2-3 minutes per side until crispy.

• Air Frying – Air fry at 380°F, flipping once, 10-12 minutes until cooked through.

• Broiling – Broil 4-5 inches from heat 3-4 minutes per side until tops are browned.

• Poaching – Simmer gently in broth 4-5 minutes until heated through.

• Grilling – Grill over direct medium heat 2-3 minutes per side. Watch for flare ups.

No matter which cooking method you choose, cook salmon balls just until heated through and golden brown on the outside. Salmon cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook.

Serving Suggestions for Salmon Balls

The possibilities for serving salmon balls are endless! Here are some ideas:

• Serve as an appetizer with crackers, bread slices or crostini.

• Add to a composed salad plate or salad bar.

• Use as a protein on top of salads or grain bowls.

• Place on slider buns for handheld salmon burgers.

• Skewer with toothpicks for easy pick up bite.

• Offer as an passed hors d’oeuvre at events.

• Top with remoulade, tartar sauce, aioli or creamy dill sauce.

• Garnish with fresh dill, lemon wedges, capers for presentation.

However you serve them, salmon balls are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Tips for the Best Salmon Balls

With these tips, you’ll be making perfect salmon balls every time:

• Use wild-caught salmon for better flavor and texture.

• Make sure the salmon is well drained before mixing.

• Gently combine ingredients, being careful not to overmix.

• Chill the mixture before shaping to make compact balls.

• Shape balls of equal size so they cook evenly.

• Don’t overcook – salmon balls take just minutes to cook through.

• Serve salmon balls immediately while hot and moist.

• Store leftover uncooked salmon balls in the refrigerator up to 2 days.

Now you have all the know-how to make incredible salmon balls! Get creative with ingredients and flavors. Salmon balls are great as an appetizer, snack, or light meal any time. Enjoy this classic in a whole new way.

To create tuna balls for salmon fishing, you’ll use canned tuna, mesh netting, and a tying material like ghost thread or magic thread.