Honey Glazed Salmon Meatballs

Honey Glazed Salmon Meatballs

These Honey Glazed Salmon Meatballs are a delightful twist on traditional meatballs, combining the rich, flaky texture of salmon with a sweet and savory honey glaze. Lightly seasoned with herbs, garlic, and a touch of ginger, these meatballs are baked or pan-seared to perfection, then coated in a sticky honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully. They’re perfect as an appetizer, a main dish over rice or noodles, or even served with a fresh salad. Packed with protein and flavor, these salmon meatballs offer a healthy, delicious option for any meal.

Ingredients:

For the Salmon Meatballs:

1 ½ pounds (680 g) fresh salmon, finely chopped or ground

2 teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon ground pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 cup (150 g) marinated artichokes, chopped

2 teaspoons lemon juice

⅓ cup (40 g) panko bread crumbs

1 egg plus 1 egg white, beaten

2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

For the Honey Lemon Glaze:

⅓ cup (80 ml) honey

¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

Prepare the Salmon Meatballs:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

In a large bowl, combine the chopped salmon, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic, Dijon mustard, marinated artichokes, lemon juice, panko bread crumbs, beaten egg, egg white, and parsley. Mix gently but thoroughly until well combined.

Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 ½ inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Meatballs:

Bake the salmon meatballs in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until firm and cooked through.

Prepare the Honey Lemon Glaze:

While the meatballs are baking, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

Glaze the Meatballs:

Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large skillet or pan. Pour the honey lemon glaze over the meatballs and toss gently to coat them evenly. Cook over low heat for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Serve:

Serve the honey-glazed salmon meatballs warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired. Pair them with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tip:

For an extra crispy texture, you can broil the meatballs for the last 2–3 minutes of baking before adding the glaze!

Notes, Tips, and Tricks

Choosing Salmon:

Use fresh or canned salmon. If using fresh salmon, ensure it’s boneless and skinless, and finely chop or pulse it in a food processor.

Binding the Meatballs:

To hold the meatballs together, use breadcrumbs, an egg, and a bit of finely minced onion. This helps prevent them from falling apart.

Flavor Enhancements:

Add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro. A touch of ginger or lemon zest adds brightness and complements the salmon beautifully.

Cooking Methods:

Baking: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes for an easy, hands-off approach.

Pan-Searing: Cook in a non-stick skillet with a bit of oil until golden brown on all sides.

Making the Glaze:

Combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice for a perfectly balanced glaze. Cook until thickened and brush or toss over the meatballs.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Add steamed veggies for a complete meal.

These also make a fantastic appetizer with toothpicks and an extra drizzle of glaze.

Make Ahead:

Prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze for longer storage.

These honey-glazed salmon meatballs are a mouthwatering, protein-packed dish that balances sweet and savory flavors beautifully!