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Salmon Meatballs with Sesame-Ginger BBQ Sauce Recipe

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4.1 from 12 reviews

This flavorful Salmon Meatballs recipe features tender salmon blended with fresh ginger, garlic, and panko, coated optionally with sesame seeds, and served with a tangy homemade BBQ sauce. Perfectly cooked either on the stovetop or in an air fryer, these meatballs are a delightful appetizer or main dish that pairs wonderfully with rice and fresh herbs.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings (about 24 meatballs)

Ingredients

BBQ Sauce

  • 3 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ½ teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1.5 tablespoons water (for slurry)

Salmon Meatballs

  • 1.5 lb. salmon fillet
  • ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup white onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ground ginger
  • Optional: ½ cup white sesame seeds
  • Avocado oil (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the BBQ Sauce: Heat 3 teaspoons of sesame oil over medium heat in a saucepan until fragrant. Add minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, sautéing for 1 minute to release their aromas.
  2. Cook the Base: Stir in ¼ cup tomato paste and cook for another minute. Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, ¾ cup water, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and ¼ cup honey. Whisk the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1.5 tablespoons water with ½ teaspoon cornstarch to make a slurry. Whisk until smooth and pour it into the saucepan while continuously whisking to incorporate the slurry fully.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce back to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low to keep warm. The sauce will thicken as it sits.
  5. Make the Meatball Mixture: Add the salmon fillet, ¾ cup panko bread crumbs, ¼ cup finely chopped white onion, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and 2 teaspoons fresh ground ginger into a high-speed food processor. Pulse until the mixture reaches a ground meat-like consistency.
  6. Form the Meatballs: Using a 1.5 tablespoon scoop, wet your hands and scoop the mixture. Gently roll into meatballs and place them aside on a plate. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
  7. Optional Sesame Coating: Spread ½ cup white sesame seeds on a plate and roll each meatball in the seeds until fully coated.
  8. Cook on the Stovetop: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning every 2 minutes to brown evenly. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145ºF. Remove from heat and gently toss the meatballs in the warm BBQ sauce.
  9. Alternative Air Fryer Method: Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil. Place meatballs in a single layer without touching, cooking in batches if necessary. Air fry at 400ºF for 4.5-6 minutes or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 145ºF. Toss the cooked meatballs in the BBQ sauce.
  10. Serve: Serve the glazed salmon meatballs over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • Make sure the salmon is deboned before processing to ensure smooth texture.
  • Using panko bread crumbs helps the meatballs retain moisture and gives a light texture.
  • If you prefer a less sweet BBQ sauce, reduce the honey by half.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of your meatballs.
  • To check doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145ºF for safe consumption.
  • These meatballs can be frozen cooked or uncooked; thaw fully before reheating or cooking.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/salmon-meatballs-with-sesame-ginger-bbq-sauce-recipe/