Dinner

Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Bylina Carter December 9, 2025December 9, 2025

Introduction

Sweet Chili Salmon Balls with Creamy Garlic Sauce make a delightful appetizer or snack. These tender salmon bites are packed with flavor and paired perfectly with a rich, garlicky dip that’s easy to prepare.

The image shows seven grilled round pieces of food arranged tightly in a white square bowl held by a woman's hand. Each piece has a dark, crispy outer layer with grill marks and a bright orange base color. A creamy beige sauce is drizzled over the top, pooling slightly in the bowl, with small green herbs sprinkled on top adding a fresh contrast. The background features colorful, blurry city lights creating a vibrant nighttime atmosphere. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sour cream
2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a food processor, pulse the fresh salmon until finely chopped but not pureed.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, green onions, red bell pepper, minced garlic, grated ginger, egg, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 4: Shape the mixture with your hands into small balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake the salmon balls for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown on top.
Step 6: Meanwhile, prepare the creamy garlic sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 7: Refrigerate the sauce for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving alongside the salmon balls.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the salmon mixture before baking.
Swap sweet chili sauce for sriracha if you prefer a spicier bite.

Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime for a zesty twist.
If you don’t have a food processor, finely mince the salmon by hand for a chunkier texture.

Storage

Store cooked salmon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the creamy garlic sauce separately in another container. To reheat, warm the salmon balls gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

How to Serve

The image shows a square white dish with seven round grilled salmon balls, each with a charred, dark brown and orange outer surface. The balls are generously coated with a creamy, light beige sauce sprinkled with red chili flakes and chopped green herbs on top. The dish is held by a woman's hand against a blurred background of colorful city lights. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat the salmon dry to remove excess moisture before using it in the recipe.

Can I fry the salmon balls instead of baking them?

Absolutely. Frying in a little oil over medium heat works well and will give a crispy exterior. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.