Baked salmon is a classic choice for a quick and healthy dinner, but it often disappoints, emerging from the oven dry and lacking in flavour. However, a clever culinary tweak promises to revolutionise this weeknight staple, transforming it into succulent, garlic-infused salmon balls ready in a mere half hour.
The Secret Ingredient for Perfect Salmon
According to a recipe from the health-focused publication Eating Well, the key to unlocking tender, flavourful baked salmon is a generous addition of garlic. Combined with a meatball-style preparation, this single ingredient ensures the fish retains its moisture while delivering a powerful taste boost. The recipe's creator states: "These garlic-forward salmon balls are tender and flavorful." They suggest serving them in a salad, grain bowl, or with a side of vegetables for a complete, protein-rich meal.
How to Make Baked Garlicky Salmon Balls
This simple recipe, designed to serve four, takes just 30 minutes from preparation to plate. It's also calorie-conscious, with each serving containing approximately 138 calories.
Ingredients & Method
You will need two boneless, skinless salmon fillets, three tablespoons of Italian breadcrumbs, one chopped scallion, one large egg, a tablespoon of low-fat plain strained yoghurt, and a tablespoon of minced garlic, plus cooking spray.
First, preheat your oven to 200°C and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the salmon, breadcrumbs, scallion, egg, yoghurt, and garlic. Mix gently, breaking up the salmon until everything is well incorporated.
Using clean hands, shape roughly one and a half tablespoons of the mixture into a ball and place it on the tray. Repeat with the remaining mix, spacing the balls apart. Lightly spray them with cooking oil to aid browning.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. They are done when firm to the touch and golden. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
A Game-Changer for Healthy Weeknight Dinners
This innovative approach from Eating Well solves the common problem of dry baked fish. The method not only locks in moisture but also maximises flavour with minimal effort, proving that a healthy dinner doesn't have to be bland or time-consuming. It's a practical solution for anyone seeking a nutritious, delicious meal in a hurry.
