Herb-Infused Fish Bites (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Salmon Balls

01 - 1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
02 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
03 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
04 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1 tsp lemon zest
09 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
10 - 2 tbsp olive oil, for grilling

→ For the Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce

11 - 1 ripe avocado
12 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
13 - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream for a richer texture)
14 - 2 tbsp lime juice
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Finely chop the salmon fillet or pulse it in a food processor until coarsely minced. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced salmon, chopped parsley, cilantro, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
02 - Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, approximately 2 inches in diameter. You should get about 12-14 balls depending on size.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add the salmon balls and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
04 - In a food processor, combine the avocado, fresh cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
05 - Serve the grilled salmon balls with the creamy avocado cilantro sauce either drizzled on top or as a dipping sauce on the side. Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for leftovers.

# Notes:

01 - For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh salmon fillet. Wild-caught salmon offers superior taste and health benefits.
02 - Feel free to customize the avocado sauce by adding a bit of jalapeño for a spicy kick or a touch of honey for sweetness.
03 - While this recipe calls for pan-grilling, you can also cook the salmon balls on a barbecue for a smoky flavor. Brush with oil and grill over medium heat.
04 - For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour.