Salmon Croquettes are pan-fried and packed with so many great flavors. These make a quick and easy weeknight meal and are delicious with a tartar sauce!.
Salmon is one of my favorite things to make. Make this Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon, this tasty Sheet Pan Thai Salmon, or this simple Baked Sesame Teriyaki Salmon if you want more easy salmon recipes.
This recipe is for people who like salmon. If you have never had salmon croquettes before, you are in for a treat. This recipe calls for canned salmon and a lot of tasty seasonings and other things that make the salmon taste great. Once formed into patties, they are pan-fried in a skillet until golden brown.
You can eat these as a side dish with any meal or quickly as a meal on the go if you are short on time. They are so tasty! Don’t forget to dip them in some tasty Tartar Sauce! It really takes these tasty croquettes to the next level, and the combination of flavors is so good that you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Salmon croquettes are a beloved Southern comfort food that have been enjoyed for generations. Their crispy exterior enveloping a tender, flavorful interior makes them an irresistible treat. But what exactly are salmon croquettes made of? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and preparation that go into this traditional dish.
A Brief History of Salmon Croquettes
The first salmon croquettes probably came about when expensive salmon was mixed with cheap fillers like breadcrumbs or mashed potatoes to make it last longer. When the salmon was shaped into patties or cakes to be fried, the binders helped it keep its shape.
This economical salmon dish became popular in the American South where salmon was not as readily available or affordable as other regions Using a small amount of canned salmon to flavor a patty allowed cooks to create the taste of salmon without using large fillets,
Over time salmon croquettes evolved into their own cherished recipe rather than just a salmon substitute. The crispy exterior and soft interior texture along with zesty seasonings makes them a prized meal. Their versatility as an appetizer, main dish or even sandwich filling cemented salmon croquettes as a staple in Southern cooking.
The Simple Ingredients in Salmon Croquettes
There are different versions of this recipe, but most of them only need a few simple things:
-
Canned salmon – While fresh cooked salmon can be used, canned salmon provides convenience and moisture.
-
Eggs and/or mayonnaise – These act as binders to help the croquette mixture stick together.
-
Onion and bell pepper: Onions and peppers that have been diced add flavor, crunch, and moisture.
-
Breadcrumbs or crackers – Dry crumbs absorb moisture and create a crispy coating when fried.
-
Seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika, garlic and mustard – Tailor the flavor with your favorite spices and herbs.
-
All-purpose flour – Just a small amount of flour helps bind the ingredients.
-
Vegetable oil – Used to pan-fry the croquettes to a golden brown color.
As you can see, common pantry staples make up the base with salmon providing the star flavor. Adjustments like adding hot sauce, herbs, cheese or Worcestershire sauce can customize your croquette recipe.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Salmon Croquettes
Now let’s go over the easy process of putting together these tasty salmon patties:
1. Drain and flake the salmon
Drain a can or pouch of salmon and empty it into a bowl. Break apart large chunks so the salmon is flaked into small pieces. Doing this helps the salmon incorporate evenly.
2. Add binders, seasonings and veggies
In a separate bowl, beat an egg. Then stir in onions, peppers, breadcrumbs, flour, mayonnaise, mustard, and desired seasonings. Mix in the flaked salmon until fully combined.
3. Shape into patties
Form rounded tablespoon-sized portions of the salmon mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Place the uncooked croquettes on a plate or baking sheet.
4. Pan fry
Heat about 1/4 inch vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the croquettes for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden.
5. Drain and serve
Transfer the crispy salmon croquettes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Serve hot alongside tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
It only takes about 15 minutes of active prep time to assemble the ingredients. In less than half an hour you can have these flavorful salmon patties cooked up hot and ready to enjoy. The hands-on process allows you to customize with your favorite flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Croquettes
Here are answers to some common questions about making and serving this Southern staple:
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, fresh salmon fillets can replace the canned salmon. Cook the fresh salmon before mixing into the croquette batter. Flake into small pieces just like canned.
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs?
In a pinch, you can pulse dry bread slices, saltine crackers, tortilla chips orsavory cereal like corn flakes in a food processor to make crumbs.
What is the best oil for frying salmon croquettes?
Opt for a high smoke point neutral oil like vegetable, canola or peanut. Olive oil can work but may burn at high frying heat.
How long does it take to cook the croquettes?
They take just 2-3 minutes per side to turn golden brown and heat through. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part should reach 165°F.
Can I bake the salmon patties instead?
Yes, baking at 425°F for 12-15 minutes makes crispy croquettes without frying. Brush lightly with oil to help browning.
How should I store leftover salmon croquettes?
Cooked croquettes keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to preserve texture.
Serving Suggestions for Delicious Salmon Croquettes
Here are some tasty ways to serve up your homemade salmon patties:
-
On buns as salmon croquette sandwiches with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce.
-
Crumbled over salads for a protein boost.
-
Alongside mashed potatoes or rice and vegetables for an easy entree.
-
On pasta with lemon butter or alfredo sauce.
-
As an appetizer with condiments for dipping.
-
In lettuce wraps for a low carb option.
-
Baked into sliders or mini taco shells for a fun finger food.
However you choose to enjoy them, salmon croquettes are the perfect way to savor the flavor of salmon in a budget-friendly and crave-worthy recipe. Now that you know what they’re made of, gather some simple ingredients and whip up this Southern specialty for your next meal!
How do You Make Salmon Croquettes?
- Mix the ingredients: Put panko and flour in a bowl and mix them together. Garlic, salt, pepper, egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, cilantro, and canned salmon should all be added. Mix until incorporated.
- To make patties, use your hands to form six to eight patties. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook: Put the patties in the pan and cook them for two to three minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown.
Can I Bake Salmon Croquettes?
Yes! Put the croquettes on a baking sheet and bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, turning them over once during the cooking time. They are done when they are golden brown and an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here are a few frequently asked questions about this salmon croquettes recipe!
- Could I use fresh salmon instead of canned salmon in this recipe? Yes, you can use fresh salmon instead of canned salmon if you’d like. Make sure the fresh salmon is cooked and flaked before adding it to the mix.
- If I don’t have Panko on hand, can I use another kind of breadcrumbs instead? Yes, you can! You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers instead!
- When are the croquettes fully cooked? They are fully cooked when they are golden brown on both sides and have reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit inside. I always use a meat thermometer to make sure the inside is still hot.
- Can I fry the croquettes in a different kind of oil? Yes, you can. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other oil that doesn’t have a strong flavor.
