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Crispy Salmon Croquettes
Crispy salmon croquettes are the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple canned salmon into golden, crunchy patties bursting with flavor. These budget-friendly gems cost less than $15 to make an entire batch, feeding up to 12 people with protein-packed goodness. Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, these croquettes deliver heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids while satisfying your craving for something crispy and delicious.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly recipe using affordable canned salmon that feeds a crowd for under $15
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients that support heart and brain health
- Quick 30-minute preparation time makes it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals
- Versatile dish that works as appetizers, main course, or even breakfast with eggs
- Golden crispy exterior with tender, flaky interior creates the perfect texture contrast
Why This Crispy Salmon Croquettes Recipe Works
This recipe creates the perfect balance between crispy exterior and tender interior through strategic ingredient combinations. The self-rising flour provides structure while creating a light texture, eliminating the need for additional leavening agents.
The cornmeal coating is the secret to achieving maximum crispiness. It creates a protective barrier that prevents oil absorption while delivering that satisfying crunch. The 350°F oil temperature ensures even cooking without greasiness.
Fresh vegetables like onions and green peppers add moisture and flavor depth, while the seasoning blend creates a well-rounded taste profile. Chilling the formed patties helps them hold together during frying, preventing breakage.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Crispy Salmon Croquettes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pink salmon (canned) | 1 can (14.75 oz) | Main protein base, provides omega-3s |
| Self-rising flour | 1/2-3/4 cup | Binding agent, creates structure |
| Onion, finely diced | 1/2 cup | Adds moisture and savory flavor |
| Green pepper, finely diced | 1/4 cup | Provides crunch and fresh taste |
| Large egg | 1 piece | Binding agent, helps hold shape |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1/2 tsp | Adds umami depth |
| Seasoned salt | 1/4 tsp | Enhances overall flavor |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/4 tsp | Adds mild heat |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp | Classic seasoning |
| Yellow cornmeal | 1/2 cup | Creates crispy coating |
| Vegetable oil | 3/4 cup | For frying, high smoke point |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large mixing bowl | Combining all ingredients evenly |
| Cast iron skillet | Even heat distribution for perfect frying |
| Cooking thermometer | Monitoring oil temperature accuracy |
| Paper towels | Draining excess oil after frying |
| Plate for cornmeal | Easy coating station setup |
How to Make Crispy Salmon Croquettes
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Prepare mixture | In a large bowl, combine salmon, flour, onion, green pepper, egg, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and cohesive. |
| Step 2: Set up coating | Add cornmeal to a plate and set aside for easy access during shaping process. |
| Step 3: Shape patties | Form medium to small-sized patties with your hands, then carefully roll each in cornmeal. Set aside on a clean plate. |
| Step 4: Chill (optional) | Refrigerate shaped croquettes for 30 minutes for easier handling and better shape retention during frying. |
| Step 5: Heat oil | Add oil to cast iron skillet and heat until it reaches exactly 350°F using a cooking thermometer. |
| Step 6: Fry croquettes | Fry croquettes until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels before serving. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Remove all visible bones from canned salmon before mixing to ensure smooth texture and safe eating
- Don’t overmix the salmon mixture as this can make croquettes tough and dense
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for consistent golden results
- Test oil readiness by dropping a small piece of mixture – it should sizzle immediately
- Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which lowers oil temperature
Serving and Storage Tips for Crispy Salmon Croquettes
Serving Tips
Serve crispy salmon croquettes immediately while hot for maximum crispiness. They pair beautifully with creamy coleslaw, tartar sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. For a complete meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or rice pilaf.
These croquettes work wonderfully as appetizers for parties or game day gatherings. Cut them into smaller portions and serve with dipping sauces. They’re also excellent for brunch served with scrambled eggs and hash browns.
Store leftover croquettes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy.
For meal prep, freeze uncooked formed patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. They keep for up to 3 months and can be fried directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes per side.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Crispy Salmon Croquettes
Don’t skip draining the canned salmon completely. Excess liquid makes the mixture too wet, causing croquettes to fall apart during frying. Press salmon with paper towels to remove moisture.
Avoid using oil that’s too hot or too cold. Oil over 375°F burns the coating before cooking the inside, while oil under 325°F creates greasy, soggy croquettes. Maintain steady 350°F temperature.
Never flip croquettes too early. Let them develop a golden crust for 2-3 minutes before turning. Premature flipping breaks the delicate coating and ruins the crispy texture.
Don’t overcrowd the pan with too many croquettes at once. This drops the oil temperature significantly, resulting in uneven cooking and oil absorption. Work in small batches for best results.
You Must Know
- Fresh salmon can substitute canned salmon, but cook and flake it first, then cool completely before mixing
- Self-rising flour is essential for proper texture – regular flour won’t provide the same light, fluffy interior
- Oil temperature consistency is crucial for food safety and texture – invest in a good thermometer
- These croquettes freeze beautifully either cooked or uncooked for convenient meal planning
Suggestions for Crispy Salmon Croquettes
Transform your croquettes into a gourmet experience by adding fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to the mixture. These herbs complement salmon’s natural flavor while adding freshness and color.
For extra richness, substitute half the flour with panko breadcrumbs mixed into the base recipe. This creates an even crispier texture and adds visual appeal with golden-brown color.
Create different flavor profiles by experimenting with seasonings. Try Old Bay seasoning for a coastal twist, or add minced garlic and lemon zest for Mediterranean flair. Cajun seasoning brings Southern heat and complexity.
Make them gluten-free by substituting almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for regular flour. The cornmeal coating remains naturally gluten-free, maintaining the signature crispiness.
Pair with complementary dishes like creamy pasta salad or light desserts for a well-rounded meal that satisfies different taste preferences.
FAQs:
Yes, you can use fresh salmon. Cook 1 pound of salmon fillet, let it cool completely, then flake it into small pieces. Remove any bones and skin before mixing with other ingredients. Fresh salmon creates a slightly different texture but works wonderfully.
Ensure your mixture isn’t too wet by draining salmon thoroughly. Use enough flour to bind ingredients, and don’t skip the egg. Chilling formed patties for 30 minutes helps them hold together. Also, let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before flipping.
Maintain oil temperature at exactly 350°F for optimal results. Use a cooking thermometer to monitor temperature consistently. Oil that’s too hot burns the coating, while cooler oil creates greasy, soggy croquettes.
Yes, you can bake them at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with oil before baking for better browning. While they won’t be as crispy as fried versions, they’ll still be delicious and healthier.
Store cooked croquettes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Crispy salmon croquettes represent the perfect combination of affordability, nutrition, and incredible flavor. This recipe transforms humble canned salmon into a restaurant-quality dish that brings families together around the dinner table.
With their golden, crunchy exterior and tender, flaky interior, these croquettes prove that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. The health benefits of omega-3 rich salmon combined with the satisfying crunch make this dish both nutritious and indulgent.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd on a budget, meal prepping for the week, or creating a special family dinner, these crispy salmon croquettes deliver every time. Master this recipe, and you’ll have a go-to dish that never fails to impress.
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📖 Recipe Card
Crispy Salmon Croquettes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6: fry croquettesfry croquettes until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. drain on paper towels before serving 1x
Description
Golden, crispy salmon croquettes made with canned salmon, fresh vegetables, and a perfect cornmeal coating. These delicious patties are pan-fried to perfection for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14.75 oz) Pink salmon (canned)
- 1/2–3/4 cup Self-rising flour
- 1/2 cup Onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup Green pepper, finely diced
- 1 piece Large egg
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp Seasoned salt
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 cup Yellow cornmeal
- 3/4 cup Vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare mixture – In a large bowl, combine salmon, flour, onion, green pepper, egg, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and cohesive.
- Step 2: Set up coating – Add cornmeal to a plate and set aside for easy access during shaping process.
- Step 3: Shape patties – Form medium to small-sized patties with your hands, then carefully roll each in cornmeal. Set aside on a clean plate.
- Step 4: Chill (optional) – Refrigerate shaped croquettes for 30 minutes for easier handling and better shape retention during frying.
- Step 5: Heat oil – Add oil to cast iron skillet and heat until it reaches exactly 350°F using a cooking thermometer.
- Step 6: Fry croquettes – Fry croquettes until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- Remove all visible bones from canned salmon before mixing to ensure smooth texture and safe eating
- Don’t overmix the salmon mixture as this can make croquettes tough and dense
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for consistent golden results
- Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which lowers oil temperature
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croquette
- Calories: 285 calories
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: crispy salmon croquettes, salmon patties, fried salmon cakes, canned salmon recipe, easy seafood dinner
