The Best Salmon Croquettes Recipe: Golden Crispy Goodness

Crispy salmon croquettes offer a delightful twist on seafood classics that tantalize taste buds with their golden-brown exterior and tender, flaky interior.

These savory morsels revolutionize simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that feels both comforting and elegant.

Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, salmon croquettes bring a touch of gourmet magic to your dinner table.

The blend of fresh salmon, herbs, and carefully selected seasonings creates a harmonious balance that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Crunchy on the outside and moist within, these delectable bites promise a sensory experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Each croquette represents a perfect marriage of texture and taste, showcasing the versatility of salmon in a compelling way.

You’ll find these irresistible morsels disappear faster than you can plate them.

Salmon Croquettes You’ll Want to Repeat

• Craft Quick Protein-Packed Bites: These salmon croquettes deliver a speedy, nutritious meal that transforms simple ingredients into crispy, golden delights perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Elevate Seafood with Simple Techniques: By combining fresh salmon with pantry staples like cornmeal and Greek yogurt, home cooks can create restaurant-quality appetizers without complex culinary skills or expensive equipment.
• Customize with Flavor Flexibility: The recipe welcomes personal twists through optional hot sauce, choice between parsley or cilantro, and a zesty yogurt-based dipping sauce that allows individuals to adjust spice levels and taste preferences effortlessly.

Ingredients Checklist for Salmon Croquettes

• Salmon: Fresh or canned salmon provides the primary protein base, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and perfect for creating a hearty seafood dish.

• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness to the croquettes.
• Greek Yogurt, Worcestershire Sauce, Hot Sauce: Enhance moisture and add depth of flavor to the salmon mixture.

• Bell Pepper, Onion: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, color, and aromatic flavor to the croquettes.
• Parsley, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that provide a bright, fresh taste and additional color.

• Cornmeal, Flour: Creates a crispy exterior when coating the croquettes.
• Salt, Pepper, Celery Salt: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for pan-frying the croquettes to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Lemon Juice, Dijon Mustard: Key ingredients in the dipping sauce that add tanginess and zest.

Simple Instructions for Salmon Croquettes

Step 1: Add Binding Agent

Sprinkle cornmeal or flour into the salmon mixture. Stir gently to create a cohesive texture that will help hold the croquettes together.

Step 2: Shape Delightful Patties

Carefully form the mixture into 8 evenly sized patties. Each patty should be approximately half an inch thick for consistent cooking.

Step 3: Sizzle Croquettes To Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place patties into the pan, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust. Add extra oil as needed between batches.

Step 4: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer cooked croquettes onto a paper towel-lined plate. This step helps remove any additional oil, ensuring a crisp exterior.

Step 5: Whip Up Zesty Dipping Sauce

• Greek yogurt
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Pinch of salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Blend ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Serve And Savor

Plate the warm salmon croquettes alongside the tangy dipping sauce. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delectable seafood creation!

Kitchen Tips for Perfect Salmon Croquettes

• Drain Salmon Thoroughly: Press canned salmon firmly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy and well-formed croquettes.
• Bind with Care: Use just enough egg and cornmeal to hold patties together without becoming too dense or falling apart during cooking.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior while ensuring the inside cooks evenly without burning.
• Gentle Flipping Technique: Use a wide spatula and flip croquettes carefully to preserve their shape and prevent crumbling.
• Customize Flavor Boosters: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or chives, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth and complexity.

How to Store and Reheat Salmon Croquettes Safely

• Refrigerate: Place cooled salmon croquettes in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, arrange croquettes on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through, turning once to maintain crispiness.
• Skillet Reheating: Warm a nonstick skillet with a touch of olive oil over medium heat, cook croquettes for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

Best Side Ideas for Salmon Croquettes

• Zesty Citrus Splash: Pair these crispy salmon croquettes with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright, acidic notes cut through the richness of the fish and complement the tangy yogurt dipping sauce.
• Fresh Garden Companion: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the croquettes' hearty texture, adding a refreshing green element that enhances the meal's overall flavor profile.
• Cool Creamy Contrast: Serve alongside a cucumber and dill tzatziki, which echoes the Greek yogurt in the recipe while providing a cool, creamy counterpoint to the crispy salmon patties.
• Mediterranean Sidekick: Include a small portion of quinoa tabbouleh that brings herbal freshness and a nutty undertone, perfectly matching the herbs and textural crunch of the croquettes.

Creative Variations of Salmon Croquettes

• Spicy Kick Salmon Patties: Replace bell pepper with diced jalapeños and increase hot sauce for a fiery version. Add crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Salmon Cakes: Swap cilantro with fresh dill and mint. Incorporate crumbled feta cheese into the mixture. Serve with tzatziki sauce instead of the original dipping sauce.
• Gluten-Free Salmon Fritters: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal. Add grated zucchini for moisture and extra nutrition. Garnish with chopped chives for a fresh finish.
• Smoky Paprika Salmon Croquettes: Mix in smoked paprika and a touch of ground cumin. Replace olive oil with avocado oil for high-heat cooking. Top with a quick chimichurri sauce for added complexity.

Salmon Croquettes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy salmon croquettes bring Southern coastal charm to your dinner table. Golden-brown patties packed with flaky fish and zesty seasonings offer a delightful blend of comfort and coastal flavor you’ll savor with every bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon Croquettes

Main Protein:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) canned boneless, skinless salmon, drained and flaked

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
• ½ small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Seasonings and Binding Ingredients:

• ¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon celery salt
• ¼ teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• ⅓ cup finely ground yellow cornmeal or all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, divided

Dipping Sauce (Optional):

• ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly mash the salmon in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring no large chunks remain for a smooth, consistent texture.
2. Incorporate finely diced bell pepper, minced onion, and chopped herbs to distribute flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
3. Whisk the egg and Greek yogurt together before blending with the salmon, creating a cohesive binding agent that helps hold the croquettes together.
4. Season the mixture with Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, ground black pepper, and a dash of hot sauce for an extra flavor kick.
5. Gradually fold in cornmeal, mixing gently to prevent overworking the ingredients, which could result in dense croquettes.
6. Shape the salmon mixture into uniform patties, using light, careful motions to maintain a delicate texture.
7. Preheat a nonstick skillet with a thin layer of olive oil, ensuring the surface is evenly heated to promote optimal browning.
8. Carefully place the patties in the skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust without disturbing them too frequently.
9. Drain the cooked croquettes on absorbent paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain their crisp exterior.
10. Whisk together Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to create a tangy, creamy dipping sauce that complements the salmon.
11. Plate the croquettes while warm, garnishing with additional fresh herbs and serving the zesty sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Versatile seafood dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive appetizers.
• Combines canned salmon with simple pantry ingredients for an affordable, protein-packed meal.
• Create uniform patties by using a 1/4 cup measuring scoop for consistent sizing and even cooking.
• Ensure crispy exterior by using a nonstick skillet and maintaining medium heat to prevent burning.
• Swap fresh herbs based on preference – parsley offers mild flavor while cilantro adds bright, zesty notes.
• Leftover croquettes can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet for maximum crispiness, lasting 2-3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg