Southern Salmon Croquettes

Southern Salmon Croquettes are a classic comfort food featuring tender, flaky salmon combined with seasonings, breadcrumbs, and eggs, then pan-fried to golden perfection. These croquettes are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, making them a delicious and easy meal option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Uses pantry staples and is ready in under 30 minutes.
• Budget-friendly – Made with canned salmon, making it affordable and accessible.
• Versatile – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
• Crispy and flavorful – The perfect balance of crunch and savory goodness.
• Great for meal prep – Make ahead and reheat for easy meals.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 can (14-15 oz) salmon, drained and flaked
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or cornmeal for extra crunch)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare the salmon: Drain the canned salmon and remove any bones and skin. Flake with a fork.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, bell pepper, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form croquettes: Shape the mixture into small patties or oval croquettes.
4. Coat with flour: Lightly dust each croquette with flour for extra crispiness.
5. Heat oil: In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
6. Fry croquettes: Cook each croquette for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain and serve: Place on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve warm with lemon wedges.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheesy Croquettes: Mix in ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
• Baked Version: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked or cooked croquettes for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or in an air fryer for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

Yes! Cook and flake fresh salmon before mixing with the other ingredients.

What can I serve with salmon croquettes?

Great side dishes include coleslaw, grits, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

How do I keep croquettes from falling apart?

Make sure the mixture isn’t too wet. If needed, add more breadcrumbs for binding.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes! Prepare the mixture and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best for crispiness.

Are salmon croquettes the same as salmon patties?

Yes, they are similar, but croquettes are often smaller and crispier.

How do I make them dairy-free?

Ensure the mayonnaise is dairy-free or substitute with dairy-free yogurt.

Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes! Tuna or mackerel can be used as substitutes for salmon.

How do I make the croquettes extra crispy?

Coat them in a mixture of flour and cornmeal before frying.

Can I add fresh herbs?

Absolutely! Chopped parsley, dill, or chives add great flavor.

Conclusion

Southern Salmon Croquettes are a delicious, crispy, and budget-friendly dish that’s easy to prepare. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry them, they make a great meal any time of day. Try different variations to make them your own and enjoy this Southern classic!

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