Dive into the world of savory delights with this Salmon Croquettes recipe. These crispy, flavorful patties made with fresh salmon, vibrant herbs, and zesty lemon bring an elegant twist to any meal. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a unique brunch dish, these croquettes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, fresh salmon and panko bread crumbs may not be. Fresh salmon can usually be found in the seafood section of any supermarket and provides a rich, hearty flavor. Panko bread crumbs, a Japanese-style breadcrumb, are used for their light, crispy texture. They can typically be found in the international aisle or baking section.
Key Ingredients for Salmon Croquettes
Salmon: Gives the croquettes their main flavor and texture. Fresh salmon is best for this recipe.
Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the croquettes together.
Garlic: Adds a robust flavor that complements the salmon.
Panko bread crumbs: Gives the croquettes a crispy, light coating.
Chives: Adds a subtle onion-like flavor.
Red bell pepper: Gives a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and adds color.
Mayonnaise: Gives the croquettes moisture and richness.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal flavor.
Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy, complex flavor.
Lemon juice and zest: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the salmon and mayonnaise.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a small amount of heat.
Olive oil: Used for frying the croquettes.
One reader, Cahra Pyle says:
Absolutely loved this salmon croquettes recipe! The combination of fresh ingredients and the crispy texture made it a delightful meal. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the cooking instructions were easy to follow. I'll definitely be making this again. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Salmon Croquettes
Forming the patties: After mixing the salmon croquette mixture, use a ¼ measuring cup to form the mixture into 9 patties. Press firmly to prevent the patties from falling apart during cooking.
Frying the croquettes: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon croquettes for 5 minutes per side or until they are golden brown on both sides.
Baking the croquettes: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a pan with parchment paper. Bake the salmon croquettes for 13 to 15 minutes or until they are browned.
How To Make Salmon Croquettes
Whip up some flavorful croquettes for a delectable appetizer! It’s loaded with flaky salmon, tangy seasonings, and can be cooked two ways.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2½cupssalmon,flaked, or 14¾ oz can of pink salmon, bones removed
- 1egg,large, whisked
- 1garlic clove,minced
- 1cuppanko bread crumbs
- 2tbspfresh chives,minced
- 2tbspred bell pepper,minced
- 2tbspmayonnaise
- 1tbspfresh parsley,minced
- 1tbspcreamy Dijon mustard
- 1tbspfresh lemon juice
- 2tspfresh lemon zest
- ¼tspkosher salt
- ¼tspblack pepper
- 3tbspolive oil,divided
Instructions
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In a large bowl, add the salmon, egg, garlic, panko, chives, red bell pepper, mayonnaise, parsley, mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, black pepper and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.
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Mix to combine.
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Form into 9 patties by using a ¼ measuring cup.
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Press well to prevent patties from falling apart.
To Fry:
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Add olive oil to a 12-inch skillet and set over medium-high heat.
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Once hot, cook for 5 minutes per side or until golden brown on both sides.
To Bake:
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and line a pan with parchment paper.
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Bake the salmon croquettes for 13 to 15 minutes or until browned.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 324.26kcal
- Fat: 22.48g
- Saturated Fat: 4.50g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.26g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.34g
- Carbohydrates: 5.33g
- Fiber: 0.44g
- Sugar: 0.41g
- Protein: 23.86g
- Cholesterol: 79.52mg
- Sodium: 171.63mg
- Calcium: 29.48mg
- Potassium: 422.11mg
- Iron: 0.65mg
- Vitamin A: 14.24µg
- Vitamin C: 9.22mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Salmon Croquettes
When forming the salmon croquettes, it's crucial to press the patties firmly. This will help to ensure that they hold together during the cooking process. If the mixture feels too loose or wet, don't hesitate to add a little more panko bread crumbs. They will absorb excess moisture and give your croquettes a better structure. Remember, the key to a good croquette is its ability to maintain its shape while delivering a moist and flavorful interior.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Salmon Croquettes
Prep ahead: Prepare the salmon mixture the night before and refrigerate it. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use canned salmon: Canned salmon can be used instead of fresh salmon to save time on cooking and preparation.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch of salmon croquettes and freeze the extras for quick and easy meals in the future.
Organize ingredients: Gather and organize all the ingredients and equipment before starting to cook to save time and minimize stress.
Invest in a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly and efficiently chop and mix ingredients for the salmon croquettes.
Substitute Ingredients For Salmon Croquettes Recipe
salmon - Substitute with canned tuna: Canned tuna can be used as a more budget-friendly alternative to salmon, and it provides a similar flaky texture and mild flavor.
panko bread crumbs - Substitute with regular bread crumbs: Regular bread crumbs can be used as a substitute for panko bread crumbs, although the texture may be slightly different.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
creamy dijon mustard - Substitute with regular dijon mustard mixed with a little honey and mayonnaise: Mixing regular dijon mustard with a bit of honey and mayonnaise can replicate the creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor of creamy dijon mustard.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, providing a similar mild flavor and high smoke point for cooking.
Presentation Ideas for Salmon Croquettes
Elevate the plating: Arrange the salmon croquettes in a circular pattern on the plate, with a drizzle of creamy dijon mustard sauce in between each croquette to add a touch of elegance.
Incorporate color contrast: Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh chives and red bell pepper to add a pop of color and vibrancy to the plate.
Add a touch of sophistication with garnishes: Place a small bundle of microgreens on top of the salmon croquettes to add a delicate and refined touch to the presentation.
Create a visual focal point: Drizzle a light, artistic swirl of olive oil around the edge of the plate to draw attention to the dish and add a glossy finish.
Use minimalistic plating: Keep the plating simple and clean, allowing the natural beauty of the salmon croquettes to shine through without overwhelming the dish with excessive garnishes.
Consider the plate shape and size: Choose a round, white plate to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish and allow the salmon croquettes to take center stage.
Balance the plate: Ensure that the salmon croquettes are evenly spaced and aligned on the plate, creating a visually appealing and balanced presentation.
Emphasize the freshness of the ingredients: Place a small lemon wedge on the side of the plate to highlight the use of fresh lemon juice and zest in the recipe.
Essential Tools for Making Salmon Croquettes
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for various tasks such as chopping, pureeing, and mixing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the salmon croquette mixture thoroughly.
- Skillet: A skillet is used for frying the salmon croquettes, providing an even heat distribution for a crispy exterior.
- Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to portion the salmon croquette mixture into equal-sized patties for consistent cooking.
- Oven: An oven is used for baking the salmon croquettes, providing a dry heat to cook the patties evenly.
- Parchment paper: Parchment paper is used to line the baking pan, preventing the salmon croquettes from sticking and making cleanup easier.
Storing and Freezing Salmon Croquettes
- Once the salmon croquettes have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To keep the croquettes crispy, place a sheet of paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the salmon croquettes for up to 2-3 months.
- To freeze, place the cooled croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the croquettes to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- To reheat frozen salmon croquettes, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the frozen croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the croquettes in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Avoid microwaving the croquettes, as this can make them soggy and lose their crispy texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Salmon Croquettes
To reheat leftover salmon croquettes in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside. This method helps maintain the texture and flavor of the croquettes.
For a quicker reheating option, use the microwave. Place the salmon croquettes on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 30-60 seconds, depending on the number of croquettes and your microwave's wattage. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the croquettes to become rubbery.
If you want to restore the crispy exterior of the salmon croquettes, you can reheat them in a skillet. Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the croquettes and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy.
For a healthier reheating method, use an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the salmon croquettes in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This method requires little to no added oil and helps maintain the texture of the croquettes.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat your salmon croquettes. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the croquettes on the baking rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy on the outside. This method is perfect for reheating small batches of croquettes.
Random Fact About Salmon Croquettes
Salmon croquettes are a popular dish in the southern United States, where they are often served as a main course or as an appetizer. They are a great way to use leftover salmon and can be easily customized with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
Is Making Salmon Croquettes at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this salmon croquettes recipe is quite high. The use of canned salmon and simple pantry staples makes it an affordable option for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Considering the nutritional value and the delicious taste, this recipe is a great option for a budget-friendly and satisfying meal. I would rate this recipe a solid 8 out of 10 for its affordability, flavor, and ease of preparation.
Are Salmon Croquettes Healthy or Unhealthy?
The salmon croquettes recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering several nutritional benefits:
- Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
- The recipe includes fresh vegetables like red bell pepper and herbs, providing vitamins and minerals.
- Using panko bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs reduces the overall calorie count.
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- The mayonnaise and olive oil add extra fat and calories to the dish. Consider using a low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a substitute, and reduce the amount of olive oil used for cooking.
- While panko is a better choice than regular bread crumbs, the recipe could benefit from using whole wheat panko or even almond flour for a nutrient-dense, low-carb option.
- The sodium content could be reduced by using less salt or opting for a low-sodium mustard.
To further enhance the nutritional value of the salmon croquettes, try the following suggestions:
- Incorporate more vegetables into the mixture, such as finely chopped spinach, carrots, or zucchini. This will increase the fiber content and provide additional vitamins and minerals.
- Use a combination of whole wheat flour and panko to create a more balanced breading that includes complex carbohydrates and fiber.
- Experiment with baking the croquettes instead of frying them. This will significantly reduce the amount of added fat and calories in the final dish.
- Serve the croquettes with a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded, nutrient-packed meal.
Editor's Thoughts on This Salmon Croquette Recipe
The salmon croquettes recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of fresh salmon, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs creates a harmonious balance. The use of panko bread crumbs adds a satisfying crunch, while the creamy Dijon mustard and mayonnaise bind the ingredients together beautifully. Whether pan-fried to a golden brown or baked to perfection, these croquettes are a versatile and delectable dish. The recipe's simplicity makes it accessible to home cooks, while the sophisticated flavors make it suitable for special occasions. Overall, this recipe is a winner, offering a delightful culinary experience.
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Why trust this Salmon Croquettes Recipe:
This salmon croquettes recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience. With fresh salmon and a harmonious blend of chives, red bell pepper, and fresh parsley, these croquettes offer a burst of flavors. The addition of creamy dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice elevates the taste, while the use of panko bread crumbs ensures a satisfying crunch. Whether pan-fried in olive oil or baked to perfection, these croquettes are a testament to culinary excellence. Trust in this recipe for a memorable and delectable meal.
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