Grandma’s Secret: Crispy Salmon Croquettes the Whole Family Will Love

Introduction

Hey y’all! Ready to turn leftover salmon (or a can of the good stuff!) into something truly amazing? These Southern-style salmon croquettes are the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor and ridiculously easy to make. We’re talking crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside – pure deliciousness! Get ready to impress your family with this simple recipe that tastes like it took hours to make (but didn’t!).

Why This Works

This recipe works because it perfectly balances the richness of the salmon with a crispy, flavorful coating. It’s super adaptable – use what you have on hand! Leftover cooked salmon is perfect, but canned salmon works wonderfully too. The breadcrumb coating ensures a satisfying crunch, while the simple seasonings let the delicious salmon flavor shine. Plus, it’s a great way to get kids to eat their fish!

Key Ingredients

• 🐟 2 cups cooked salmon, flaked (about 1 lb)
• 🥔 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 🥚 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 🥣 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 🧅 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 🌿 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 🍞 1 cup bread crumbs
• 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
• 🌿 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 🍳 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1️⃣ In a large bowl, gently combine the flaked salmon, mashed potatoes, egg, mayonnaise, onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined, but be careful not to overmix.

2️⃣ Shape the salmon mixture into oval croquettes, about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide.

3️⃣ Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Roll each croquette in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they’re fully coated.

4️⃣ Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. (See “Heat Control” section below).

5️⃣ Carefully place the croquettes in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

6️⃣ Remove the croquettes from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

7️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• For extra flavor, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the salmon mixture.
• If your mashed potatoes are dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to make them easier to work with.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the croquettes – this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy croquettes.

Heat Control

The oil temperature is crucial for achieving perfectly crispy croquettes. Medium-high heat is ideal – the oil should be hot enough to create a quick sear, but not so hot that it burns the croquettes before they’re cooked through. If the oil is too cool, the croquettes will absorb too much oil and be greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through on the inside.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor comes from the double-duty breadcrumb coating. These breadcrumbs create a delightfully crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender, flaky salmon inside. For an even crispier coating, you can add a little grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For a shortcut, use store-bought mashed potatoes.
• Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the salmon mixture for a tangy kick.
• For a healthier option, bake the croquettes in the oven instead of frying them.

Storage Tips

Leftover croquettes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until heated through. They are also delicious cold!

Gift Packaging Ideas

These croquettes make a fantastic homemade gift! Package them in a pretty box lined with parchment paper or arrange them on a platter and present with a simple dipping sauce.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Spicy Salmon Croquettes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the salmon mixture.

🌟 Lemon-Herb Salmon Croquettes: Add the zest and juice of one lemon, along with a tablespoon of chopped fresh dill or chives to the salmon mixture.

🌟 Creamy Dill Salmon Croquettes: Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or crème fraîche into the salmon mixture along with some fresh dill.

🌟 Cheesy Salmon Croquettes: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the salmon mixture.

Troubleshooting

• Soggy Croquettes: This is usually caused by not heating the oil enough or overcrowding the pan. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the croquettes and fry them in batches.
• Burnt Croquettes: This means the oil is too hot. Reduce the heat slightly.
• Dry Croquettes: If your croquettes are too dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk or mayonnaise to the salmon mixture.

FAQ

• Can I use canned salmon? Absolutely! Just make sure to drain it well before using.
• Can I freeze these croquettes? Yes, you can freeze uncooked croquettes before frying. Freeze them on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw them completely before frying.
• What can I serve them with? These croquettes are delicious on their own, but they’re also great served with tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, or a simple lemon aioli.
• How many croquettes does this recipe make? This recipe makes approximately 12-15 croquettes, depending on their size.
• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the croquette mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Conclusion

These Southern-Style Salmon Croquettes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Give this recipe a try and don’t forget to share your creations with us on RateMyRecipes! Happy cooking!