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Salmon Croquettes Recipe: A Southern Classic with a Modern Twist

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Salmon croquettes are a timeless Southern classic, beloved by many for their crispy, golden exterior and tender, flavorful interior. They are a dish that resonates with the essence of comfort food, combining the rich taste of salmon with a blend of seasonings, vegetables, and a crunchy coating that makes every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re preparing them for a family meal, a casual dinner, or even as an appetizer for guests, salmon croquettes never disappoint. The best part is that this recipe is simple, affordable, and quick to prepare, making it perfect for those looking to create something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Flour (½ cup): The flour helps to bind the croquette mixture and gives it structure. It works in tandem with the cornmeal to form the base of the patties.
  • Yellow Cornmeal (¼ cup): Cornmeal provides a subtle sweetness and helps create the crispy crust that makes salmon croquettes so irresistible. It gives the croquettes a slightly grainy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft, flaky salmon inside.
  • Canned Salmon (15 ounces): The star of the dish, canned salmon, is convenient, affordable, and packed with nutrients. It has a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the seasonings and vegetables, making it an excellent base for the croquettes. Be sure to drain the salmon well and flake it with a fork before adding it to the mixture.
  • Red Bell Pepper (1, finely chopped): Red bell pepper adds color, sweetness, and a slight crunch to the croquettes. It balances the richness of the salmon with its fresh, slightly tangy flavor.
  • Sweet Onion (½ cup, diced): Sweet onions bring a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the croquettes. They pair well with the bell peppers and contribute to the overall savory profile.
  • Egg (1 large, beaten): The egg acts as a binder, holding the ingredients together and helping the patties maintain their shape during frying. It also adds moisture to the mixture, ensuring that the croquettes remain tender inside.
  • Worcestershire Sauce (1 teaspoon): Worcestershire sauce adds umami, depth, and complexity to the flavor of the croquettes. It’s a secret ingredient that gives the dish a savory richness that enhances the overall taste.
  • Seasoned Salt (½ teaspoon): Seasoned salt is a key ingredient that boosts the flavor of the croquettes without making them overly salty. It provides a well-rounded seasoning that complements the other ingredients.
  • Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Black pepper adds a subtle heat and enhances the other flavors in the croquettes. It’s an essential seasoning for balancing the richness of the salmon.
  • Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Garlic powder brings a savory, aromatic flavor to the croquettes. It’s a must-have ingredient for anyone who loves the depth of flavor that garlic adds to savory dishes.
  • Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Mayonnaise acts as a binder in the croquette mixture, helping the ingredients stick together and stay moist. It also adds a rich, creamy texture that contrasts with the crispy exterior.
  • Cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor that brightens up the croquettes. It’s an optional ingredient, but it brings a delightful herbaceous note that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
  • Olive Oil (for frying): Olive oil is used for frying the croquettes to a golden, crispy perfection. It’s a healthier choice for frying and adds a subtle, fruity flavor to the dish.

Instructions

  • Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients: Start by whisking together the flour and cornmeal in a large mixing bowl. The flour helps bind the mixture, while the cornmeal provides the necessary texture and crunch. This combination forms the base of the croquettes and is key to achieving that crispy exterior.
  • Add the Salmon and Vegetables: Open the can of salmon, drain it, and flake it with a fork. Add the flaked salmon to the dry ingredients. Then, add the finely chopped red bell pepper, sweet onion, and cilantro. Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients. The salmon provides a soft, tender base, while the vegetables add texture and flavor.
  • Season the Mixture: Add the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mayonnaise to the bowl. Mix everything together thoroughly. The Worcestershire sauce adds a savory depth, while the garlic powder and seasoned salt enhance the overall flavor of the croquettes. The mayonnaise ensures the mixture stays moist and helps bind everything together.
  • Add the Egg: Crack the egg into the mixture and stir to combine. The egg will help bind all the ingredients together and give the croquettes structure. This is an important step, as it ensures that the patties will hold together during cooking.
  • Shape the Patties: Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons each) and form them into patties. You should end up with around 6-8 patties, depending on the size you prefer. The mixture will be slightly sticky, but that’s perfectly fine—it will hold together during frying.
  • Fry the Croquettes: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the croquettes for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. The outside should be crispy, while the inside remains tender and flavorful.
  • Drain and Serve: Once the croquettes are golden and crispy on both sides, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving.

Notes

  • Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of the cornmeal.
  • Add More Veggies: You can easily add other vegetables to the croquettes, such as grated zucchini, shredded carrots, or even some finely chopped spinach. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the vegetables before adding them to the mixture.
  • Spice It Up: If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add a small amount of chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. This will add a nice spicy kick to balance the richness of the salmon.
  • Use Fresh Salmon: If you prefer to use fresh salmon instead of canned, simply cook the salmon fillets (either pan-seared or baked), flake them, and follow the same process.