The Best Crispy Salmon Croquettes: An Easy Southern-Inspired Recipe in Under 25 Minutes
Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Southern-inspired salmon croquettes, meticulously pan-fried to achieve a perfectly golden, crisp crust that beautifully contrasts with a tender, flavorful interior. These delightful salmon patties are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making them an ideal meal solution ready in under 25 minutes! Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic taste of home or a fast weeknight dinner, these croquettes promise a burst of savory goodness that will satisfy every palate.
Why This Easy Salmon Croquette Recipe Is a Must-Try
Whether you know them as salmon croquettes, salmon patties, or even fish cakes, these delightful seafood creations are universally loved for their irresistible texture and rich flavor. Our recipe takes these beloved patties to the next level, ensuring each bite delivers that perfect contrast between a perfectly crunchy, golden exterior and a moist, tender interior. This simple yet sophisticated dish proves that delicious, homemade meals don’t require hours in the kitchen.
What makes our salmon croquettes truly shine is the meticulously crafted flavor profile. We start with a vibrant mixture of creamy mayonnaise, a hint of umami from soy sauce, a subtle kick from ground mustard and horseradish mayo, complemented by the fresh crunch of bell peppers and green onions. All these ingredients are expertly combined with high-quality salmon and bread crumbs, creating a symphony of savory notes that will have everyone at your table asking for more. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of quick, flavorful cooking that brings Southern comfort right into your home.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Salmon Croquettes
Crafting the perfect salmon croquettes starts with a selection of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of what you need to bring these delicious patties to life. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitution Tips
BREAD CRUMBS: The Essential Binder
Breadcrumbs are the unsung heroes of salmon croquettes, providing the crucial structure that holds your patties together, preventing them from crumbling during cooking. While our recipe calls for regular bread crumbs, feel free to experiment with seasoned bread crumbs for an extra layer of flavor. Alternatively, panko bread crumbs or finely crushed crackers make excellent substitutes. If opting for panko, which has a coarser texture, you might need slightly less to achieve a firm patty. Begin by adding a smaller amount and gradually increase until your mixture is perfectly stable and easy to shape. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour, adjusting the quantity as needed to achieve the right consistency.
SALMON: Canned vs. Fresh
Canned salmon is a convenient and cost-effective choice for croquettes, offering pre-cooked salmon that’s ready to use. When using canned salmon, some varieties may include skin and small, soft bones (spine). These are edible and a good source of calcium, but if preferred, they can be easily removed by hand upon opening the can. For a fuss-free experience, consider using pouches of salmon, which typically contain only the flaked meat. If you prefer using fresh salmon, simply cook and flake about 14 ounces of salmon fillet before mixing with the other ingredients. Ensure it’s fully cooled before incorporating.
FLAVOR BOOSTERS: Mayo, Mustard, and Horseradish
Mayonnaise adds moisture and richness, ensuring the croquettes remain tender. Ground mustard provides a sharp, tangy note that beautifully complements the salmon, while horseradish mayo introduces a subtle warmth and complexity that elevates the overall flavor profile. Don’t skip these ingredients as they are key to the unique taste of our Southern-inspired patties. If you don’t have horseradish mayo, you can add a touch of prepared horseradish to regular mayonnaise.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Perfect Salmon Croquettes
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize each part of the cooking process. For a convenient printable version of this recipe, complete with all measurements and instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, begin by whisking together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, ground mustard, one large egg, and horseradish mayo until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This forms the flavorful binding agent for your croquettes.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, larger bowl, gently flake the drained salmon. Add the finely diced red bell pepper, chopped green onion, garlic salt, and bread crumbs. Mix these ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the salmon is evenly distributed with the vegetables and seasonings.
- Form the Patties: Pour the mayonnaise mixture from the medium bowl into the large bowl with the salmon mixture. Using gloved hands (this helps prevent sticking and ensures even mixing), gently but thoroughly combine all ingredients until a cohesive mixture forms. Divide the mixture and carefully shape it into seven uniform patties. Ensure they are firm enough to hold their shape during frying.
- Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot and shimmering, but not smoking. This indicates it’s ready for frying and will ensure a crispy crust.
- Pan-Fry the Croquettes: Carefully place the shaped croquettes into the hot oil. Cook for approximately 1.5 minutes per side. Gently flip each patty and cook for another 1.5 minutes. Repeat this process, flipping once more, for a total cooking time of about 6 minutes. Since the salmon is already cooked (if using canned), your goal here is to cook the egg binder and achieve that beautiful, golden-brown crispy crust.
- Drain and Serve: Once golden and crispy on all sides, remove the salmon croquettes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step helps maintain their irresistible crispiness.
- Enjoy: Serve your perfectly cooked salmon croquettes immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. They pair wonderfully with classic tartar sauce or a zesty cocktail sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Salmon Croquettes
The most common reason for crumbling salmon patties is an insufficient amount of binding agents. To ensure your croquettes hold their shape, it’s essential to have enough bread crumbs and a large egg in the mixture. Bread crumbs absorb moisture and provide structure, while the egg acts as a powerful binder. If your mixture feels too wet after combining, gradually add a tablespoon or two more bread crumbs until it feels firm and easily moldable. Also, ensure your patties are not too thin; a slightly thicker patty tends to be more stable.
While salmon croquettes are always best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can certainly store leftovers. Allow the cooked croquettes to cool completely to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy. Instead, warm them through in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in an oven at the same temperature for 10-15 minutes, until they are heated through and regain some of their crispiness.
Absolutely! Freezing cooked salmon patties is a fantastic way to prepare meals ahead of time. To freeze them, first ensure they are completely cooled. Then, place the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once frozen, transfer them to a large zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and crispy.
For maximum crispiness, make sure your oil is adequately hot before adding the croquettes. It should be shimmering, but not smoking excessively. Overcrowding the pan can also lower the oil temperature, leading to less crispy results, so cook them in batches if necessary. Using a good quality, heavy-bottomed skillet like a cast-iron pan helps maintain consistent heat. Finally, draining them on paper towels immediately after frying is crucial to remove excess oil and keep that perfect crunch.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Salmon Croquettes
Salmon croquettes are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them as a delightful appetizer for gatherings, offering them with an assortment of dipping sauces like traditional tartar sauce, spicy remoulade, or a creamy dill sauce. For a satisfying main course, pair them with classic Southern sides such as creamy grits, crisp coleslaw, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad. They also make a fantastic sandwich filling on a toasted bun with lettuce and tomato for a quick lunch or dinner option. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your pairings!
More Delightful Seafood & Southern-Inspired Recipes
- Irresistible Crab Cakes
- Classic Southern Shrimp Boil
- Spicy Blackened Salmon
- Creamy Smoked Salmon Dip
- Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes
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Salmon Croquettes
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons ground mustard
- 1 large egg
- ½ Tablespoon horseradish mayo
- 14 ounces canned salmon drained
- ¼ cup red bell pepper diced
- 2 Tablespoons green onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ cup bread crumbs
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
Things You’ll Need
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Large skillet
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Fish turner
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Vinyl gloves
Before You Begin
- When handling and flipping the patties, it’s best to use a fish turner or a wide, thin spatula rather than tongs. This helps to support the entire patty and avoid any possibility of breaking them apart, ensuring they stay perfectly intact.
- If you’re using canned salmon, be aware that some brands include the skin and small, soft bones (vertebrae). These are completely safe to eat and are a good source of calcium, but if you prefer a smoother texture, you can easily remove them by hand before mixing the ingredients. Alternatively, using salmon from pouches often means you’ll only get the flaked meat, which can save a step.
- Breadcrumbs are essential for the structural integrity of your salmon croquettes, acting as a binder to keep the patties from falling apart. Our recipe uses regular bread crumbs, but you can certainly opt for seasoned bread crumbs to add an extra layer of flavor, or substitute with panko or even finely crushed crackers. If you choose panko bread crumbs, keep in mind they are thicker in texture, so you might need slightly less than regular bread crumbs. Start by adding a bit less and gradually work your way up until you achieve a stable and easily moldable patty mixture.
- Make sure your olive oil is shimmering but not smoking before adding the croquettes. This ensures a hot enough surface for a crispy crust without burning the patties.
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, ground mustard, large egg, and horseradish mayo until smoothly combined.
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In a large bowl, combine the drained salmon (flaked), diced red bell pepper, chopped green onion, garlic salt, and bread crumbs.
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Add the mayonnaise mixture to the salmon mixture. Using gloved hands, thoroughly combine all ingredients and form into 7 uniform patties.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering (not smoking).
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Carefully add the croquettes to the hot oil. Cook for 1.5 minutes per side. Flip again and cook for an additional 1.5 minutes per side, for a total of about 6 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. (The salmon is pre-cooked; you’re browning and cooking the egg binder.)
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Remove the croquettes from the heat and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Serve immediately with your favorite tartar sauce or cocktail sauce.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.