There is something irresistibly comforting about this Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe that has made it a beloved classic for generations. These crispy, golden patties packed with tender salmon, fresh herbs, and subtle spices offer a delightful contrast between crunchy edges and a moist, flavorful center. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress your friends, this recipe brings together simple ingredients that create a truly satisfying Southern experience in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of the Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the flaked salmon providing the hearty base to the fresh parsley adding a bright touch, every element plays a vital role.
- 14 ounces canned salmon, drained and flaked: The star ingredient with rich flavor and convenient preparation.
- 1 egg: Acts as the perfect binder to hold the croquettes together.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, divided: Half for mixing to adjust moisture, half for coating to achieve a crispy crust.
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup finely diced bell pepper: Provides vibrant color and a mild crunch.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Lifts the dish with its fresh, herbaceous notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings warm, aromatic undertones without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and spice.
- 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil for frying: Ensures a golden, crisp exterior every time.
How to Make Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon and Vegetables
Start by thoroughly draining your canned salmon, removing any skins or bones to ensure a smooth texture in your croquettes. Flake the salmon gently into a mixing bowl, then add your finely diced onion, bell pepper, and freshly chopped parsley. These ingredients blend beautifully to build the croquette’s distinctive flavor and texture.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper for that classic Southern seasoning touch. Crack in the egg and add half of the breadcrumbs. Stir the mixture gently until everything is combined but be mindful not to overmix. If the mixture feels a bit wet or loose, sprinkle in additional breadcrumbs to achieve a moldable consistency perfect for shaping.
Step 3: Form the Patties
With your hands, shape the salmon mixture into eight small, evenly sized patties. This ensures they cook uniformly. Once shaped, press each patty into the remaining breadcrumbs to coat both sides thoroughly, which will give you that irresistible, crunchy crust after frying.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crisp
Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable or canola oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry your croquettes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust that’s crispy on the outside but tender inside. Remember to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate afterward to drain any excess oil.
How to Serve Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a wedge of lemon brings an inviting burst of freshness that brightens each bite of your Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe. A dollop of tangy tartar sauce or a drizzle of creamy remoulade adds an extra dimension of flavor that complements the warmth of the croquettes perfectly.
Side Dishes
Classic Southern sides like buttery grits or a crisp green salad pair wonderfully with these croquettes, balancing the richness with fresh textures. For a heartier meal, try serving alongside coleslaw or roasted seasonal vegetables for an authentic Southern feast feel.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or just want to treat yourself, serve these croquettes atop a bed of mixed greens with a bright vinaigrette, or transform them into sandwiches nestled between soft buns with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy sauce. Your Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe can easily shine as an appetizer by cutting the patties into smaller bites and serving with toothpicks and dipping sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They keep well and maintain most of their flavor and texture when properly cooled and stored.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the uncooked croquettes on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag or container. They freeze beautifully and can be fried directly from frozen, just add a minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through and crispy.
Reheating
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat or an oven set to 350°F (175°C) to restore their crispy exterior. Microwaving is not recommended as it tends to make the croquettes soggy and less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned for this Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh salmon can be cooked, flaked, and used in place of canned. Just be sure it’s fully cooked and well-drained before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
What type of breadcrumbs work best?
Plain, unsweetened breadcrumbs are best to let the flavors shine. You can use panko for a lighter, crunchier texture or regular breadcrumbs for a more traditional coating.
Can I bake the croquettes instead of frying?
Yes, for a healthier option, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway to get both sides golden and crisp. Keep in mind the texture will be a bit different but still delicious.
What dipping sauces pair well with these croquettes?
Tartar sauce, remoulade, spicy aioli, or even a simple squeeze of lemon juice work wonderfully, enhancing the flavors without overpowering the delicate salmon.
How do I prevent croquettes from falling apart while frying?
Make sure the mixture isn’t too wet by adding enough breadcrumbs during mixing to bind well, and don’t flip them too early—allow a crust to form before turning.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that brings together ease, flavor, and a touch of Southern charm, this Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe is a winner every time. It’s perfect for sharing, satisfying any craving for something crispy and comforting, and guaranteed to become one of your go-to recipes. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Southern Salmon Croquettes recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy canned salmon. These crispy, golden patties feature a flavorful mix of onion, bell pepper, and spices, lightly coated in breadcrumbs and pan-fried to perfection. Ideal for a comforting lunch or dinner, they pair wonderfully with dipping sauces or classic Southern sides like grits.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 14 ounces canned salmon, drained and flaked
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, divided (½ cup for mix, ½ cup for coating)
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- ¼ cup finely diced bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Drain the canned salmon thoroughly, removing any skin or bones. Flake the salmon into a mixing bowl.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Mix in the finely diced onion, bell pepper, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Combine with egg and breadcrumbs: Add the egg and half of the breadcrumbs (½ cup) to the salmon mixture. Stir well until combined. If the mixture feels too wet to form patties, gradually add more breadcrumbs.
- Form patties: Shape the mixture into 8 small, evenly sized patties, ensuring they hold together well.
- Coat the patties: Press each patty into the remaining breadcrumbs (½ cup) to coat both sides evenly for a crispy exterior.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable or canola oil into a skillet to a depth of about ¼ inch and heat over medium heat until shimmering.
- Fry the croquettes: Fry the croquettes in batches, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain even cooking.
- Drain excess oil: Transfer the cooked croquettes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Serve warm: Serve the salmon croquettes warm with your favorite dipping sauce or traditional Southern sides such as grits for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure the canned salmon is well drained to prevent soggy patties.
- Adjust breadcrumbs as needed to achieve a firm but moist mixture.
- Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor or substitute dried parsley if unavailable.
- For a healthier option, consider shallow pan frying with less oil or baking croquettes at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until crispy.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, as croquettes can lose crispness when refrigerated.
