I’ve got to tell you about this mind-blowing experience I had with Salmon Croquettes! From that very first bite, it was an explosion of flavors—sweet, savory, and just the right touch of seasoning that hits you with a little umami punch. Honestly, it’s one of those dishes that completely stole my heart and kept me craving more. What made these Salmon Croquettes unforgettable was the crispiness on the outside paired with that tender, flaky salmon inside. The balance is unreal!
I came across this idea when my craving for something seafoody and comforting struck out of nowhere. Salmon Croquettes are like the perfect cross between a fresh salmon recipe and those classic fried salmon cakes you hope to find at seafood spots (except, better because you made them yourself!). I dove in headfirst to recreate this at home, and let me say, this recipe is a total flavor-packed win that deserves to sit at the top of your go-to seafood appetizers list.
Crispy, golden salmon patties bursting with those rich, savory notes—Salmon Croquettes quickly became a must in my kitchen lineup. Waiting for you to try it and join the obsession here! Trust me, once you nail this, you’ll want to make these fish croquettes again and again for every occasion. If you’re into dishes that bring all the cozy comforting vibes with an elevated twist, you’re gonna love this.
What caught my attention originally was seeing those beautiful, perfectly shaped croquettes online, the kind that made my mouth water instantly. Then I found great inspiration from recipes like the Mini Salmon Cakes with Sriracha Lemon Aioli Recipe – Taste And See, which helped me imagine the endless possibilities for serving ideas.
What You Need
Here’s everything you want to gather to make your Salmon Croquettes pop with flavor and texture. These ingredients are pure magic—don’t skimp!
- 14 oz canned salmon (skinless and boneless if you can find it) — splurge on good quality canned for the best flavor in your salmon croquettes
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (sweet yellow or even shallots) — this plays a key role in layering flavors
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs — gives that epic golden crust and binds the croquettes perfectly
- 2 large eggs — binds everything together without making it soggy
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise — keeps the salmon patties super moist and flavorful
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard — adds a subtle tang that makes this salmon recipe so crave-worthy
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce — secret umami hit that lifts your salmon croquettes big time
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper — fresh ground for punch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder — a little depth never hurts with seafood appetizers
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped — fresh herbs brighten the whole dish
- Vegetable oil or avocado oil for frying — go for a clean oil with a high smoke point for perfectly fried salmon cakes that aren’t greasy
If you want that next-level flavor, swap regular mayonnaise for garlic aioli or try adding a splash of hot sauce in the mix. These salmon croquettes get even better with layers of bold seasoning! When buying your crackers, head to your local international aisle for fancy saltine crackers or seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
To speed things up, use pre-chopped onions or frozen parsley cubes—both save time without losing freshness in these fried salmon cakes. Store your canned salmon and herbs properly to keep them fresh until you’re ready to make these juicy salmon patties.
If you love your seafood appetizers packed with herbaceous notes, go heavy on the dill or parsley. The freshness rings through amazingly against the crispy crust. These ingredients make this Salmon Croquettes absolutely crave-worthy and ready for your next meal!
How to Make It
These steps are where the magic happens with your Salmon Croquettes, get ready to wow yourself.
- Drain and Fluff the Salmon Start by draining your canned salmon well to prevent a soggy batch. Fluff it up with a fork so you’re ready for mixing. The texture here makes or breaks those fish croquettes!
- Mix the Flavor Bomb Ingredients In a bowl, combine flaked salmon, chopped onions, crushed crackers, eggs, mayo, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and fresh herbs. Stir gently but thoroughly. This salmon recipe is all about balance—each bite of salmon patties should have even flavor distribution.
- Form Your Croquettes Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into palm-sized patties. Aim for about 8 to 10 croquettes. Press a little so they hold but aren’t too dense. This step is everything for the perfect fried salmon cakes.
- Chill for Better Binding Pop the salmon croquettes in the fridge for 30 minutes. This chill time helps them hold together when frying and develops the flavors even more. Pro tip: Don’t skip this!
- Fry to Golden Perfection Heat about 1/4 inch oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, gently place the croquettes in the pan. Fry until golden and crispy on each side, roughly 3-4 minutes per side. Your kitchen will smell incredible while this salmon croquettes cooks.
- Drain and Rest Transfer your fish croquettes to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes so the texture sets to perfection.
- Serve up Warm These salmon croquettes shine best hot and fresh. Trust me, your guests won’t believe you made these seafood appetizers at home.
Making these salmon patties from scratch is so rewarding, and the frying step seals the deal with that golden crust. If you’re into shortcuts, some people bake instead of fry—find my take on that in the FAQ below!
Every batch of Salmon Croquettes I make is a little love letter to flaky salmon goodness. You’ll find yourself wanting these fried salmon cakes on repeat, perfect for any craving moment.
Need extra inspiration? Check out these recipes like Chef John’s Fresh Salmon Cakes Recipe and Mississippi Mama’s Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe to compare flavors and techniques!
Serving This Up
Serving Salmon Croquettes is a total party. They’re your crowd-pleasing seafood appetizers that deserve the spotlight.
My favorite way to enjoy Salmon Croquettes is with a squeeze of fresh lemon, a drizzle of creamy tartar sauce, or a zesty garlic aioli. The tang brightens the fried salmon cakes beautifully. Pair them with simple coleslaw or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that feels fresh, light, and satisfying.
These salmon patties shine as an appetizer at casual dinners or a laid-back weekend brunch. They’re also perfect for game day or potlucks because they’re easy to share and hard to resist. Add some crusty bread or slider buns, and watch how your guests demolish these fish croquettes!
For plating that’s total ‘gram-worthy, stack a few salmon croquettes on colorful plates, add a dollop of sriracha lemon aioli (like in this Mini Salmon Cakes recipe), and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. It’s simple but majorly drool-inducing.
Leftovers? No problem. These salmon croquettes make epic sandwiches or salad toppers the next day. You can even crumble them up as a seafood-packed addition to pasta or grain bowls.
For a seasonal twist, add fresh corn kernels or chopped roasted red pepper inside the mixture, turning these salmon croquettes into a summery delight. In winter, swap herbs for a little smoked paprika and swap mayo for chipotle mayo for a smoky kick.
I can’t wait for you to see how these salmon croquettes impress every crowd, every time!
Your Questions Answered
I get so many awesome questions about Salmon Croquettes from fellow food lovers, and I’m sharing the real-deal answers here to make your cooking journey smooth.
1. How do I make this Salmon Croquettes extra flavorful?
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning to the mix. Fresh herbs like dill and parsley are a must. For an extra zing, toss in a bit of finely minced jalapeño or hot sauce.
2. Can I meal prep this Salmon Croquettes?
Totally! Shape the croquettes and freeze them raw. When ready to eat, fry straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to cook time. I’ve also reheated leftovers in the oven to keep them crispy.
3. What’s the best way to reheat Salmon Croquettes without losing quality?
Reheating in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F keeps them crispy. Avoid microwaving unless you want soggy fish patties.
4. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter option, bake salmon croquettes on a greased sheet at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be as crispy but still delicious.
5. Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
You can! Cook and flake fresh salmon, then follow the recipe. It gives a fresh take, but texture and binding might change slightly.
6. How long do salmon croquettes last in the fridge?
Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze if longer storage is needed.
7. What sides go best with Salmon Croquettes?
Crisp salads, roasted vegetables, classic coleslaw, or creamy mashed potatoes all pair perfectly.
If you want some fresh ideas and inspiration, you gotta check out Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon or the tasty Sheet Pan Teriyaki Salmon recipes for salmon twists on your table. Also, for different takes on making salmon croquettes or salmon patties, visit Garlic Butter Salmon Delight for creative flair. These will spark your flavor creativity!
Final Bites
If you need a salmon recipe that’s quick, satisfying, and flavor-packed, these Salmon Croquettes deserve a prime spot in your meal rotation. They hit every craving note with their crispy, herby crust and that tender, savory salmon inside.
My Foodie Tips:
– Chill your salmon croquettes for at least 30 minutes before frying to keep them intact.
– Use fresh herbs generously for lively, fresh notes that cut through the richness.
– Don’t skimp on the breadcrumbs or cracker base—it’s what gives you that ideal crisp crust.
Try variations like adding chopped bell peppers for crunch, swapping mayo for Greek yogurt for tang, or mixing in a bit of cheese (Parmesan or sharp cheddar) for a twist. The crowd loves the classic recipe but also goes crazy over my spicy jalapeño-infused salmon patties.
This is your invitation to customize these fish croquettes with whatever flavors you love—and watch them disappear off your plate! I’m seriously pumped for you to try making these Salmon Croquettes. Get ready for a serious obsession with your new favorite seafood appetizers. Dive in, savor, and enjoy every crispy, flaky bite!
Remember, these Salmon Croquettes aren’t just a meal—they’re a delightful experience. Happy cooking, foodie friend!
Salmon Croquettes
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these salmon croquettes make a delicious, protein-packed snack or meal perfect for any time of day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 can (14.75 oz) salmon, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, mayonnaise, beaten egg, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture holds together when formed.
- Shape the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the croquettes to the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and heated through.
- Remove the croquettes from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For a lighter option, bake the croquettes at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy and golden.