Easy Salmon Croquettes Recipe

salmon croquettes recipe

salmon croquettes recipe

Updated on 4/23/2024
Martin AlvarezBy Martin Alvarez
Nutritionist/Dietitian Professional Guide
Learn More about Martin Alvarez

This salmon croquette recipe is a must-have on your menu when you are craving something crispy and tender to satisfy your taste buds. You will find that this is one hearty meal that is full of flavor and so comforting to eat!

There is nothing more southern than salmon croquettes. The combination of salmon, peppers, onions, and seasoning makes this an incredibly versatile dish that everyone will love! It is an excellent recipe for a busy weeknight, but it is also elegant enough for holidays and special occasions.

How are Salmon Croquettes Made?

How are Salmon Croquettes Made

How are Salmon Croquettes Made

 

Salmon croquettes are sometimes called salmon cakes or salmon patties, like crab cakes, but with salmon instead of crab! It is similar to a salmon burger but without a bun.
Salmon croquettes, just like crab cakes, are all about the seasoning. This recipe is made up of a mixture of garlic, cilantro (my secret ingredient! ), seasoned salt, and Worcestershire sauce, and is then pan-fried for a nice brown crisp look.

You can serve salmon croquettes as an entrée, a side dish, or an appetizer; you should make them slightly smaller if you use them as an appetizer.

In addition to salmon patties, you can also serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. Here are some of my favorite homemade sauce options that you can choose from if you want to make your own:

  • To add zest and tang to your food, use this Sriracha Sour Cream Sauce.
  • Another option for this beautiful salmon creation is making your own Tartar Sauce at home.
  • You can add slices or wedges of fresh lemon juice into slices or slices.
  • As a dip for these Salmon Croquettes, ketchup is probably a good choice, especially if you have kids at home.
  • In addition, there is always the choice of Spicy Cocktail Sauce or Remoulade as an option.
  • There is also a great and healthier option in plain Greek yogurt.

The Ingredients

The Ingredients

The Ingredients

 

As far as the ingredients for this salmon croquette recipe are concerned, they are pretty simple, and it is straightforward to omit or substitute some of them.

All-purpose flour: You may also use another flour alternative to make them gluten-free if you wish.

Yellow Cornmeal: I prefer the texture of yellow Cornmeal, but you can use white Cornmeal or even cracker crumbs, such as saltine crackers or club crackers if you prefer. The best way to make them finely crumble is to give them a quick whirl in your food processor.

Canned salmon: You can also use fresh salmon or leftovers as long as they have been cooked properly. Salmon filets raised on farms may be a bit fattier than salmon filets from wild sources and may require more binder (flour or Cornmeal) than salmon from fantastic sources.

Veggies: I would recommend red bell peppers and sweet onions, though you can also use red onion, yellow peppers, or green peppers. As long as they are finely minced so that they can blend into the mixture, it will be acceptable to add them. You are also welcome to add carrots and celery to your meal.

Giant Egg: A large egg is needed to help it all stick together.

Worcestershire sauce: When it comes to complexity and depth of flavor, you only need a little bit to make a big difference.

Worcestershire sauce

Worcestershire sauce

 

Seasoned salt: When you use seasoned salt, it adds a little more flavor profile than just plain salt, although that is acceptable. If you want to go the direct route, use coarse kosher salt. It's also possible to add some east coast flare to your food by seasoning it with Old Bay seasoning.

Ground black pepper: The best way to get the most flavor from black pepper is to grind it fresh. You can choose ground white pepper if you prefer a less peppery route.

Garlic powder: It has a more subtle flavor than fresh garlic but still complements it. It is also possible to substitute onion powder for the onion powder.

Mayonnaise: This is another binder that you can be used. It is worth mentioning that I have tried this recipe with both plain Greek yogurt and sour cream, and while both have a nice tang, they create a fragile product since they don't have eggs to help bind them together.

Cilantro: This is the secret ingredient in our recipe - it gives an unexpected flavor, and there is an abundance of it. Alternatively, if someone does not like cilantro, you can omit it or use flat Parsley (Italian Parsley) or other fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or fresh dill in its place.

Oil for frying: The recipe calls for olive oil for pan frying in our original recipe and many others. However, this oil has a lower smoke point than other neutral oils such as canola, peanut, or vegetable.
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos if you want more heat and flavor. A dab of Dijon mustard adds a touch of acidity, while grated lemon zest brings a touch of brightness.

The Best Way to Cook Salmon Croquettes

The best Way to Cook Salmon Croquettes

The best Way to Cook Salmon Croquettes


Would you be ready to start cooking this delicious meal for your family by following the recipe for fried salmon patties?

1 - To prepare the salmon mixture, you will need to gather all the ingredients. I am a big fan of pre-measuring my components so that when I get ready to make my recipe, I can dump everything into bowls and prepare it to go.
2 - To begin, you will need to whisk together the flour and Cornmeal in a large bowl.
3- Now it is time to add the bell peppers, sweet onion, seasonings, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, cilantro, and egg. To ensure that everything is well combined, you will want to mix it well.
4- Once the dough is ready, you can shape it into about 6-8 patties. You should heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.

5- Once the skillet is heated, cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side. Due to the delicate nature of the fish, it is best to use a fish spatula when handling them.
6- Place them on a plate lined with paper towels or put them inside a warm oven until you are ready to serve them. Serve your salmon croquettes while they are still warm and make sure you don't forget your favorite sauce to go with them!

You can make salmon cakes at any time of the year. As salmon is such an affordable protein source, you may enjoy cooking with it because of its affordability. Please let us know your thoughts on this recipe in the comments below.

Fresh Salmon Can be Used

Fresh Salmon Can be Used

Fresh Salmon Can be Used


The choice is whether you want to use canned or fresh salmon for this recipe. I have made this recipe with both types, and both have turned out delicious.

If you use fresh salmon, you should cook it before adding it to the recipe. Putting it in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F should do the trick. You are ready to go; as soon as you have made sure you can separate the fibers easily with a fork, you are prepared to go!

How Should Salmon Croquettes be Served With Sides?

How Should Salmon Croquettes be Served With Sides

How Should Salmon Croquettes be Served With Sides

 

As they are super versatile, You can use anything with them, but here are some of my favorites.
Side salad: Doesn't a green salad go well with almost anything? Kale salad is always one of my favorite salads to make.
Side of potatoes: No matter how the potatoes are prepared, whether baked, fried, or fried into fries, this is an excellent option. My Cheesy Slow Cooker Potatoes are sure to please!
Sauteed veggies – select the vegetables on hand and saute them with salt, pepper, and olive oil. It's so yummy!
Surf & Turf: You can also make it a surf and turf with a tenderloin roast or an eye of round roast to complete the meal.
Dipping Sauces: Yummy sauce, horseradish sauce, aioli sauce, garlic butter sauce, and even cocktail sauce are all good for dipping sauces. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, or hot sauce would also be an excellent addition.

It Would be Great if We Make Salmon Cakes in Advance

Making Salmon Cakes in Advance Would be Great

Making Salmon Cakes in Advance Would be Great


Depending on your preference, you can either form them and place them in the fridge until you are ready to cook them, or you can cook them and reheat them when you are prepared to serve them. In an airtight container, salmon cakes can be stored for up to three days if left over. As a suggestion, I suggest reheating them in a skillet over medium heat or in an Air Fryer for 2-3 minutes at a time. It is even possible that my husband would argue that they are even better the next day.

Salmon Croquettes Can be Traced Back to Their Origins

Salmon Croquettes Can be Traced Back to Their Origins

Salmon Croquettes Can be Traced Back to Their Origins

 

It is safe to say that if you looked at the word "croquettes" and guessed that it is French, you are correct! In the beginning, they were made with beef, but over time, other variations arose, like chicken, salmon, and even vegetarian versions. In the front, they were initially made to use leftover meat pieces, but later, they gained great popularity!

In other words, some people refer to these as fish cakes, But you can substitute any flaky fish with it. Hopefully, we will be able to try them with red snapper next time. If you have leftovers, this is a great way to use them.

Recipes for Salmon

Recipes for Salmon

Recipes for Salmon

Here Are More Salmon Croquettes Recipes

  • Salmon with lemon pepper
  • Salmon on cedar planks with a spicy sauce
  • Pasta with smoked salmon 
  • Salmon with honey and citrus
  • Foil-baked salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Garnish Them?

My favorite way to prepare scallions (green onions) or chives is chopped cilantro, curly Parsley, or scallions (green onions). There is nothing wrong with adding a dusting of smoked paprika as well.

Can I Substitute Cilantro With Something Else?

Some people find cilantro to taste like soap or dirt, a DNA trait that can be traced back to its origin. For those who fall into this category, omit the cilantro and replace it with flat-leaf Parsley.

Can Canned Salmon Be Cooked?

That's right, it is! Canned salmon is just like canned chicken or tuna, and it is already cooked, so all you have to do is drain the liquid, and you're ready to eat.

Is It Possible To Freeze Salmon Cakes?

Yes, you can! You should ensure that they are cooked to hold together better. To keep them fresh, wrap them individually in freezer paper, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap. You can keep them frozen for up to six months if you wish.

Are Croquettes Spanish or French?

It is believed that croquettes originated in France, where mashed potatoes form the center of the dish, but when croquettes made their way down to Spain, they became croquetas, which have a slightly different flavor. Can you tell me what this is? Instead of being filled with potatoes, Spanish croquetas are served with a creamy bechamel sauce instead of potatoes.

Which is Better Red or Pink Canned Salmon?

There are various types of salmon, but red salmon has a richer taste and is firmer yet fattier than the other types. A patty of pink salmon is characterized by a mild flavor and a softer texture than a patty of white salmon. It is not uncommon for people to develop a preference for one fish over the other because of these differences in freshness, safety, and taste.