Homestyle Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe for Family Dinners

Crispy golden salmon croquettes dance with Southern culinary charm, bringing a delightful twist to weeknight dinners.

These delectable bites blend flaky fish with classic Southern seasonings and herbs.

Packed with flavor, each croquette tells a story of comfort and tradition.

The recipe combines simple ingredients that create something truly magical on your plate.

Tender salmon transforms into crisp, golden rounds that crackle with each bite.

Fresh herbs and a hint of spice make these croquettes irresistibly delicious.

Serve these mouthwatering morsels alongside a zesty remoulade sauce for a meal that celebrates Southern cooking at its finest.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients For Southern Salmon Croquettes

• Salmon: Rich, flaky protein that brings authentic Southern coastal flavor, choose fresh or high-quality canned wild-caught salmon for best texture.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold croquettes together, select fresh large eggs for optimal consistency.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that add zesty crunch and depth, select crisp, firm produce for maximum freshness.
• Garlic Powder, Old Bay Seasoning, Black Pepper: Spice blend that delivers classic Southern warmth and complexity, use fresh ground spices for robust taste.
• Mustard, Lemon Juice, Parsley: Bright ingredients that balance and elevate the overall flavor profile, choose fresh herbs and quality condiments.

• Breadcrumbs, Mayonnaise: Create perfect golden exterior and help ingredients adhere, use plain breadcrumbs for neutral base and full-fat mayonnaise for rich moisture.

Tools To Make Southern Salmon Croquettes

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly and evenly.
• Skillet: Perfect for frying croquettes to golden, crispy perfection.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula or Tongs: Helps flip and handle croquettes during cooking.
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Ideal for draining excess oil after frying.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, bell peppers, and preparing ingredients.
• Knife: Sharp tool for dicing vegetables and flaking salmon.

How To Cook Southern Salmon Croquettes

• Mixing Magic

Grab a spacious bowl and toss in your salmon. Crumble it into small, delicate pieces. Chop some onions and bell peppers for a burst of flavor. Crack an egg to bind everything together. Sprinkle in breadcrumbs, a dollop of mayonnaise, and a dash of mustard. Shake in Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add a splash of lemon juice and some fresh parsley for zest. Blend everything until it feels just right – not too wet, not too dry.

• Crafting Patties

Shape the mixture into cute little rounds. Think silver dollar size – small enough to be irresistible but substantial enough to satisfy.

• Golden Crispy Goodness

Heat up a skillet with vegetable oil. Once it’s sizzling, gently place your patties in the pan. Watch them transform into golden-brown treasures. Flip them carefully after a few minutes, cooking until both sides are crisp and beautiful.

• Southern Comfort

Serve these beauties hot and fresh. Pair with a zesty sauce or nestle them over creamy grits. Your taste buds are in for a Southern celebration!

Tips For Southern Salmon Croquettes Done Right

• Texture Perfection: Use fresh or canned salmon that's thoroughly drained to prevent soggy croquettes. Gently flake the fish with a fork to maintain delicate texture without mashing.
• Binding Magic: Adding an extra egg or a splash of Greek yogurt helps hold the mixture together, creating compact and crispy patties that won't fall apart during cooking.
• Crispy Coating Trick: Dust croquettes with cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs before frying for an extra crunch that elevates the classic Southern texture.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac-friendly version. Replace salmon with canned tuna or flaked white fish for protein variety.

Serving Southern Salmon Croquettes With Ease

• Coastal Brunch Companion: Pair these crispy salmon croquettes with soft scrambled eggs and fresh garden greens for a light, satisfying morning meal.
• Southern Comfort Platter: Layer croquettes over creamy stone-ground grits, topped with a drizzle of hot sauce and chopped green onions for an authentic Southern dining experience.
• Zesty Side Kick: Serve alongside a tangy coleslaw or cucumber salad to balance the rich, savory flavors of the croquettes and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Elegant Appetizer Twist: Transform smaller croquettes into bite-sized party hors d'oeuvres by garnishing with a dollop of herbed aioli and fresh dill sprigs for sophisticated entertaining.

Storing Southern Salmon Croquettes For Later

Refrigerate leftover croquettes in an airtight container for 34 days, keeping them crispy and fresh.

• Quick Freezing Technique: Wrap individual croquettes in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months – perfect for future quick meals.
• Reheating Hack: Restore crispiness by baking frozen or refrigerated croquettes in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes, avoiding soggy textures.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Mix salmon mixture one day ahead and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to blend and saving cooking time.

Crispy Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Savory Southern salmon croquettes blend classic Southern comfort with oceanic delights. Crispy golden exterior and tender, flaky interior invite you to savor this nostalgic coastal dish with pure Southern charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (14.75 oz / 418 g) can pink salmon, drained and flaked (bones removed, if desired)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed saltine crackers)
• 2 tbsps mayonnaise
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ small onion, finely diced
• ½ small bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Mixing: Amalgamate flaked salmon, onion, bell pepper, egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, lemon juice, and parsley in a generously sized mixing bowl, thoroughly blending until ingredients form a cohesive mixture.
2. Forming: Assess mixture’s consistency, adding breadcrumbs if needed to achieve a moldable texture, then delicately shape into uniform patties approximately half an inch thick, ensuring compact structure.
3. Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, carefully placing salmon patties and cooking until each side develops a golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Finishing: Drain croquettes on paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil, then serve piping hot alongside preferred condiments like tartar sauce or remoulade, optionally pairing with Southern-style grits for an enhanced culinary experience.

Notes

• Select Fresh Salmon: Choose high-quality, wild-caught or fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture, avoiding canned salmon with excessive liquid.
• Perfect Binding Technique: Mix ingredients gently to prevent overworking, which can make croquettes dense and tough; use light, folding motions to maintain a tender consistency.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Drain salmon thoroughly and adjust breadcrumb quantity to achieve the ideal binding without becoming too dry or too wet.
• Optimize Frying Temperature: Maintain oil at 350-375°F for golden-brown exterior and properly cooked interior, using a thermometer to ensure consistent heat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg