Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, these Salmon Croquettes are a timeless Southern favorite that bring comfort and nostalgia to every bite. Made with canned or fresh salmon, breadcrumbs, herbs, and a hint of lemon, they’re pan-fried to perfection for a satisfying crunch and flaky interior.
Whether served as a main course, appetizer, or brunch treat, salmon croquettes are versatile, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious. Pair them with a squeeze of lemon and a side of creamy remoulade or tartar sauce for an easy, elegant meal that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy outside, moist and tender inside
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, brunch, or meal prep
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Great way to use canned or leftover salmon
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 croquettes
Ingredients
1 (14.75 oz) can salmon, drained and flaked
½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
¼ cup finely diced onion
¼ cup finely diced bell pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the salmon mixture
In a medium bowl, combine flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, Old Bay, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined.
2. Form the croquettes
Shape the mixture into 6 evenly sized patties (about ½ inch thick).
3. Pan-fry until golden
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry croquettes for 3–4 minutes per side, until crisp and golden brown.
4. Drain and serve
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve warm with tartar sauce, remoulade, or aioli.
Pro Tips & FAQs
Can I bake them instead? Yes — bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I use fresh salmon? Definitely! Cook and flake about 1 pound of fresh salmon before mixing.
How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
Nutrition Summary
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Sugar | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 croquette | 190 | 16g | 6g | 11g | 1g | 0.5g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
