If you’re craving a comforting, crispy, and flavorful dish that’s a breeze to whip up, look no further than these EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes. With their golden exterior, tender flaky insides, and classic Southern seasoning, these croquettes are a nostalgic favorite that comes together in minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or craving a taste of home, this recipe brings you the perfect balance of convenience and down-home goodness—all with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes is in their simplicity. Each ingredient pulls its weight, offering flavor, texture, or that signature golden crunch that makes these croquettes irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need, with a little insight into why each one matters.
- Canned Pink Salmon: The star of the show, providing rich flavor and protein, plus it’s easy to keep on hand for last-minute meals.
- Finely Chopped Onion: Adds a sweet and savory bite that brightens up the salmon.
- Finely Chopped Green Bell Pepper: Infuses a subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
- Large Eggs: These bind everything together, ensuring the croquettes hold their shape.
- Breadcrumbs or Crushed Saltine Crackers: Give structure and a satisfying crunch to every bite.
- Dijon or Yellow Mustard: Delivers a tangy zing that wakes up the flavors.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds that deep, savory umami that elevates the dish.
- Garlic Powder: For a gentle garlicky warmth, without overpowering the other flavors.
- Paprika: Brings a hint of smokiness and a lovely color.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that let all the other flavors shine.
- Vegetable Oil: Perfect for frying, giving the croquettes their signature crispy crust.
- Lemon Wedges (optional): A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens and balances the richness.
How to Make EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes
Step 1: Mix Up the Salmon Mixture
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and tossing in your drained and flaked salmon, chopped onion, green bell pepper, eggs, breadcrumbs or crackers, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. With a fork or your hands, mix everything together until it’s thoroughly combined and starts to hold together. This is your moment to make sure all those flavors are mingling nicely.
Step 2: Shape Into Croquettes
With your mixture ready, form it into small patties about 2 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. You should get around 6 to 8 croquettes, depending on your preferred size. If you want an extra-crispy croquette, pop them in the fridge for 15 minutes to help them firm up before frying.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour your vegetable oil into a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Give the oil a couple of minutes to get nice and hot—you want the croquettes to sizzle as soon as they hit the pan for that perfect golden crust.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Gently lay the croquettes in the skillet in a single layer, working in batches if necessary so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry each croquette for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until they’re gloriously golden brown and cooked through. When done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Serve your EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes warm, with lemon wedges on the side if you like. They’re delicious straight from the pan, but also shine with your favorite dipping sauce or a simple squeeze of lemon juice.
How to Serve EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way in making your EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes feel extra special. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color, or add a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Lemon wedges on the side are a classic touch, offering a burst of brightness that pairs beautifully with the savory croquettes.
Side Dishes
These croquettes love good company! They’re right at home alongside creamy grits, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad. For a true Southern meal, serve them with collard greens, macaroni and cheese, or even a scoop of potato salad. It’s all about what you’re craving and what’s in your fridge.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get playful, try serving the croquettes slider-style on small buns with lettuce and a dollop of remoulade. Or, top a croquette with a perfectly fried egg for a hearty brunch. They also make fabulous appetizers—just shape them a bit smaller and serve with toothpicks and dipping sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let them cool completely before storing to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to have some on hand for busy days, freeze the cooked croquettes in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that irresistible crisp, reheat salmon croquettes in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side. You can also bake them at 350°F until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch, but the exterior won’t be quite as crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just cook and flake your salmon before mixing it with the other ingredients. It adds a lovely freshness, although canned salmon keeps things quick and budget-friendly.
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
Crushed saltine crackers are a classic Southern swap and give a wonderful salty crunch, but you can also use panko or even finely crushed cornflakes for a twist.
Are EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes gluten-free?
They can be! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crackers, and double-check that your mustard and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the croquettes at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking produces a slightly lighter texture but still delivers plenty of flavor.
What dipping sauces go well with salmon croquettes?
Classic options include tartar sauce, remoulade, or a zippy comeback sauce. Even a simple squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of hot sauce can take your EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes to the next level.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, comforting, and packed with Southern soul, these EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes are bound to become a staple at your table. I hope you’ll give them a try soon—your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
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EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These easy Southern salmon croquettes are a quick and delicious meal option made with canned pink salmon, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner and can be pan-fried or baked for a healthier twist.
Ingredients
Salmon Mixture
- 1 (14.75 oz) can pink salmon, drained and flaked (bones and skin removed if preferred)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers
- 1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Frying
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For Serving
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the flaked salmon, finely chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, eggs, breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together well.
- Form patties: Shape the mixture into small patties approximately 2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. This recipe makes about 6 to 8 croquettes.
- Heat oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Fry croquettes: Place the patties carefully in the skillet in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Fry each side for about 3 to 4 minutes or until each side is golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the cooked croquettes from the skillet and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the croquettes warm, optionally with lemon wedges or your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, chill the patties in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before frying.
- Alternatively, bake the croquettes at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- These croquettes pair wonderfully with classic Southern sides such as grits, rice, or a simple green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 croquettes
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
