Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Cook: 10–12 minutes
- Total: ~30 minutes
Servings
- 4 servings (about 8 croquettes)
Ingredients
Croquettes
- 1 lb cooked salmon (fresh, baked, or canned—see notes)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- ¼ cup finely diced bell pepper (optional but recommended)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (or dill)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For frying
- 2–3 tbsp oil (vegetable or light olive oil)
Instructions
1. Prep the salmon
- Flake salmon into a bowl.
- Remove bones/skin if using canned.
2. Mix
- Add all ingredients to the bowl.
- Gently combine—don’t overmix (keeps them tender).
3. Form patties
- Shape into 6–8 small patties.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes (helps them hold together).
4. Cook
- Heat oil in skillet over medium heat.
- Cook croquettes 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Drain & serve
- Place on paper towels.
- Serve warm.
Pro Tips (This is what makes them “the best”)
- Don’t overpack the mixture → keeps texture light
- Chill before frying → prevents falling apart
- Use panko → crispier exterior
- Add mayo → keeps them moist inside
- Medium heat only → high heat burns outside before inside sets
Simple Lemon Sauce (Highly Recommended)
Mix:
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- pinch of salt
Optional: add garlic or hot sauce
🔄Variations
- Southern style: add a little cornmeal to the mix
- Spicy: add cayenne or chopped jalapeños
- Low-carb: swap breadcrumbs for almond flour
- Air fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flip halfway
Common Problems (and fixes)
Croquettes falling apart
→ Add more breadcrumbs or another egg
→ Chill longer before cooking
Too dry
→ Add more mayo or a splash of lemon juice
Too mushy
→ Add more breadcrumbs
Nutrition (Approx per serving)
- Calories: ~250–300
- Protein: 20–25g
- Carbs: 8–12g
- Fat: 15–18g
Q&A
Q: Fresh or canned salmon—what’s better?
- Fresh = best flavor
- Canned = convenient and still very good
Q: Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes—400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping once.
Q: Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze uncooked patties. Cook straight from frozen or thaw overnight.
Q: What to serve with them?
- Coleslaw
- Rice or potatoes
- Salad
- Roasted vegetables