Introduction
If you’ve never tried salmon croquettes before, let me tell you—this is one soul food dish you don’t want to miss. These croquettes are crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, and packed with Southern charm. Whether you grew up eating them at Sunday dinners or this is your first time hearing about them, this salmon croquette soul food recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen. They’re quick to whip up, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for any meal—whether it’s breakfast with a side of grits or a casual weeknight dinner. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Recipe Card: Salmon Croquettes Soul Food Recipe
Recipe Name:
Salmon Croquettes Soul Food Recipe
Description:
Golden, crispy, and delicious salmon croquettes, a classic Southern soul food dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings | Around 250 per serving |
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of salmon (14.75 oz each)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, if you like a little heat)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Drain and Prep the Salmon: First, drain your canned salmon and remove any bones or skin. Once that’s done, flake the salmon with a fork in a large bowl.
- Mix the Ingredients: Throw in the chopped onion, bell pepper, beaten egg, breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, parsley, mustard, and hot sauce. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Shape the Patties: Using your hands, form the mixture into small patties, about 3-4 inches in diameter. Make sure they’re firm and hold together well.
- Fry the Croquettes: Heat up some vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each patty for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once they’re fried to perfection, place the croquettes on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot and dig in!
Notes:
- If you’re looking for a healthier option, bake these croquettes at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For a little citrus kick, add some lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice to the mixture.
- Want to keep things gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’re all set!
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Serving Size: 2 croquettes
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You’ll have these croquettes on the table in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Budget-Friendly: Using canned salmon is super affordable and still tastes amazing, making this dish great for feeding your family without breaking the bank.
- Versatile: Whether you’re serving these croquettes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they pair perfectly with just about anything. Grits, salad, mashed potatoes—you name it!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Canned Salmon: The star of the show! Canned salmon is budget-friendly and packed with protein. If you prefer fresh salmon, that works too—just cook and flake it before mixing.
- Breadcrumbs or Crackers: These hold everything together and give the croquettes structure. Crushed saltine crackers add a nice, salty crunch, but feel free to use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Egg: This binds the ingredients together so your croquettes don’t fall apart. For a vegan version, you can use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water).
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika bring that soul food flavor we all love. Adjust the spices to your taste—if you like it spicy, don’t be shy with the hot sauce!
How to Make Salmon Croquettes (Step-by-Step)
1. Drain the Salmon: Start by draining the canned salmon and picking out any skin or bones. Flake the salmon into small pieces with a fork so it blends well with the other ingredients.
2. Mix Everything Together: In a big bowl, add your chopped onion, bell pepper, seasonings, breadcrumbs (or crackers), and the beaten egg. Mix until everything is evenly combined. You want the mixture to be moist but not too wet, so adjust with extra breadcrumbs if needed.
3. Form the Patties:
Grab a handful of the mixture and shape it into a patty about 3-4 inches wide. Repeat until you’ve used up all the mixture.
4. Fry the Croquettes:
Heat the oil in a skillet and fry the croquettes in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this ensures they get that golden-brown crispy crust. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes or until perfectly crispy.
Expert Tips for Success
- Chill the Patties: If your mixture feels a bit loose, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before forming the patties. This helps them firm up and hold together when frying.
- Get the Oil Hot: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the croquettes. If the oil isn’t hot, the patties will soak up too much oil and end up greasy.
- Don’t Overmix: When mixing the ingredients, try to avoid overmixing. You want the croquettes to stay light and tender, not dense.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Version: If you’re a fan of heat, add more hot sauce or even some chopped jalapeños to the mix.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, or try almond flour for a low-carb option.
- Baked Croquettes: Want to skip the frying? Bake the croquettes at 375°F for about 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They’ll still be crispy and delicious!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to get that crispy texture back, or use an air fryer for a quick reheat.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked croquettes on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry them straight from frozen when you’re ready to cook!
Serving Suggestions
- For Breakfast: Serve these croquettes with a side of creamy grits and scrambled eggs for a hearty Southern breakfast.
- For Lunch: Pair with a simple salad for a light and satisfying midday meal.
- For Dinner: These croquettes are perfect alongside mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, or mac and cheese for a soul food-inspired dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just cook the salmon, flake it, and use it as you would canned salmon in this recipe. - What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
Crushed saltine crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even ground oats work great as substitutes. - Can I bake these instead of frying?
Definitely! Bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.
Related Recipes
- Soul Food Salmon Patties Recipe: Try this slightly different version of salmon croquettes.
- Southern Fried Catfish: Another classic soul food recipe that’s sure to please.
- Crispy Fried Chicken: If you love the crunch of these croquettes, you’ll definitely enjoy this fried chicken recipe.
Conclusion
So there you have it—this soul food salmon croquettes recipe is a true classic, bringing together simple ingredients and bold flavors for a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Give it a try and let these crispy, savory croquettes take you on a little Southern soul food journey! You’ll be glad you did!
Give it a try, and savor the savory, crispy goodness of these Salmon Croquettes! Perfect as a hearty brunch, lunch, or a satisfying snack that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your #BeesRecipes creations on Instagram – we can’t wait to see your unique take on this classic soul food favorite!