Crispy Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe That Wows Everyone

Golden, crispy southern salmon croquettes dance with flavor, promising a delectable meal that brings comfort to your table.

These delightful seafood patties blend tender salmon with a perfect mix of seasonings and herbs.

Generations of southern cooks have perfected this classic dish, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each bite offers a delicate crunch that gives way to a moist, flavorful interior bursting with maritime richness.

The recipe combines pantry staples with fresh salmon to create a budget-friendly yet elegant meal.

Weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings alike will shine with these irresistible croquettes that celebrate southern culinary traditions.

Dive into this beloved recipe and savor a taste of homestyle cooking that never disappoints.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Southern Salmon Croquettes Ingredient Essentials

• Flour: Provides structure and helps create a crispy exterior for the croquettes.
• Cornmeal: Adds a delightful crunch and golden color to the coating.
• Egg: Acts as a crucial binder to hold all ingredients together.

• Canned Salmon: Delivers rich, oceanic protein with convenient, flaky texture.
• Red Bell Pepper: Introduces sweet, vibrant color and fresh crunch.
• Sweet Onion: Brings mild, gentle sweetness and aromatic depth.
• Cilantro: Offers bright, herbaceous notes that elevate the entire dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes tangy, umami complexity.
• Seasoned Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Create a well-rounded, savory seasoning profile.

• Mayonnaise: Ensures creamy texture and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
• Olive Oil: Provides perfect medium for achieving golden, crisp exterior when frying.

Tools to Shape and Cook Southern Salmon Croquettes

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients smoothly and thoroughly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dry ingredients and egg together without lumps.
• Skillet: Heavy-bottomed pan needed for achieving golden, crispy croquette exterior.
• Spatula: Helps flip croquettes gently without breaking their delicate shape.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping bell peppers and onions with ease.
• Sharp knife: Enables precise vegetable dicing and salmon flaking.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results.
• Tongs: Great for safely placing and turning croquettes in hot oil.
• Paper towels: Optional for draining excess oil after frying.

Instructions for Perfectly Crisp Southern Salmon Croquettes

• Salmon Fusion

Blend salmon with a colorful mix of diced bell peppers, sweet onions, and zesty seasonings in a large bowl. Combine ingredients thoroughly, creating a rich and flavorful base that captures Southern culinary spirit.

• Patty Crafting

Gently shape the salmon mixture into perfectly sized rounds. Ensure each patty is compact and holds together with care, ready for a delicious transformation.

• Crispy Golden Magic

Sizzle the patties in a hot skillet with olive oil, creating a beautiful golden-brown exterior. Cook each side until the croquettes develop a delightful crunch and rich color.

• Flavor Finale

Plate these Southern delights straight from the skillet. Complement with a tangy sauce or a bright squeeze of lemon. Pair with a fresh salad or classic Southern sides for a complete meal that celebrates coastal comfort food.

Tasty Tips for Southern Salmon Croquettes Variations

• Seafood Swap Magic: Experiment with canned tuna or fresh cooked salmon as delightful protein alternatives to keep the recipe exciting and versatile.
• Southern Seasoning Twist: Add a dash of Cajun or Old Bay seasoning for an extra zesty kick that brings authentic Southern flair to your croquettes.
• Crispy Coating Upgrade: Roll the formed patties in panko breadcrumbs before frying to achieve an extra crunchy exterior that adds delightful texture and golden-brown crispiness.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the salmon mixture and shape patties in advance, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. This trick helps the flavors meld and makes weeknight dinner preparation a breeze.
• Healthier Cooking Option: For a lighter version, bake the croquettes in a preheated 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, and lightly spraying with cooking spray to help achieve a golden exterior without excess oil.

How to Plate Southern Salmon Croquettes at Mealtime

• Southern Comfort Plating: Nestle these golden croquettes on a rustic wooden board with lemon wedges scattered around, creating an inviting farmhouse-style presentation that screams homemade Southern cooking.
• Zesty Sidekick Companions: Pair with creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or crisp collard greens for a complete Southern-style plate that balances the rich, crispy salmon patties with fresh, vibrant sides.
• Sauce Celebration: Elevate the dish with a trio of dipping sauces – classic tangy tartar, spicy remoulade, and bright lemon aioli – allowing guests to customize their flavor experience and add personal flair to each bite.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform these croquettes into a showstopping brunch item by topping with a perfectly poached egg and serving alongside creamy grits or a light arugula salad for a sophisticated morning meal that bridges comfort and elegance.

Save Southern Salmon Croquettes for Next Day Enjoyment

• Refrigerator Recovery: Store leftover croquettes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool them completely before sealing to maintain crispy texture and prevent soggy edges.
• Freezer Friendly: Wrap individual croquettes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. These seafood patties can be frozen for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Crispy Reheat Technique: Restore crunchiness by warming croquettes in a preheated 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make them mushy and less appetizing.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare salmon mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate the uncooked patties, allowing flavors to meld. Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking for best results.

Crispy Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy southern salmon croquettes deliver a nostalgic Southern comfort meal packed with rich flavors and cultural heritage. Delightful golden-brown patties offer home cooks a simple yet satisfying way to create memorable family dinners you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 15 oz (425 g) salmon, canned
• 1 egg, large, beaten
• ½ cup (60 g) flour
• ¼ cup (30 g) yellow cornmeal
• ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• ½ cup (75 g) sweet onion, diced
• ¼ cup (15 g) cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp seasoned salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• olive oil for frying

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Combine flour and cornmeal in a large mixing bowl, establishing a textural foundation for the salmon croquettes.
2. Salmon Integration: Delicately flake salmon into the dry ingredients, breaking down chunks while ensuring even distribution of fish throughout the mixture.
3. Flavor Layering: Blend red bell pepper, onion, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to create a robust flavor profile.
4. Moisture Binding: Fold in cilantro and mayonnaise, then incorporate a beaten egg to transform the mixture into a cohesive, malleable composition.
5. Forming Patties: Gently mold the salmon mixture into uniform, compact patties, applying consistent pressure to prevent disintegration during cooking.
6. Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it reaches a high, shimmering temperature that guarantees a crisp, golden exterior.
7. Cooking Process: Carefully place patties into the hot oil, frying each side for 2-3 minutes until achieving a perfectly bronzed, crunchy shell.
8. Serving: Remove croquettes from the skillet and plate alongside complementary condiments like tartar sauce, remoulade, or fresh lemon wedges.

Notes

• Flour Fusion: Mix cornmeal and flour thoroughly to create a perfect texture base that ensures crispy, well-structured croquettes.
• Salmon Preparation: Break down canned salmon into fine, even pieces to guarantee consistent flavor and smooth mixture integrity.
• Flavor Layering: Balance spices and fresh herbs carefully to develop a complex, rich taste profile without overwhelming the delicate salmon.
• Binding Technique: Use egg and mayonnaise strategically to hold the croquettes together, preventing crumbling during cooking and ensuring a cohesive texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg