Why You’ll Love these Crispy Golden Salmon Croquettes
When you’re looking for a budget-friendly seafood recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor, these Crispy Golden Salmon Croquettes are absolute game-changers.
I mean, who can resist that golden-brown exterior giving way to a perfectly seasoned, flaky interior?
The beauty lies in their versatility. Serve them as an appetizer, sandwich filling, or main course with your favorite sides.
They’re incredibly quick to prepare—just mix, form, and fry for about two minutes per side.
And since they use canned salmon, I always have the ingredients on hand for a last-minute dinner solution that feels fancy but requires minimal effort.
What Ingredients are in Crispy Golden Salmon Croquettes?
These salmon croquettes come together with just a handful of simple, affordable ingredients that create magic in the pan. The base is canned pink salmon, which isn’t only budget-friendly but also packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids. When mixed with the binding ingredients, this humble canned fish transforms into something that tastes decidedly gourmet.
And the best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now.
- 1 (12 ounce) can pink salmon
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
When shopping for these ingredients, there are a few things to keep in mind. I prefer using pink salmon for its milder flavor and lower price point, but you could splurge on sockeye if you want a richer taste.
The flour amount might need slight adjusting depending on how much liquid is in your salmon—you want a mixture that holds together but isn’t too dry.
And while the recipe calls for vegetable oil, any neutral oil with a high smoke point would work beautifully. Canola, peanut, or even avocado oil would be perfect alternatives for achieving that irresistible golden crust.
How to Make these Crispy Golden Salmon Croquettes
Making these salmon croquettes couldn’t be simpler. Start by emptying 1 (12 ounce) can of pink salmon into a large mixing bowl. No need to drain it completely—a bit of that liquid adds moisture to the final product. Add 1 egg, which acts as the essential binder that keeps everything together. Toss in 1/4 cup of chopped onion for that subtle aromatic flavor that makes these croquettes truly special.
Now comes the balancing act. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper for seasoning, then gradually add your 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. This is where you need to pay attention to the consistency—sometimes the salmon might be wetter or drier, requiring a touch more or less flour. You’re aiming for a mixture that holds together when you form it into patties, not too wet that it falls apart, not too dry that it crumbles.
With clean hands (my preferred mixing tool), gently combine everything until just incorporated. Over-mixing can make the croquettes tough, and nobody wants that.
When your mixture is ready, form it into palm-sized patties, about 2-3 inches across and maybe half an inch thick. If you’re preparing these for a large gathering, consider investing in high-end serving equipment to maintain their perfect temperature throughout your event. Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly—this is the sweet spot for frying.
Too cool and the croquettes soak up oil, too hot and they’ll burn before cooking through. For perfect cooking temperature control, consider using a premium meat thermometer that ensures optimal heat for frying these delicate patties. Carefully place the patties in the hot oil, giving them space to breathe, and let them sizzle away for about 2 minutes until they develop that gorgeous golden crust. Flip them gently with a spatula (they’re delicate creatures) and cook another 2 minutes on the other side.
When both sides are crispy and golden brown, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Aren’t those sizzling sounds and that aroma just the most satisfying cooking experience?
Crispy Golden Salmon Croquettes Substitutions and Variations
Why limit yourself to just one version of these delicious salmon croquettes when so many tasty variations await?
Try swapping the pink salmon for canned tuna or even leftover cooked white fish.
Not a fan of all-purpose flour? Cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs create an extra crispy exterior that’s absolutely divine.
I love adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or spicing things up with a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika.
For a Mediterranean twist, mix in some finely chopped olives and feta cheese.
Can’t do eggs? A tablespoon of mayonnaise works beautifully as a binder in a pinch.
What to Serve with Crispy Golden Salmon Croquettes
Now that you’ve mastered your salmon croquettes recipe, let’s talk about turning these golden patties into a complete meal. I’m all about balance on my plate, and these croquettes pair beautifully with so many sides.
Try serving them with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or atop creamy grits for a Southern-inspired dinner. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts provide a nice contrast to the rich salmon.
For a lighter meal, they’re perfect alongside coleslaw or potato salad.
My personal favorite? A simple rice pilaf and steamed broccoli. Simple, nutritious, and ready in minutes.
Final Thoughts
After spending time with this simple yet delicious recipe, I’m convinced that salmon croquettes deserve a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. They’re the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior that will please even picky eaters.
What I love most about these croquettes is their versatility. Dress them up with a fancy sauce for company, or keep them casual with a squeeze of lemon for a quick family meal.
The humble canned salmon transforms into something truly special here, proving that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated to be magical.
