The fanciest (and juiciest) salmon patties to serve at your next burger night!
While the exact origins of these breaded fish croquettes may be unknown, they are a staple in both Southern cooking and Jewish American cuisine. Salmon patties in particular gained widespread popularity in America during the Great Depression of the 1930s, mainly because canned salmon was inexpensive and readily available thanks to Alaska’s salmon canning industry.
These croquettes are made with tender, rich salmon that is abundant in flavor, and they’re a unique and enjoyable source of protein for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or picnic lunch. They’re also a great burger alternative, and can be served inside a bun or on top of a salad, depending on your preference.
Are Salmon Croquettes Healthy?
These croquettes are considered a leaner alternative to ground beef burgers or pork meatballs because of the lower fat content in salmon. However, there are some things to look out for when choosing your canned salmon for this recipe. Wild-caught salmon is generally considered to be of higher quality and better taste than farmed salmon, and Alaskan salmon is renowned for its quality and sustainability. Look for certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) to indicate sustainable fishing practices. Lastly, read the ingredients list and make sure the primary ingredient is salmon, not other fillers or additives.
If you’re concerned about these croquettes being fried, you can use slightly less oil, or use a healthier oil like avocado (which also has a much higher burning point than olive oils). Additionally, if you need less wheat and more sweet, try replacing regular breadcrumbs with crumbs made from this Gluten-Free Cornbread.
Overall, since salmon is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, this recipe is nutritious and delicious, and lighter than most patties out there.
Croquette vs. Fritters
Two Southern favorites… But what’s the difference?
Croquettes classically have more structure than fritters, because they use breadcrumbs and eggs to make a structured filling that is sometimes breaded on the outside before frying. On the other hand, fritters are typically lighter and have a batter-based coating, and they are usually not breaded because the batter itself provides a coating. In short: croquettes tend to be more tender, while fritters are crispier.
How to make ahead and store
If you’d like, you can form the raw patties ahead of time and store them in plastic wrap for up to 2 days in the refrigerator, or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Already cooked leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. That being said, I recommend eating them as soon as you make them, as they’re best enjoyed fresh. To reheat leftovers, simply pop them on a tray in a pre-heated 375°F oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until they start to sizzle. If you’re freezing them, make sure to let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before heating them up.
Serving Suggestions
These croquettes are often topped with sriracha, sour cream, or tartar sauce, but you can also top them with chives or even some Creamed Spinach. I also recommend trying them with a slather of this Chipotle Aioli, a spicy and velvety sauce that would bring out the best flavors in this fish.
For a fun twist on a comfort food classic, swap out the beef patty for salmon croquettes in this Hamburger Recipe, and try these Baked Parsnip Fries on the side.
Ingredients
- 15 ounces canned salmon drained and flaked
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper finely chopped
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the salmon, egg, onion, green bell pepper, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into six equal-sized patties.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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