This incredibly delicious Japanese Potato Croquettes (Korokke) recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for a easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! You can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Seriously, these crispy, potato-filled bites are so comforting and satisfying that everyone will be asking for seconds!

Ingredient Breakdown

2 cups mashed potatoes
1/2 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup green peas
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Get Cooking!

Here’s how you can easily whip up these delicious Japanese Potato Croquettes:

Mix It Up (5 minutes): In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, grated carrots, chopped onion, and green peas. Add a couple pinches of salt and pepper, this is where the flavor starts! Mix until everything is well incorporated. Let that smell of fragrant veggies take over for a moment!
Shape Your Croquettes (5 minutes): Next, get your hands in there! Shape the mixture into small patties or balls. Think about the size you want, about 2 inches in diameter works great. They should feel cozy in your hands but not too dense!
Coat Them (5 minutes): Set up a little assembly line. Dredge each patty in flour, dip it into a beaten egg (if using), and then coat with breadcrumbs. I usually get my hands all messy at this stage, but it’s totally worth it, trust me!
Heat the Oil (5 minutes): In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a little drop of the mixture sizzles.
Fry Away! (8 minutes): Carefully place your croquettes in the frying pan. Fry them until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. You want that crispy exterior, so keep an eye on them and flip them gently!
Draining Time (2 minutes): Once they’re beautifully golden brown, drain the croquettes on paper towels to remove any excess oil. Just look at that color! Serve them hot, and get ready for all the compliments!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick and comforting. You see, I’m a real sucker for crispy, golden brown bites that make people happy! These potato croquettes are pure comfort food; they remind me of my childhood and family dinners growing up. And the best part is that you can use whatever you’ve got on hand! Some nights, I’ll throw in leftover chicken, or if I’m feeling adventurous, some cheese, seriously, the possibilities are endless!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Omelette Rice (Japanese Rice Omelet), my Spam Musubi with Egg, or my Fruit Cream Sandwiches!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Just mix, shape, fry, and enjoy, so easy!

Customizable

The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can switch up the veggies or even add in proteins, making it an incredibly versatile meal!

Crowd-Pleaser

You won’t find anyone resisting these crispy bites! The whole family will love them, trust me; they’re perfect for kid-friendly dinners.

Comfort Food

With creamy mashed potatoes and a crispy exterior, these korokke offer loads of flavor and comfort all in one bite! That’s what we’re all about here, right?

Make-Ahead Friendly

If you’d like, you can prep these ahead of time and freeze them before frying. Just store them uncooked in an airtight container separated with parchment paper, and they’ll keep for up to a month!

Serving Suggestions

These Japanese Potato Croquettes are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

As a Snack: They make for a delightful appetizer or snack, especially with some tonkatsu sauce or ketchup on the side.
With Dipping Sauce: Try serving them with a simple soy dipping sauce, or a fantastic homemade spicy mayo for some added flavor!
Accompaniment: They pair beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Leftover croquettes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For the best texture, I recommend reheating in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also pop them back in a hot frying pan for a couple of minutes!
Freezer Friendly: Yes! Just freeze before cooking, and then when you’re ready to enjoy, pull out a few and fry them straight from frozen, just increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

I can’t wait for you all to try these Japanese Potato Croquettes! They’re so quick and easy, and your family will be begging you to make them time and time again. Seriously, go grab those mashed potatoes and get started. I promise you won’t regret it! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!