This Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes comes together in about 30 minutes and is pan-fried for a easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use this as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Seriously, it’s one of those recipes where you think, “What do I have left in the fridge?” and the answer is always something tasty!
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s dive into what you’ll need to whip up these amazing croquettes:
- Fresh Salmon Fillet
- Leftover Mashed Potatoes
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Old Bay Seasoning
- Dijon Mustard
- Oil for Frying
- Remoulade or Dipping Sauce
Let’s Get Cooking!
Here’s how it’s done:
Prep the Pan: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil for frying (about 2 tablespoons). You want a nice layer to achieve that crunch we all crave.
Flake the Salmon: In a mixing bowl, flake the previously cooked salmon fillet with a fork. It should be in bite-sized pieces, nothing too chunky, flaky is key!
Mix in Ingredients: Add in a cup of leftover mashed potatoes along with a tablespoon of minced shallots, two cloves of minced garlic, a couple pinches of salt and pepper, and a tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning. For an extra zing, throw in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Stir everything together until nicely combined, oh, and it’ll start to smell divine at this point!
Form the Patties: Next, using your hands, form the mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter, and set them aside. Make sure they’re somewhat compact so they hold together while frying.
Fry the Croquettes: Once your oil is hot, gently add the patties to the skillet (don’t overcrowd the pan!). Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t rush this process; you want that perfect crunch!
Serve Hot: Once crispy, remove them from the skillet and set on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve these beauties hot, with your favorite remoulade or dipping sauce on the side.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I’m short on time but still want something satisfying and delicious. It’s pure comfort food, and trust me, it’s one that my family devours every single time. I’m a real sucker for recipes that allow for versatility, whether it’s using leftover mashed potatoes or switching out seasonings to suit my family’s preference. Plus, it feels good to clean out the fridge a little!
If you loved this crispy pan fried salmon croquettes, be sure to check out my Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce, my Baked Boursin Salmon, or my Smoked Salmon Potato Salad!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
It comes together in under 30 minutes that’s a huge bonus when you’re juggling after-school activities or work commitments.
Customizable
The best part is that you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand, which makes it super flexible. Got some leftover veggies? Toss ’em in! Gluten-free bread crumbs? Perfect.
Comfort Food
These croquettes are loaded with tons of flavor and richness from the salmon and potatoes. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate.
Crowd-Pleaser
The whole family will love it! Kids, grandparents everyone digs into these crispy delights. Trust me, you’ll be their favorite chef!
Meal Prep Friendly
They can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer for later. Just reheat them when you’re ready to enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
These croquettes can be served as a main dish, or cut them smaller and use them as appetizers for get-togethers! Pair with a fresh salad or some homemade coleslaw for a delightful meal!
Storage
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), they’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Reheating Instructions
The best method to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat. Just a couple of minutes per side to get that crisp back!
Freezer Friendly
Yes, absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked patties before frying. Just lay them out on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook them, no need to thaw, just fry them straight from frozen; they might take a minute or two longer.
There you have it! Incredible, crispy pan fried salmon croquettes that are ready to impress! Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil for frying (about 2 tablespoons).
- In a mixing bowl, flake the cooked salmon fillet with a fork into bite-sized pieces.
- Add in the mashed potatoes, minced shallots, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and Dijon mustard. Stir until nicely combined.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Once the oil is hot, gently add the patties to the skillet and fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the croquettes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite remoulade or dipping sauce.