When your taste buds are craving something crispy and tender, this Salmon Croquette Recipe needs to be put on your menu. This is one hearty meal that is oh-so-full of flavor!
Salmon Croquettes are a southern classic! Full of salmon, peppers, onions and seasoning, this versatile dish is sure to be loved by all!
Some might even refer to them as salmon cakes or a salmon patty, like a crab cake, but with salmon! A salmon burger, but without the bun.
Make sure you PIN Salmon Patties!
Like crab cakes, seasoning is everything for Salmon Croquettes. This recipe uses a blend of garlic, cilantro (my secret ingredient!), seasoned salt and Worcestershire sauce and is then pan fried for a nice brown crisp.
Salmon croquettes can be served as an entree, side dish or appetizer. If serving as an appetizer, I suggest making them slightly smaller in size.
Dipping the salmon patties into your favorite dip is truly the best part of this meal. There are many homemade sauce options available, but here are some of my favorites:
- You could totally dip these Salmon Croquettes in my yummy Creamy Horseradish Sauce.
- Use this Sriracha Sour Cream Sauce to dip those salmon patties in. This is making my mouth water.
- Homemade Tartar Sauce is another option for this beautiful salmon creation.
- Add fresh lemon juice.
- If you have kids, ketchup is probably a viable option as a dip for these Salmon Croquettes.
- And of course, Spicy Cocktail Sauce or Yum Yum Hibachi Sauce and remoulade are always an option.
- Plain Greek yogurt is also a great and healthier option.
How to Cook Salmon Croquettes
Are you ready to jump to the recipe for fried salmon patties and start the process of cooking this delicious meal for your family?
Gather all the ingredients for the salmon mixture. I like to measure my ingredients out beforehand, that way everything is ready and all I have to do is dump into bowls.
In a large bowl, you are going to whisk together the flour and cornmeal.
Go ahead and add bell peppers, sweet onion, seasonings, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, cilantro, and egg. You will want to mix until well combined.
From there, you can shape into about 6-8 patties. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the skillet is hot, go ahead and cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are a golden brown color.
You can serve the salmon croquettes while they are warm and don’t forget your favorite sauce!
Salmon cakes can be made year-round. Because salmon is such an affordable protein, you may find that you really enjoy cooking with it. Let us know what you think of this recipe.
Can I use fresh salmon?
You can use canned salmon or fresh salmon, the choice is yours. I’ve made this recipe with both types and they have both turned out delicious.
If you use fresh salmon, make sure to cook it before you add it to the recipe. Baking it for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees should do the trick. Make sure the fibers easily separate with a fork and you are ready to go!
What are the best sides to serve with salmon croquettes?
They are super versatile, so basically anything goes, but here are my favorites.
- Side salad – doesn’t a side salad go with almost anything? My kale salad is always a favorite.
- Side of potatoes – whether the potatoes are baked, fried, or made into fries, this is an excellent option. Try my Cheesy Slow Cooker Potatoes!
- Sauteed veggies – take what veggies you have on hand and sautee them with salt, pepper, and olive oil. So yummy!
- Surf & Turf- or make it a surf and turf with a tenderloin or eye of round roast.
Can I freeze salmon cakes?
You can! Make sure they are cooked so they hold together better. Wrap them individually in freezer paper, aluminum foil or plastic wrap. They can stay frozen for up to 6 months.
Can I make salmon cakes ahead of time?
You can! Either form them and place them in the fridge until you are ready to cook or you can cook them and reheat when ready to serve.
Where did salmon croquettes originate from?
If you looked at the word “croquettes” and guessed that it was French, you are correct! They were originally made using beef, and then other variations arose like chicken, salmon and even vegetarian. They were originally made to use up leftover meat pieces, and then became widely popular!
Is canned salmon cooked?
Yes, it is! Canned salmon is just like canned chicken or tuna; it’s already cooked and all you have to do is drain the liquid and you’re ready to go!
What can I substitute for cilantro?
For some, cilantro tastes like soap or dirt. In fact, it is a traceable DNA trait. If you fall into this category, omit the cilantro and replace it with flat leaf parsley.
What can I garnish them with?
My favorites are with chopped cilantro, curly parsley but also scallions (green onions) or chives. A dusting of smoked paprika works well too.
What’s for dinner? These are some other salmon recipes you might enjoy:
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Salmon cakes care about to become your new best friend. For dinners, appetizers and to take to parties. They are delicious!
Southern Salmon Croquettes
Ingredients
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup yellow cornmeal
- 15 ounces canned salmon
- 1 red bell pepper , finely chopped
- ½ cup sweet onion , diced
- 1 large egg , beaten
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup cilantro , chopped
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl whisk together flour and cornmeal.
- Add salmon, bell peppers, sweet onion, seasonings, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, cilantro and egg. Mix until well combined.
- Shape into about 6-8 patties. Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat.
- Once skillet is hot cook patties for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are a golden brown color.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was!
Nutrition
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1. Any success with fresh salmon?
2. Egg substitute: mashed potatoes, “flax egg”, or more Mayo?
Yes, I actually made them with fresh salmon just yesterday. Probably more mayo- mashed potatoes will be a weird texture. I’ve never used flax egg.
EXCELLENT RECIPE!!! I doubled it & added a bit more seasonings for my husband’s taste. The cornmeal made the difference from my dad’s recipe. YOUR RECIPE make me look like the best home cook ever!!! Big Thanks!!! 😉
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback!
I have never had good luck with making salmon patties and having them turn out well and hold together. This recipe was a game changer. The only thing that I Did differently was to exchange a quarter cup of the flour for Panko breadcrumbs. I thought this might give a little more firmness to the salmon patties. They were delicious thank you for sharing your recipe!
Fantastic! Glad you enjoyed and thank you for coming back to let us know!
I loved these, they were fantastic and I’d make them again! Used the garlic aioli dipping sauce.
Addition of cilantro is a good idea. I also add capers. However, I think this recipe calls for too much flour. I am going to try cutting in half next time. I like mine less dense and crispier (the cornmeal makes them crispy). May also consider the cornmeal in larger quantities and little or no flour. Other binders like Flax Seed may work better. Need to experiment.
Thanks for the feedback.
Hi what sauce are yours topped with in the picture?
Hi Candace- homemade aioli sauce.
Best salmon croquettes I’ve ever eaten
Thanks so much and thank YOU for taking the time to come back and let us know!
I don’t make salmon often, because I am allergic to fish. I use the red canned Salomon and the effects are not the bad. I always used my mom’s recipe, but I must say this one tasted much better and not as messy. Never thought to mix the flour and yellow corn meal together. It gave us the crunch we love. Sides Brown rice, green beans mashed sweet potatoes. My husband loved it. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome, I’m so glad to hear that, Andrea!!! And thank you for taking the time to come back and let us know.
I cannot thank you enough for posting this recipe!!! I had been trying to duplicate my grandmother’s recipe for these for the last 20 years and finally this was it!! Exactly the taste and texture I remember as a child. Granma never wrote it down before she passed because it was nothing special to have this on Saturday mornings when I stayed with her. I just know I loved it and she always used the red can of “sockeye salmon” when she could find it in the store, saying it was the best. I did leave out the cilantro, because we never used that and I had to make my own cornmeal by grinding some grits I had on hand. Still came out perfect. Thank you again!
Oh, yay! I’m so glad I could provide that for you, Monica!!! <3 And thank you for taking the time to come back and let us know.
Amazing. I did leave out the cilantro because I don’t care for it, but otherwise, it is a keeper!
These were delicious. Just like my momma made. Brought back Old Carolina days
Aw, thank you, Brittany. We are so glad we could pull those nostalgia strings. <3
I had not made salmon croquettes in years. This recipe was so easy. My husband loved it. The addition of the red pepper and cilantro gave it extra flavor.
Yay! Thanks for coming back to let us know, Tanya. So glad you enjoyed.
How many ounces of salmon is the recipe catered to?
It uses 15 ounces.
I am out of mayo. Can I sub with Greek Yogurt and how much should I use?
Yep- I’d probably dial it back to 2 tablespoons. You want the creaminess, but are losing the binding agent of the mayo. The recipe already has egg, so you don’t need to add more. They might be slightly more fragile, but have a little tang from the acidity of the yogurt. Enjoy and let us know how they turn out!
Super easy and very tasty. Have never used canned salmon before and was not disappointed. Will definitely be making again.
Thank you! I appriciate it!
I made the croquettes this afternoon
I just love them. I did not have fresh cilantro so I mixed half fresh parsley and dried cilantro in my mix
I used canned salmon and omitted the juice and skin. My can is only half of the initial recipe so I only used half of all the ingredients
Had I used the juice it would have been too mushy and no consistency to attempt a patty
Thank you for this recipe and hope more will try it
Eva
Thanks for the feedback and for coming back to let us know you loved them!
Your recipe sounds delish !!!
Aad would definitely put it on my menu , my only concern is if instead of frying them , can I make them in the oven ? And if yes what temp. and for how long .
Thank you in advance 🌺
Thank you, Georgia! I have never baked them and you’ll lose the flavor that comes from browning them, but it is possible. I’d start at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes. Maybe broil both sides for a little char/brown.
I love this salmon croquet recipe! So flavorful
Thank you!
I cook fresh salmon often, but never have used canned. I loved the extra bit of time not having to cook the salmon first, so I went to buy canned salmon…… which do you suggest ? Red, pink or ? thank you
To be 100% honest, this is the only recipe I don’t use fresh salmon in and we eat it pretty frequently as well. I use pink, but red will totally work.
I don’t usually come back to a blog and post my review of the recipe. I just grab the recipe and run! But I had to this time because these were SO FREAKIN’ GOOD! If salmon cakes are on the menu of a restaurant I always order them. Now, I don’t think I’ll find them as good as these in a restaurant. I have actually used several recipes over the years for salmon cakes but this tops them all. I made the tartar sauce linked above as well – so good! I am so glad I doubled the recipe. I’m actually at work now eating the leftovers! 😉
Wow! Liz, you made my day! Thank you so much and I am so glad you enjoyed them. Have a lovely day <3
This was so tasty! I think I made it better than my mom when she would make it for us as kids. Far as the seasonings I used Weber N’orleans Cajun seasoning as well as Slap Ya Mama hot cajun seasoning. Thank you!!!!
Oh! Those sound fabulous! Thanks for taking the time to come back through and let us know.
Really enjoyed this!! I didn’t have Worcestershire sauce so I used this jerk sauce. Turned out amazing. So simple and easy. Have made twice already.
Nice! Thanks for coming back to let us know!
So delicious and easy. I followed the recipe. I will make again. Looking for something else to try. 😊
Thanks for coming back to let us know!
Being a southern Woman from Texas I was inspired to try the recipe. I eat a ketogenic way of eating so I had to substitute the flour and corn meal. Everything in the photo I posted was from our garden. My husband got the salmon so everything was fresh fresh fresh .Delicious with the Sriracha sauce. can’t wait to eat them again
Yeah!!!!! Love to hear that, Sherry. And thank you for coming by to let our others readers know. I am sure it will be helpful for them.
Thank you for your salmon croquettes recipe! Croquettes are so delicious!
Not fishy and the best tasting!
Glad you love them!
I had leftover salmon filets and didn’t want to throw them away and I found this recipe. They turned out terrific! My husband and I both agreed they didn’t need any sauce, they were so tasty on their own. Thanks for sharing!
LOVED THIS!!!!
Thank you!
The southern salmon coquette was easy to follow only addition was more peppers this recipe us perfect
Tasty and delicious
Would I make this again
ABSOLUTELY
Thank you, Linda!
Delicious! Easy! Everyone loved them! Only reason we have leftovers- I doubled the recipe so now we have tomorrow’s lunches! Win! Thank you!
YAY! We love to hear that and THANK YOU for taking time out to come back and let us know!
I made these today and they were delish. I substituted cornmeal with Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix as that was all I had. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Forgot to rate!
Thank you! And thanks for taking the time to come and let us know. It means a lot!
My husband and I really liked these Salmon Patties. Very easy, quick , flavorful and lightly crunchy. We will definitely have these again.
This looks so good! I will try and cook this recipe. Yum!
Wow, Absolutely looks delicious! I can’t wait to try this at home I’m sure my family would love this too.
MMM yes, please! These look so delicious.
These salmon cakes look absolutely divine. It’s funny, but we eat a lot of salmon at home, but always prepare it the same way. This is perfect inspiration to try something new. The recipe looks simple enough and I can see a wonderful dinner with a side salad to go with it.
This salmon Croquettes looks delicious crispy outside and flaovr rich inside so yum.
Those sure do look amazing. I have actually never had these before. I have got to give them a try sometime. I’m sure they are going to be amazing.
Wow, this is such a great and yummy idea! Will add to my croquettes recipe collections!
Wow, these look so good. I want to have them for lunch, I am going to see if I have all the ingredients needed to make and then I am going to do it. Thanks for the inspiration.
Ok, you have my mouth watering!! These look SOOOO good!
These salmon croquettes look amazing! I am so drooling over these!
Me and my husband are a big fan of salmon and I will definitely making this recipe for our dinner, tonight. Thank you!
Oh my goodness yes please. I do love anything made from salmon and these sound like they would be right up my street.
Wowzers! These salmon cakes are so flavorful! I had them with a kale salad and quinoa! It was such a delightful meal! Will definitely be making these again!
This would be perfect to make for brunch for my family. Looking forward to giving this recipe a try.
These sounds really good! I need to start eating some more fish, I just never make it a priority.
Those salmon crquettes look amazing and great for a summer party. I will keep this recipe handy for when I go shopping the next time.
This looks tasty. I’m pretty sure my family would like them. They are all about seafood!
I have always used my Mother’s recipe but wanted to try something new. This recipe was absolutely delicious and so easy. I followed the recipe exactly as written. I will definitely make again. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for coming to let us know, Donna!
I make salmon patties all the time never use corn meal I use bread crumbs what is the reason for the corn meal I also make them using fresh salmon
Just the way this recipe is written, feel free to use bread crumbs instead, they are both binders. You can also use fresh salmon. These were meant to be easy, so skipping the step of having to cook salmon is a time saver. You can use fresh salmon too.
Absolutely delicious! Used pouches of salmon and parsley instead of cilantro. To die for!
Fabulous! Glad you loved them!
The best salmon cakes ever!!! Very good directions. Thanks. Don’t need to try any other recipes for salmon patties. Can’t be better.
This was so good and tasty! I cooked some fresh salmon filets instead of canned salmon, traded out the cilantro for parsley, and left off bell peppers. It took less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Highly recommended!
Fabulous! And thank you for stopping by to let us know!
Salmon patties: the best I have ever made. I thought I would never say that. I did not have cilantro so it was not in my patties. Yum yum yum!
Yay!!! Love to hear that!
These are AMAZING!
Thank you!
I make these using dill weed in place of cilantro using old bay & sprinkle of Lemmon juice enhances the flavor
Love those modifications! Here in Maryland, we use a lot of Old Bay 🙂
Do you live in Tennessee?
Great to know about adding dill!
Hi Lynn, I do not. I live in Maryland, but have made many trips to TN and have friends there.
I was raised by southern cooks to be a southern cook and I had my doubts about this recipe — the Mayo especially. I substituted celery for bell pepper (I didn’t have a bell pepper.) These were perfectly moist, tender, flavorful, and crispy on the outside.
Yay! Glad we could win you over! Mayo is just egg and oil, so a binder and moisture. Love the idea of celery too- a little snap and crunch!
So good! So easy to make and so flavorful
Don’t mind my drool. These look amazing and are just what I’ve been craving! Can I make it with leftover salmon that I baked in the oven?
Do you have an alternative to the cilantro? I’m not a fan but I want to make these for my family.
Kelly use parsley if you like
Yes, great sub for cilantro!
I love this recipe! It’s super fast and easy to prepare, and it’s done in no time at all. Perfect for a quick and filling dinner, and they can be use for burgers too. 🙂
These are so delicious! Such a delicious use for canned salmon!