When your taste buds are craving something crispy and tender, then Salmon Croquettes need 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!
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.
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 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. 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!
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:
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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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!