Paula Deen Southern Salmon Croquettes are crispy pan-fried patties made with canned salmon, egg, green onion, and breadcrumbs. Ready in 20 minutes, they make 10 patties. A Southern weeknight staple that stretches a pantry can into something worth sitting down for.
The breadcrumb ratio makes or breaks these. Paula calls for 1/4 cup mixed in and the rest dusted on the outside. Too much inside and they turn dense. Too little on the outside and they fall apart in the oil. That thin outer coat is what gives you the crunch without drying out the salmon.
Drain the canned salmon well before mixing. Wet salmon means soft patties that won’t hold together. Shape them gently and don’t pack them too tight. Give the oil a few minutes to come up to temperature before the first batch goes in.
Paula Deen Southern Salmon Croquettes
Course: DinnerCuisine: American, SouthernDifficulty: Easy10
servings10
minutes10
minutes120
kcalPan-fried salmon patties with a light breadcrumb crust. Flaked canned salmon is mixed with egg and green onion, shaped by hand, and cooked in a hot skillet until golden on both sides.
Ingredients
2 fillets flaked canned salmon
1 beaten egg
2 tablespoons sliced green onion
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
- Heat the oil: Over medium heat, heat oil in a medium skillet.
- Mix the filling: Combine canned salmon, beaten egg, green onions and 1/4 cup bread crumbs.
- Shape and coat: Form into patties and dust with additional bread crumbs.
- Fry: Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Fresh salmon works, but you need to cook and flake it first. Poach or bake it, let it cool, then break it up with a fork. Canned salmon is already soft and salty, so with fresh you may need a pinch of salt to get the same flavor.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart in the skillet?
Make sure the salmon is well-drained and the mixture holds together when you squeeze a handful. If it still feels loose, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs. Let each patty sit in the hot oil for a full minute before flipping so the crust sets.
Can I shape the patties ahead of time?
Shape them and lay them on a parchment-lined tray. Cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours. Cold patties actually hold together better in the pan. Dust them with breadcrumbs right before frying, not when you shape them, or the coating gets soggy.
How long will leftover croquettes keep in the fridge?
They keep for 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, not the microwave. The microwave makes them soggy. A quick pan reheat brings back most of the crunch.
What oil temperature works best for frying these?
Medium heat, around 350 degrees, is the target. If the oil smokes, it is too hot. Drop a small pinch of breadcrumbs in first. When it sizzles right away without burning, the oil is ready.
