Salmon Croquettes with Fennel, Red Bell Pepper, and Arugula Slaw
Before the era of widespread refrigeration, most of the commercial salmon catch was smoked or canned so it could be stored until the next season. And there was plenty to can in those days, because the salmon population was not threatened by overfishing or pollution of their habitat. As a result, canned salmon became a fixture on grocery store shelves and in home pantries across the United States, and the salmon croquette became a specialty of American cooking. I recall my mother opening a can of salmon for a quick dinner, mixing it with egg, bread crumbs, and some seasonings, patting the mixture into cakes, and sautéing them until golden on both sides. These days, it is not difficult to procure fresh salmon, and that is what I prefer for my croquettes, though always shopping with sustainability of the fish in mind. The price difference between canned and fresh is unexpectedly small, and it takes but a few minutes to cook salmon steaks or fillets—in the oven or in the microwave—for the croquettes. The payoff is, as is generally true, the taste difference: fresh is the best. The croquettes make a pretty focus for a brunch or light dinner menu, as here, or serve them as an unusual side dish for breakfast with eggs cooked any style.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4 to 6
Ingredients
Croquettes
Slaw
Preparation
Step 1
The salmon can be cooked in the oven or in the microwave. If cooking in the oven, preheat it to 375°F.
Step 2
To cook the salmon, sprinkle the fillets with salt and place them on a lightly oiled baking sheet or microwave-safe dish. Cook in the oven uncovered or in the microwave covered until just beyond medium-rare and white curds have formed across the top, about 8 minutes in the oven or 4 to 5 minutes in the microwave, depending on the thickness of the pieces. Transfer to a large bowl and when completely cool, pick out any errant bones.
Step 3
To make the croquettes, add the parsley, tarragon, bread crumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the salmon and mix with your hands, breaking up the salmon without mashing it, until well blended. Spread the bread crumbs for coating on a large plate. Form the salmon mixture into patties 1/2 inch thick in whatever diameter you would like, depending on how many people you are serving. Coat them on both sides with the crumbs. Set the coated patties aside in the refrigerator to firm for 30 minutes or so.
Step 4
To make the slaw, combine the fennel, bell pepper, lemon juice, and salt in a large bowl and toss gently to mix. Place the arugula on top and set aside without tossing.
Step 5
To cook the croquettes, melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add as many salmon patties as will fit without crowding and fry, turning once, until golden on both sides, 4 to 5 minutes total. If necessary, continue with another round, adding more butter to the pan if needed.
Step 6
To serve, gently mix the arugula into the slaw. Spread the slaw across a large serving platter and drizzle with the oil. Set the patties on top, garnish with the lemon wedges, and serve right away.
