Salmon croquettes are a delicious and easy way to enjoy canned salmon. Also known as salmon patties or salmon cakes, these crispy fried patties make a satisfying main dish. But what should you serve alongside them? Here are 15 of the best side dishes to pair with salmon croquettes.
What are Salmon Croquettes?
Salmon croquettes are made by combining canned salmon with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings to form patties The patties are then dipped in breadcrumbs or flour and pan-fried until golden brown and crispy
Though the canned salmon provides plenty of flavor, the croquettes are often enhanced with lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, herbs, or spices The result is a budget-friendly meal that’s quite elegant in taste and presentation.
Salmon croquettes make a quick and easy dinner option. But for a complete meal, they need an accompaniment. Keep reading for side dish ideas that perfectly complement the flavors of salmon croquettes.
15 Side Dishes for Salmon Croquettes
1. Rice
Rice is one of the most classic and easiest pairings with salmon croquettes. White rice, brown rice, or flavored rice like lemon rice or garlic rice all make excellent bases for the salmon cakes. The mild taste and fluffy texture of rice soaks up any sauce from the croquettes beautifully. Rice is affordable, simple to make, and goes with just about anything.
2. Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes are another budget-friendly classic to serve with salmon croquettes. Russet or red potatoes tossed in olive oil, herbs, and garlic roast up caramelized and delicious. Roast cubed potatoes or wedge-cut potatoes to deliver starchy goodness alongside the salmon cakes.
3. Coleslaw
A scoop of tangy coleslaw adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to fried salmon croquettes. Try a vinegar-based coleslaw or a creamy mayo coleslaw. The bright flavors and colors jazz up the plate. Plus, cabbage is an inexpensive vegetable that keeps well, making homemade coleslaw an easy side dish to have on hand.
4. Steamed Vegetables
Quick-cooking vegetables like broccoli, carrots, green beans, or asparagus can be steamed in just a few minutes. A medley of steamed veggies brings nutrition, color, and texture to balance the salmon patties. Drizzle lemon juice or top with grated parmesan for extra flavor.
5. Salad
A fresh green or vegetable salad makes a light, healthy accompaniment for salmon croquettes. Pair the croquettes with a green salad, spinach salad, kale salad, arugula salad, or any of your favorite salad recipes. Top with a simple vinaigrette, your favorite dressing, or just olive oil and vinegar.
6. Pasta
Pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, and herbs is an easy crowd-pleaser alongside salmon croquettes. Try short pasta shapes like farfalle, penne, or orecchiette. The starchy pasta and tender salmon cakes pair nicely. For added nutrition, make it whole wheat pasta.
7. Quinoa
Fluffy, protein-packed quinoa brings a unique texture to complement salmon patties. Sauté it in olive oil with garlic and herbs for maximum flavor. Chilled quinoa salads also pair well with hot crispy croquettes. Quinoa makes a nice change from rice or potatoes.
8. Corn on the Cob
Sweet summer corn on the cob is fantastic with salmon croquettes. Boil or grill the corn until tender, then serve with pats of butter. The corn’s inherent sweetness balances the savory salmon patties for a simple yet satisfying meal.
9. Roasted Asparagus
Elegant roasted asparagus spears make an upscale accompaniment for down-home salmon croquettes. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F until lightly browned and tender. The combination of textures and flavors is spectacular.
10. Sweet Potato Fries
For an indulgent treat, make crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries. Sweet potato fries pair fabulously with the salmon patties, adding natural sweetness to balance the savory cakes. Dip them in spicy mayo or remoulade sauce for extra decadence.
11. Brussel Sprouts
Pan fried Brussel sprouts caramelized with garlic and bacon are amazing with salmon croquettes. The combination of crunchy sprouts, smoky bacon, and fried salmon patties is sure to satisfy. For a lighter option, roast the sprouts with olive oil and seasoning.
12. Home Fries
Crispy pan-fried home fries or hash browns are a diner-style classic with salmon croquettes. Cook cubed potatoes in butter or oil until deeply golden brown and crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. Season them with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs.
13. Macaroni Salad
Chilled macaroni salad is a perfect summer picnic pairing for salmon croquettes. Make it with mayo, vinegar, herbs, chopped celery, bell pepper, and onion. The creamy pasta salad balances the crispy hot patties wonderfully.
14. Dinner Rolls
Warm, buttery dinner rolls round out the meal nicely when serving salmon croquettes. Great for mopping up any sauce left on the plate! Pick up a loaf of crusty artisan bread for tearing and dipping as well.
15. Green Beans
Finally, fresh green beans simmered with olive oil, garlic, and herbs make an easy veggie side for salmon croquettes. Whether using whole green beans or cut green beans, they’ll soak up the flavorful sauce.
Tips for Serving Salmon Croquettes
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Offer lemon wedges for squeezing over the top of the croquettes
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Serve with creamy condiments like tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or remoulade
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Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or dill
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For a lighter meal, bake the croquettes in the oven instead of frying
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Round out the plate with a whole grain like brown rice, quinoa, or barley
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Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for added nutrition
So next time you make these tasty salmon patties, try one of these 15 side dishes to make it a complete meal. With fresh vegetables, grains, pasta, or potatoes, these accompaniments perfectly complement salmon croquettes for a satisfying dinner.
Old School Salmon Patties / Croquettes | How to make Salmon Patties #salmonpattierecipe
FAQ
What pairs well with salmon croquettes?
What goes with salmon as a side?
Salmon pairs well with a variety of sides, including vegetables, starches, and salads. Some popular choices include roasted asparagus, broccoli, green beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or mashed potatoes. For a lighter meal, consider a quinoa salad or cucumber salad.
What’s the difference between salmon patties and salmon croquettes?
The terms “salmon patties” and “salmon croquettes” are often used interchangeably, but some argue there’s a subtle difference. Generally, salmon patties are simpler, often made with basic ingredients like canned salmon, egg, and breadcrumbs, and are fried quickly. Salmon croquettes tend to be more refined, potentially incorporating additional ingredients like onions, peppers, or mashed potatoes, and are often shaped into ovals or logs before frying.
What do you put in salmon croquettes?
Ingredients. Combine salmon, panko, onions, mayonnaise, beaten egg, lemon juice, dill, seafood seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix to combine and shape into 6 equal-sized croquettes.