Easy and Delicious Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes You’ll Love to Make
When it comes to comfort food, there’s just something magical about a crispy, warm croquette that can transport you back to cozy nights spent in a kitchen filled with love, laughter, and maybe a little bit of chaos, right? I still remember the first time I attempted to make these easy weeknight dinners — Portuguese shrimp croquettes — while haphazardly juggling kids, a ridiculously chatty phone call with my best friend, and a dog who thought he deserved a treat for every time I turned my back. Spoiler alert: it was a culinary adventure that ended in a satisfying, if slightly messy, success!
We have a family tradition of seeking comfort in food, and this recipe embodies that sentiment perfectly. Each bite is packed with flavor, reminding me of family gatherings and the often chaotic, yet warm, fellowship around the dinner table. Picture this: It’s a crisp evening, maybe a Sunday, and the golden hues of the autumn sun dance through your kitchen windows. The scent of sautéing onions and garlic whirls around, blending beautifully with the smoky paprika. Honestly, what’s not to love?
These little croquettes are not just food; they’re joy rolled into crispy bites. They somehow always seem to make their way into our meal rotation whenever I’m in need of a culinary hug. And let’s be real, the fact that they’re packed with shrimp means they also fall into the high protein meals category! How’s that for a win-win?
So, whether you’re introducing your family to some healthy comfort food, planning your next quick family meals night, or just craving a delightful bite, these shrimp croquettes will become a staple in your home, just like they’ve become in mine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ease of Preparation: Not only are these croquettes a crowd-pleaser, but they also come together quickly! You won’t be spending your entire evening in the kitchen, trust me.
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Comforting Texture: Crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, these croquettes deliver that satisfying contrast that’ll make you come back for more.
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Picky Eater Approved: Kids and adults alike tend to devour these without question. Just try not to be alarmed as they disappear faster than you can say “croquette”!
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Make-Ahead Magic: Want to prepare dinner for two but don’t want to fall into a mundane routine? These freeze beautifully and are perfect for budget-friendly recipes to stretch your dollar.
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Flavor Explosion: The unique blend of spices, including smoked paprika and ground coriander, takes these croquettes from ordinary to extraordinary. Each bite is a burst of flavor!
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Perfect Leftovers: Did I mention they taste even better the next day? You can pop them in the air fryer to regain some crunch, making them ideal for meal prep microwave lunches.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What truly sets these Portuguese shrimp croquettes apart is the combination of flavors that meld together so beautifully. The shrimp adds a sweet, briny note, while the spices bring warmth and depth. I have to admit, the first time I made them, I went a bit overboard on the garlic, believing you could never have too much — oops! The house smelled amazing, but those croquettes were a bit more potent than I’d hoped. Lesson learned: balance is key, my friends.
My secret weapon is the addition of mashed potatoes; they create that creamy filling texture that makes indulging in these croquettes feel like a special event, even on a Wednesday night. The crispy outer layer is an ode to my love for textures in food — plus, let’s give a shout-out to the breadcrumb crust, which is usually where I sneak in more flavor by using panko. It just gives you that extra crunch!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped: This is the star of the dish! Fresh shrimp brings a naturally sweet flavor that works wonders in these croquettes.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the shrimp): Because what’s cooking without a bit of olive oil? Plus, it adds another layer of flavor.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Onions add sweetness and layers of flavor. They also make the whole house smell fantastic as they sauté!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: The more, the merrier! Just be careful not to go overboard — learn from my past mistakes.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This smoky element elevates these croquettes to mouth-watering levels.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: A little floral sweetness rounds out the flavor profile. Honestly, it might just become your new favorite spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who enjoy a little kick, this adds just the right amount of heat.
- 1 cup mashed potatoes (preferably cold): This is the creamy glue that holds everything together. Make sure they’re cold — freshly whipped potatoes won’t give you the right texture.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds a bit of creaminess and richness. You’ll want to use a good quality one!
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: For freshness and color; it’s all about those touch-ups!
- Salt and pepper (to taste): It’s key; don’t skip this!
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as the glue for the breadcrumbs.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko): I swear by panko for that extra crunch. Holds up beautifully while frying!
- Vegetable oil (for frying): You can’t beat oil for that satisfying crunch!
Pro Tips:
- When choosing shrimp, go for a quality brand. You’ll want them plump and juicy for the best flavor.
- Leave the skins on the shrimp while you prepare other ingredients; it sounds odd, but trust me, it keeps them moist and delightful during cooking.
- Don’t skip letting the mixture cool before forming croquettes — it makes handling the mixture so much easier!
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Alright, my friends, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. This is where the magic happens. I still remember the excitement bubbling in my stomach when I finally nailed this recipe.
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Sauté the Shrimp: Heat the tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Toss in those finely chopped shrimp and let them cook until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The aroma? Heavenly. Oops, just make sure not to overcook — they will continue to cook later on.
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Onion and Garlic Time: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the shrimp, letting them sizzle together. You’ll want until the onions are soft and translucent. Seriously, take a moment to breathe in!
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Seasoning It Up: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling spicy). Give everything a good stir. Your house is going to smell amazing right about now.
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Mix with Potatoes: Remove the pan from heat and let it cool. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp mixture with the cup of cold mashed potatoes, mayonnaise, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Now mix until combined; it should be creamy and slightly chunky.
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Forming Croquettes: Here’s where you can get a bit creative. Take a scoop of the mixture and form it into a shape that pleases you. You can go for classic oval or a more fun shape — whatever floats your boat!
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Bread It: Set up your breading station: one bowl with beaten egg and another with breadcrumbs. Dip each croquette into the egg first, making sure it’s well coated, then roll it in the breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, press the breadcrumbs down a bit to help them stick.
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Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want to have enough oil to submerge the croquettes halfway. You know it’s hot enough when a breadcrumb sizzles upon dropping in.
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Fry Those Babies Up: Carefully place a few croquettes in the hot oil (don’t overcrowd the pan; I learned this the hard way). Fry until they’re golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Yum!
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Drain and Cool: Once golden, transfer the croquettes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle with a touch more salt while they’re hot — trust me, it makes a difference!
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Serving: You can serve them warm with a side of aioli or even a light salad for a bit of freshness.
Who knew you had it in you, right? These homemade shrimp croquettes are gorgeous! Get ready for the compliments. I know they’ll be coming your way.
Tips for Best Results
- Temperature Is Key: Make sure your potatoes are cold before mixing. It just makes everything stick together better.
- Flavor Up: Feel free to experiment with spices — throw in some cumin or even a hint of lime zest if you’re in the mood. Trust your taste bbuds!
- Fry Smart: If you want to avoid a mess, use a splatter guard when frying. No one needs hot oil decorating their kitchen, am I right?
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Shrimp Alternatives: If you’re not a shrimp lover or just want to try something different, these croquettes would work beautifully with crab meat, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute.
- Potato Swaps: Sweet potatoes could add a delightful sweetness and a pop of color! It’s a fun and healthy twist.
- Herbs and Seasoning Switch-Up: Want a herby bomb? Use fresh cilantro or basil instead of parsley. For a zestier profile, add lime juice or zest.
Serving Suggestions
Croquettes are fantastic on their own, but let’s take it up a notch, shall we? Serve these crispy delights alongside a fresh green salad for a light and satisfying combo. Or how about pairing them with a garlicky aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo? And here’s a thought — cozy up with your croquettes, a rom-com, and maybe a glass of white wine to really complete the experience.
You could even whip these up as a delightful appetizer for a small gathering! Trust me, they’ll be the star of the table.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have some croquettes left (because let’s be real, they tend to disappear quickly!), simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, the oven or air fryer is your best bet for retaining that crispiness! Just pop them in at about 350°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway. You can also reheat them on a skillet over medium heat! No soggy croquettes here, folks.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
These croquettes freeze like a dream. Once breaded, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month! When you get a craving, there’s no need to wait — just fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Trust me on this one! You want them tender, not rubbery.
- Not Letting the Mixture Cool: This ensures that the croquettes hold their shape when frying.
- Crowding the Pan: Fry in batches; this will ensure an even, crispy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Can I make these croquettes gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed rice crackers as a substitute. -
Can I bake the croquettes instead of frying them?
You can! Brush them with a bit of olive oil and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. -
What can I serve as a dipping sauce?
Consider garlic aioli, a squeeze of lemon, or even a spicy ketchup for a playful kick! -
How do I know when they’re done frying?
Look for that golden brown color! It should take about 3-5 minutes total per batch. -
Can I use different meats?
Definitely! These croquettes work well with chicken or even mashed beans as a vegetarian option!
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula or slotted spoon
- Paper towels or a cooling rack
- Baking sheet (for freezing)
Final Thoughts
Revisiting this recipe brings back such warm memories, adding to the cozy tapestry of my culinary journey. Cooking is often about the little things, the laughter, the spills, and yes, even the “oops” moments. Each croquette is lovingly crafted and always brings people together. I hope you create your own cozy memories with these shrimp croquettes in your kitchen.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Let’s spread the deliciousness together. Happy cooking!
Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes
Ingredients
Shrimp Filling
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped Fresh shrimp brings a naturally sweet flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the shrimp.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped Adds sweetness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adjust according to preference.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika For a smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander Adds floral sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) For a bit of heat.
- 1 cup mashed potatoes (preferably cold) Helps bind the mixture.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise Adds creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For freshness.
- to taste salt and pepper Essential seasoning.
Breading and Frying
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) For extra crunch.
- as needed vegetable oil for frying Enough to submerge the croquettes halfway.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the finely chopped shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine.
- Remove the pan from heat and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, mix the shrimp mixture with cold mashed potatoes, mayonnaise, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Forming and Frying
- Scoop the mixture and shape it into croquettes.
- Set up a breading station with one bowl for the beaten egg and another for breadcrumbs.
- Dip each croquette into the egg, then roll it in breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry croquettes until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and sprinkle with salt.
Serving
- Serve warm with aioli or salad on the side.
