Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes
Delightful crispy croquettes filled with tender shrimp, mashed potatoes, and aromatic garlic and onion, perfect as appetizers or snacks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup potatoes, boiled and mashed
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- to taste salt and pepper
- as needed oil for frying
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp, then chop them into small pieces after cooking them in a skillet with onions and garlic.
- Ensure the potatoes are boiled and mashed smoothly, ready to be mixed with the shrimp.
Cooking the Base
- In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove from heat and chop the shrimp for the mixture.
Mixing Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, sautéed shrimp, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
- The mixture should be thick enough to form into patties.
Shaping the Mixture
- Take a handful of the mixture and shape it into small patties or croquettes, about the size of your palm.
- You can also shape them into logs if you prefer a different texture. Make sure they are evenly shaped to ensure even cooking.
Preparing for Frying
- Set up a breading station with the beaten egg in one bowl and the bread crumbs in another.
- Dip each shaped croquette into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll it in the bread crumbs until fully coated.
Frying the Croquettes
- In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium heat, ensuring there’s enough to submerge at least half of each croquette.
- Carefully place the breaded croquettes into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
Serving
- Once the croquettes are cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve them hot, paired with your favorite dipping sauce or a refreshing side salad.
Notes
These croquettes can be made ahead of time and frozen. Thaw and reheat before serving. Experiment with spices or add-ins to cater to your taste preferences.