Shrimp Croquettes

Shrimp Croquettes Recipe from Belgium - Easy and Delicious

Region / culture: Belgium | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Shrimp croquettes are a delicious and crispy appetizer or snack that are perfect for any occasion. These savory treats are made with cooked shrimp, gelatin, flour, milk, and a variety of seasonings. They are then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown.

History

Shrimp croquettes have been a popular dish for many years, with variations of the recipe found in different cultures around the world. The concept of croquettes originated in France in the 18th century, and has since been adapted to include a wide range of ingredients, including shrimp.

Ingredients

1 cup cooked shrimp (or prawn)
0.5 envelope gelatin
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter or margarine
0.5 cup milk
1 egg yolk
light cream
juice of 0.5 lemon
salt
pepper
chopped parsley
2 egg whites
1 tbsp salad oil
dry breadcrumbs
fat or oil for deep frying

How to prepare

Wash and drain the shrimps.
Soak gelatin in some of the cold milk.
Make a thick sauce using flour, milk, and stock. Add the shrimps and gelatin.
Beat the egg yolk with the cream, then add the sauce and return it to the saucepan to thicken. Be careful not to let it boil.
Add lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Spread this mixture onto a shallow dish to cool and set. Once set, cut it into eight equal parts and form a firm roll with each part.
Roll each roll in bread crumbs, then in a mixture of beaten egg whites and salad oil, and then again in bread crumbs, followed by egg white and bread crumbs once more.
Fry in hot deep fat (400°F (204°C)) until golden brown, and serve hot. Garnish with some sprigs of parsley that have been fried crisp (but not brown) in the same deep fat.
Serve hot.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers or onions to the shrimp mixture for added flavor and texture.
Use different seasonings such as Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist.
Substitute the shrimp with crab meat or lobster for a different seafood flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly drain the cooked shrimp to prevent the croquettes from becoming too watery.

- Be careful not to let the sauce boil when adding the egg yolk and cream mixture, as this can cause it to curdle.

- Coat the croquettes in breadcrumbs and egg whites twice for an extra crispy exterior.

- Fry the croquettes in hot oil to ensure they cook evenly and become golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp croquettes can be served as an appetizer with a side of cocktail sauce or tartar sauce, or as a main dish with a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to properly chill the shrimp mixture before forming it into croquettes to ensure they hold their shape during frying.

- Use a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot filled with oil to fry the croquettes evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to form and fry the croquettes.

- The formed croquettes can also be frozen before frying and cooked straight from the freezer.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the shrimp croquettes on a platter garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation. - Arrange the croquettes on a bed of lettuce or arugula for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair shrimp croquettes with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer.

- Serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover shrimp croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the croquettes in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of shrimp croquettes contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of shrimp croquettes contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of shrimp croquettes contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of shrimp croquettes contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Shrimp croquettes are a good source of vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus.

Alergens

Shrimp croquettes contain shellfish, eggs, and gluten.

Summary

Shrimp croquettes are a tasty and indulgent treat that are relatively high in fats and proteins, making them a satisfying snack or appetizer option.

Summary

Shrimp croquettes are a delicious and crispy appetizer or snack that are perfect for any occasion. With a savory shrimp filling coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown, these croquettes are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a beautiful summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margot in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Margot was an excellent cook, and she always seemed to have a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

As we sat in her sunlit kitchen, sipping on homemade lemonade, Margot suddenly pulled out a faded, hand-written recipe card from her recipe box. She handed it to me with a mysterious smile and said, "You have got to try these shrimp croquettes, my dear. They are simply divine."

I took the recipe card in my hands and studied it carefully. The ingredients were simple - fresh shrimp, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a few spices. The method seemed straightforward, but there was something about the combination of flavors that intrigued me.

Margot must have noticed the spark of interest in my eyes because she leaned in closer and whispered, "I learned this recipe from my grandmother, who learned it from her grandmother before her. It's been passed down through the generations, and it's always been a family favorite."

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make these shrimp croquettes. I begged Margot to teach me, and she happily agreed. We spent the rest of the afternoon in her kitchen, peeling shrimp, mixing ingredients, and shaping the croquettes into perfect little patties.

As the sun began to set, we sat down at her rustic wooden table and enjoyed the fruits of our labor. The shrimp croquettes were everything I had imagined and more - crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a burst of savory seafood flavor that danced on my tastebuds.

From that day on, shrimp croquettes became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made them for special occasions, family gatherings, and sometimes just for myself when I needed a comforting meal. Each time I made them, I thought of Margot and the summer day we spent together, bonding over our love of good food and shared recipes.

Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own little twists and tweaks to make it my own. I experimented with different seasonings, tried out various cooking methods, and even substituted ingredients based on what was available in my kitchen.

But no matter how much I tinkered with the recipe, the essence of those original shrimp croquettes remained the same - a taste of tradition, a connection to the past, and a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing good food with loved ones.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the warmth of the stove and the aroma of spices wafting through the air, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasure of cooking. And as I prepare a batch of shrimp croquettes to share with my own family, I know that I am passing down more than just a recipe - I am passing down a piece of my heart, a piece of my history, and a piece of the love that binds us all together.