As a baker and home cook, I have always loved experimenting with flavors from different cuisines, but Portuguese cuisine has a special place in my heart. One dish I find myself returning to time and time again is Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes. These golden, crispy bites are not only delicious but also bring a comforting, homemade feel to any meal or gathering. I first tried making them when I wanted something elegant yet approachable for a weekend lunch, and since then, they have become a staple in my kitchen.
You will love this recipe because the croquettes are perfectly crispy on the outside while tender, flavorful, and creamy on the inside. The shrimp mixture is rich, well-seasoned, and subtly infused with traditional Portuguese spices, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or a main course, these croquettes always impress.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can make them in various sizes, adjust the seasoning to your liking, or even substitute ingredients for a lighter or richer version. They are perfect for entertaining because they can be prepared ahead of time and fried or baked just before serving. Additionally, they freeze beautifully, allowing you to have a quick, ready-to-cook snack on hand whenever cravings strike.
Another reason I adore this recipe is that it is very affordable. Using simple ingredients like shrimp, potatoes, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, you can create a gourmet-tasting dish without breaking the bank. Even the shrimp can be swapped for smaller, budget-friendly varieties without losing flavor or texture.
Ingredients for Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes:
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1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small carrot, finely grated
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1/2 cup chicken ham, finely diced
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2 tablespoons flour
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1/2 cup milk
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Pinch of smoked paprika
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2 eggs, beaten
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
These ingredients come together to create a croquette that is rich in flavor, satisfying, and fun to make. With just a handful of staples from your kitchen, you can produce a dish that is both impressive and comforting.
How to Prepare Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes
Preparing Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes is easier than it looks, and with the right steps, you can achieve perfectly crispy, flavorful bites every time. This recipe is designed to be quick and easy, yet versatile enough to customize according to your taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the shrimp: Start by peeling, deveining, and chopping your shrimp into small, uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and fit perfectly inside the croquettes. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help the mixture hold together better.
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to become fragrant.
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Cook the vegetables and chicken ham: Add the grated carrot and finely diced chicken ham to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the carrot softens slightly and the chicken ham releases its flavor.
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Make the base mixture: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the sautéed mixture and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw taste of the flour. Gradually pour in 1/2 cup of milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy consistency.
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Add the shrimp and seasoning: Fold in the chopped shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the shrimp are just opaque. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before shaping the croquettes.
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Shape the croquettes: Using your hands or a spoon, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into cylinders or ovals. Make sure they are compact so they hold together during frying.
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Coat the croquettes: Prepare two shallow dishes: one with beaten eggs and the other with breadcrumbs. Dip each croquette first into the egg, ensuring it is fully coated, and then roll it in breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere evenly.
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Fry the croquettes: Heat a generous amount of olive oil or vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the croquettes in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
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Serve: Arrange the croquettes on a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a garlic aioli or a light tomato sauce.
Quick and Easy Tips
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You can prepare the shrimp mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to shape and fry.
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For a healthier version, bake the croquettes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden.
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Experiment with additional seasonings like paprika, lemon zest, or fresh herbs to create a unique flavor profile.
Customization Ideas
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Substitute shrimp with small pieces of cooked white fish for a different twist.
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Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or peas to the filling for added color and texture.
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Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy coating.
Popular with Many People
These croquettes are consistently a crowd-pleaser. Their combination of crispy exterior and creamy, flavorful filling appeals to both children and adults alike. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or even as a fun snack, they always disappear quickly from the plate.
By following these steps, you can master Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes with ease, impressing everyone with your cooking skills while enjoying a versatile and delicious dish.
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Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes: Crispy, Flavorful Bites
Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes are golden, crispy bites with a creamy, flavorful shrimp filling. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these croquettes are versatile, easy to prepare, and loved by both kids and adults.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small carrot, finely grated
- 1/2 cup chicken ham, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of smoked paprika
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Peel, devein, and chop the shrimp into small, uniform pieces. Pat dry.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in grated carrot and diced chicken ham. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring for 1–2 minutes. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Fold in chopped shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook 2–3 minutes until shrimp turn opaque. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Shape mixture into small cylinders or ovals.
- Dip each croquette in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry croquettes in batches 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with dipping sauce.
Notes
Prepare the mixture a day ahead for convenience.
Freeze uncooked croquettes for up to a month.
Optional: bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes instead of frying.
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
FAQs
1. Can I make Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Shape and coat the croquettes just before frying to maintain their crispiness. You can also freeze them uncooked for up to a month; fry or bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. Can I bake them instead of frying?
Absolutely. For a healthier version, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the croquettes on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
3. Can I use different seafood?
Yes, small pieces of cooked white fish or even crab can replace shrimp. Adjust cooking times slightly depending on the seafood used to prevent overcooking.
4. What can I serve with these croquettes?
They pair beautifully with garlic aioli, light tomato sauce, or even a fresh salad. You can also serve them as part of a tapas-style meal or alongside roasted vegetables.
5. How do I make the croquettes extra crispy?
Ensure the shrimp mixture is cooled before shaping. Use panko breadcrumbs and fry in medium-hot oil, turning carefully, for an evenly golden, crispy exterior.
These tips make Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes easy, versatile, and perfect for any occasion.