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Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes: Crispy, Flavorful Bites

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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

Scale
  • 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

  1. Peel, devein, and chop the shrimp into small, uniform pieces. Pat dry.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in grated carrot and diced chicken ham. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
  5. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring for 1–2 minutes. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
  6. 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.
  7. Shape mixture into small cylinders or ovals.
  8. Dip each croquette in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  9. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry croquettes in batches 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
  10. 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.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 20