Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
452 | 27g | 5g | 20g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
3g | 2g | 35g | 1.2g |
Why I Love French Fresh Herb Fish Croquettes
There’s something truly special about these Fresh Herb Fish Croquettes – not only do they transport me back to fond summer memories of my youth, but they are also an embodiment of my culinary philosophy: a seamless blend of wholesome ingredients with indulgent comfort food. I’m thrilled to share this delightful French-inspired recipe with you.
Health and Comfort Fuse Effortlessly
As Californian-born, I’ve always been aware of the need to choose ingredients that nourish our bodies without sacrificing taste. In this fish croquettes recipe, the combination of fresh herbs, lean white fish, and a crispy golden crust ties together the wholesome and comforting elements. The recipe was partly inspired by Chef Raymond Blanc, whose work I adore, and who often showcases the simple elegance of French cuisine.
Fresh Ingredients Make the Difference
Liberally using parsley, chives, and tarragon is the secret to giving these fish croquettes their lively, aromatic flavor profile. Every bite is an adventure, with the herbs playing a significant role in adding a zesty nuance. Just like the vineyards my home state is known for, this dish is all about the balance of flavors. The smooth and mellow white fish is the perfect backdrop to let the herbs shine, and the crisp fried exterior provides the perfect texture contrast.
The Fresh Herb Fish Croquettes are a hit for family meals, adding an element of gourmet dining to our everyday life. In my home, each of my three adopted children have unique palates. But this is one recipe that always unifies our dinner table, with its crispy outsides, savory fish interior, and the freshness of herbs that even my youngest, a notorious vegetable avoider, can’t resist.
I believe food’s magic lies in its ability to evoke memories, evoke places, connect us with others, and bring us back to our roots. This soulful recipe does just that. Every time I cook these Fresh Herb Fish Croquettes, I recall the sunny valleys of my childhood, the laughter of past family meals, and the discovery of my passion for food. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a memory encapsulated into a delectable bite.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound of white fish fillets
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh tarragon, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 cups of vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by patting your white fish fillets dry with paper towels. Once dry, chop the fish into small, bite-sized pieces. Set this aside for now.
Step Two
In a large skillet, heat up a dash of the vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Introduce your cut fish to the skillet, cooking until the fish is completely white and flaky. This should take approximately another 5 minutes. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Step Four
Next, transfer the cooked fish, onion, and garlic mixture into a large bowl. Add the finely chopped parsley, chives, and tarragon into this bowl. Also include the breadcrumbs, the eggs, the all-purpose flour, and the milk. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix all of these ingredients together until they are well combined.
Step Five
Once your mixture is ready, now you will start making your fish croquettes. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into a small patty. Set this aside on a plate and repeat until all of the mixture is used up.
Step Six
Heat the remaining vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the croquettes to the skillet, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to do this in batches depending how big your skillet is. Fry each croquette until it is brown and crispy, typically around 3-5 minutes per side.
Step Seven
Remove the fried croquettes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Allow them to cool for a moment.
Step Eight
Finally, serve your Fresh Herb Fish Croquettes warm with a side of lemon wedges for squeezing. Enjoy while hot!