Spanish Crab & Prawn Croquettes (Croquetas)
These Spanish Crab & Prawn Croquettes are crispy, creamy, and packed with seafood goodness. Perfect for sharing as tapas or an elegant starter!
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted Spoon
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
- 500 milliliters full cream milk
- 150 milliliters chicken stock
- 85 grams butter
- Shallots finely chopped
- 115 grams plain flour
- 125 grams white crab meat fresh
- 100 grams prawns cooked, peeled, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley chopped
- 2 large eggs free-range, beaten
- 200 grams breadcrumbs made from stale crustless white bread
- Olive oil for deep frying
- Salt
- White pepper freshly ground
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Base
- Begin by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallots and sauté until they turn translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Creating the Roux
- Sprinkle in the plain flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes. Gradually pour in the full cream milk and chicken stock while whisking to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and bubbles gently, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Adding the Seafood
- Remove the mixture from heat. Gently fold in the white crab meat, finely chopped prawns, and chopped flat-leaf parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Shaping the Croquettes
- Once cooled, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into oval or round balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Breading the Croquettes
- Set up a breading station with one bowl of beaten eggs and another with breadcrumbs. Dip each croquette in the egg, letting excess drip off, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated. Repeat for all croquettes.
Step 6: Frying to Perfection
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Fry croquettes in batches without overcrowding for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the crispy outside and creamy, flavorful inside!
Notes
- Wet your hands slightly when shaping croquettes to prevent sticking.
- For extra crispiness, double coat croquettes by dipping in egg and breadcrumbs twice.
- Ensure oil is around 180°C (350°F) for perfect frying.
- Freeze croquettes in a single layer before storing to prevent sticking.
- Try baking croquettes at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes as a healthier alternative to frying.