Japanese Beef Croquettes Recipe

Ground beef: This is the main protein that adds rich flavor and texture to the croquettes.

Potatoes: Peeled and diced, they are boiled and mashed to create a soft base that holds everything together.

Onion: Finely chopped and sautéed, onions add sweetness and depth to the filling.

Egg: Beaten egg helps the flour and breadcrumbs stick to the patties for a crispy coating.

All-purpose flour: Used to coat the patties before dipping in egg, it helps the breadcrumbs stick better.

Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create a light, crunchy crust when fried.

One of the most important steps in this Japanese Beef Croquettes Recipe is sautéing the onions until they’re translucent. This means cooking them just until they turn soft and a little see-through, not brown or crispy. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion to the pan.
3. Stir the onions often so they cook evenly and don’t burn.
4. Keep cooking until the onions look soft and a bit see-through, which usually takes about 5 minutes.

Doing this makes the onions sweet and gentle in flavor, which is perfect because it mixes nicely with the ground beef and potatoes. If you cook the onions too long or on too high heat, they’ll get brown and taste strong, which can overpower the other ingredients.

When I first tried this recipe, I didn’t wait long enough for the onions to become translucent. The croquettes ended up tasting a bit sharp and raw. After I learned to be patient and cook the onions slowly, the whole dish tasted much better and more balanced. Also, chopping the onion finely helps them cook faster and blend smoothly with the rest of the filling.

So, take your time with the onions—it’s a small step that really makes a big difference in how tasty your croquettes turn out!

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile to ground beef.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground pork: Ground pork offers a slightly different flavor but maintains the richness and juiciness needed for croquettes.

• potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a unique sweetness and a slightly different texture, while still providing the necessary starch.

• potatoes - Substitute with cauliflower: Mashed cauliflower can be used for a lower-carb option, offering a similar creamy texture.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, making them a good alternative.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion-like flavor and can add a different texture to the croquettes.

• egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal and 3 tablespoons of water can act as a binding agent similar to eggs, suitable for vegan diets.

• egg - Substitute with applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce can be used as a binder in place of eggs, adding moisture and a hint of sweetness.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: Gluten-free flour can be used to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent and provides a similar texture to flour.

• panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with regular breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs can be used if panko is not available, though they may not be as light and crispy.

• panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes can provide a similar crunch and texture to panko breadcrumbs.

• Allow the croquettes to cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation and sogginess when stored.

• Place the cooled croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch each other. This step is crucial to prevent them from sticking together.

• Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and let the croquettes freeze until they are solid, usually taking about 1-2 hours.

• Once frozen, remove the croquettes from the baking sheet and place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

• For optimal taste and texture, consume the frozen croquettes within 1-2 months. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, but the quality may diminish over time.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen croquettes directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake them on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the croquettes in a skillet. Heat a small amount of oil over medium heat and cook the frozen croquettes for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and heated through.

• If you have leftover croquettes that have already been cooked, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• To reheat refrigerated croquettes, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.

• Avoid microwaving the croquettes as it can make them soggy and lose their delightful crispiness.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Japanese beef croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the panko breadcrumbs regain their crispiness.

• For a quicker method, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the croquettes inside for about 8-10 minutes. This will help maintain their crispy exterior while warming the inside.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place the croquettes on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.

• For an even crispier result, reheat the croquettes in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes. This method will help restore the panko breadcrumbs' crunchiness while keeping the inside moist.

• If you have a skillet, you can reheat the croquettes on the stovetop. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Place the croquettes in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and crispy again.

• Pot: Used to boil the potatoes until they are tender.

• Masher: Used to mash the boiled potatoes to a smooth consistency.

• Frying pan: Used to sauté the onions and cook the ground beef until browned.

• Spatula: Used to stir and mix the onions and ground beef while cooking.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the mashed potatoes, cooked beef, and onions.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the flour and panko breadcrumbs accurately.

• Beaten egg bowl: Used to hold the beaten egg for coating the patties.

• Plate: Used to hold the flour and panko breadcrumbs for coating the patties.

• Deep fryer: Used to fry the patties until they are golden brown.

• Tongs: Used to handle the patties while frying and to remove them from the hot oil.

• Paper towels: Used to drain excess oil from the fried patties.

• Knife: Used to finely chop the onion.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the onion.

• Peeler: Used to peel the potatoes before dicing them.

• Dicing knife: Used to dice the potatoes into small pieces.

Prepare the filling: Cook the ground beef and onions together while boiling the potatoes to save time.

Pre-make patties: Shape the mixture into patties and refrigerate them ahead of time.

Assembly line: Set up a station with flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs for quick coating.

Use a food processor: Finely chop the onion in a food processor to speed up prep.

Batch frying: Fry multiple patties at once to reduce cooking time.