Turkey croquettes are a delightful way to transform your leftover turkey into a delicious meal. These crispy patties are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. With a golden-brown crust and a savory filling, they are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Most of the ingredients for turkey croquettes are common pantry staples. However, if you don't have breadcrumbs or mashed potatoes on hand, you may need to pick them up at the supermarket. Breadcrumbs can usually be found in the baking aisle, while mashed potatoes can be made fresh or purchased pre-made in the refrigerated section.
Ingredients For Turkey Croquettes Recipe
Turkey: Cooked and shredded turkey is the main protein in this recipe, providing a rich and savory flavor.
Mashed potatoes: These act as a binder and add a creamy texture to the croquettes.
Breadcrumbs: Used to give the croquettes a crispy exterior.
Egg: A beaten egg helps to bind the ingredients together.
Onion: Chopped onion adds a bit of crunch and a mild, sweet flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the croquettes.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the croquettes to a golden brown.
Technique Tip for Perfect Croquettes
When mixing the shredded turkey, mashed potatoes, and breadcrumbs, ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed to avoid any lumps. This will help the patties hold together better during frying. Additionally, finely chop the onion to ensure it cooks through and blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cooked turkey - Substitute with cooked chicken: Chicken has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable replacement for turkey in croquettes.
mashed potatoes - Substitute with mashed sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a slightly different flavor and a bit more sweetness, but they work well in binding the croquettes.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide a similar crunchy texture to breadcrumbs.
egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water) can be used as a binder for those who are vegan or have an egg allergy.
chopped onion - Substitute with chopped shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor compared to onions and can be used to add a subtle sweetness.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a bit of umami flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor but can be used to provide a similar level of heat.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier alternative and can be used for frying or cooking the croquettes.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Croquettes
- Allow the turkey croquettes to cool completely after frying. This prevents condensation and sogginess when storing.
- Place the cooled croquettes in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the croquettes fresh and ready for a quick reheat.
- For longer storage, arrange the cooled croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching each other.
- Freeze the baking sheet with the croquettes for about 1-2 hours, or until they are firm. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Once frozen, transfer the croquettes to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. This maintains their flavor and texture.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen croquettes on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of vegetable oil until warmed and crispy on both sides. This method adds a fresh, crispy exterior.
- Serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness of your turkey croquettes once again!
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover turkey croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the breadcrumbs.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Place the croquettes in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and the outside is crispy. This method is quick and keeps the exterior crunchy.
Microwave Method: Place the croquettes on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly. This method is the fastest but may result in a softer exterior.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the croquettes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method is excellent for retaining the crispiness of the breadcrumbs.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the croquettes on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated. This method is convenient and keeps the croquettes crispy.
Best Tools for Making Croquettes
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients together thoroughly.
Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used to fry the patties until they are golden brown.
Spatula: A tool used to flip the patties in the frying pan to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the correct amounts of turkey, mashed potatoes, and breadcrumbs.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper accurately.
Knife: Used to chop the onion finely.
Cutting board: A surface to safely chop the onion.
Paper towels: Used to drain the excess oil from the patties after frying.
Plate: A surface to place the patties on before and after frying.
Fork: Used to shred the cooked turkey if it is not already shredded.
Whisk: Used to beat the egg before adding it to the mixture.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and shred the turkey ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-made mashed potatoes: Save time by using leftover or store-bought mashed potatoes.
Form patties quickly: Use an ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture evenly and quickly shape the patties.
Heat oil while mixing: Start heating the vegetable oil in the pan while you mix the ingredients to save a few minutes.
Batch frying: Fry multiple croquettes at once to reduce overall cooking time.
Turkey Croquettes Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup Mashed potatoes
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg, beaten
- ¼ cup Chopped onion
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoon Vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into small patties.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the patties in the hot oil until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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