Nothing beats the taste of homemade croquettes. Whether you choose to make sophisticated shrimp or creamy cheese croquettes yourself, both are Belgian classics that will please any lover of good food. Today I share with you a detailed guide to making your own shrimp and cheese croquettes yourself. The process takes some time and patience, but the result is well worth it!
Ingredients
Cheese croquette
- 100 g grated cheese (preferably a mix of old and young cheese)
- 50 g butter
- 50 g flour
- 250 ml of milk
- 1 egg yolk
- Nutmeg, pepper and salt to taste
Shrimp croquette
- 200 g grey shrimps (fresh or peeled)
- 50 g butter
- 50 g flour
- 250 ml fish stock
- 100 ml whole milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Pepper and salt to taste
For browning and deep-frying
- 2 eggs
- 100 g flour
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step 1: make the roux
The base of both croquettes is a roux, a mixture of butter and flour that creates a firm but creamy texture.
- Top up with liquid: gradually add the milk for the cheese croquettes or the fish stock and milk for the shrimp croquettes. Keep stirring until you have a smooth sauce with no lumps.
- Melt the butter: heat a saucepan over medium-high heat and melt the butter.
- Add the flour: add the flour and stir constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk. Let the mixture cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook but not brown.
Step 2: prepare the filling
For the cheese croquettes
- Add cheese: add the grated cheese to the sauce and stir until completely melted.
- Season the mixture: season with nutmeg, pepper and salt.
- Chill: let the mixture cool in the fridge.
Source photo: Getty Images
For the shrimp croquettes
- Add shrimps: add the shrimps, lemon juice and parsley to the sauce. Stir well.
- Cool: Let the mixture cool in the fridge until it is firm enough to form.
- Season to taste: season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: shaping and breadcrumbs
- Form the croquettes. Take portions of the cooled filling and shape them into cylindrical croquettes with your hands. It helps to lightly grease your hands with oil so it doesn’t stick.
- Bread the croquettes. Roll the croquettes first through the flour, then through the beaten egg, and finally through the breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy crust, you can repeat this step, especially the egg and breadcrumbs process.
- Let them rest. Place the breaded croquettes on a baking tray and let them rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This ensures the croquettes keep their shape during frying.
Step 4: frying
- Heat the oil: heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or pan to 180°C.
- Deep-fry the croquettes: deep-fry the croquettes in small portions so that they cook evenly. This takes about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Drain: remove the croquettes from the oil and drain on kitchen paper.
Making shrimp and cheese croquettes yourself is a great way to impress your guests and bring the authentic taste of Belgian cuisine into your home. It takes some time and effort, but the reward is a delicious crispy snack that everyone will enjoy! Enjoy your meal!