Traditional cod croquettes with garlic and parsley

Kitchen Team @ Spooning and Forking

These traditional Spanish cod croquettes blend tender flaked fish, garlic, and parsley with smooth béchamel, creating delicate bites that are golden and crisp outside, creamy inside. Ideal for tapas or appetisers, they deliver pure Mediterranean comfort, balancing freshness, crunch, and the richness of classic Spanish home cooking.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 5

Chilling time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine European, Mediterranean, Spanish

Servings Servings

Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients

60 g butter unsalted
75 g plain flour
600 ml whole milk warmed
200 g cod cooked flaked, desalted or fresh
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp parsley chopped
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp nutmeg
Sea Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 eggs large, beaten
120 g dried breadcrumbs
Oil for frying light olive or sunflower

Instructions

Start by melting the butter in the pan and adding the garlic. Let it soften gently without browning. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute to form a smooth paste.
Gradually add the warm milk, whisking constantly, until thickened and glossy. Stir in the cod, parsley, mustard, paprika, nutmeg, and seasoning.
Once the mixture is smooth and evenly combined, transfer it to a shallow tray, drizzle a little olive oil on top, and leave to cool completely before covering and chilling for several hours.
When firm, scoop small portions and shape into ovals. Coat in flour, dip in beaten egg, and roll in breadcrumbs. Chill again for 30 minutes before frying.
Heat the oil to 180°C and fry the croquettes in small batches for about 2 to 3 minutes until golden. Drain on kitchen paper and serve hot with lemon wedges or dipping sauce.

Notes

The cod should be cooked simply—steamed, poached, or baked—so it flakes easily. Avoid overcooking, which can make it dry. If you’re using salt cod, soak it overnight in plenty of water, changing it two or three times. This ensures the right balance of savoury flavour without excess salt.

The garlic should be finely minced or even grated. It blends into the mixture without leaving sharp bites. Parsley adds a green freshness that makes these croquettes taste light even though they’re fried.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 11gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 0.9gSugar: 1.4gVitamin A: 290IUCalcium: 70mgIron: 0.6mg

Keyword cod croquettes, fish recipe, fried tapas, garlic parsley, spanish seafood

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