Thai- or Asian-style Salmon Croquettes

[Shel_B]

This afternoon I tried something different being inspired by Thai or Asian ingredients to make salmon croquettes. This was a first batch, first try kind of thing, so the final recipe still needs work. However, the concept has promise.

I used fresh lime juice, lime zest, finely diced jalapeño, finely chopped green onion, Red Boat fish sauce, some Sriracha sauce, fresh ground black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne, and would have used some cilantro and lemon grass but I didn't have any handy. Mixed those ingredients into the salmon with beaten eggs and some panko bread crumbs.

First tastes were pretty good, but I feel I left out some key ingredient(s). Any thoughts on additional or other ingredients for this concoction?

Edited February 18, 2014 by Shel_B (log)

[Kerry Beal]

You are missing sweet in the recipe - hot, sour, salty sweet! So it's just out of balance.

[KennethT]

Not all thai dishes must contain h,s,s,s.... I think you're missing some key thai ingredients - primarily kaffir lime leaf and galangal. Adding those two will change the flavor/aroma completely.

[heidih]

My initial reaction is that the sour (lime juice) belongs in the dipping sauce along with a sweet element. The traditional Thai fish cakes are made with a mild white fish, red curry paste, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, egg, and very finely sliced green or long beans. Panko or any bread strikes me as "off" - but - you are going more for a fusion style I imagine, and using a stronger fish. A green versus a red curry paste appeals to me with salmon. I have always found the lime zest too intrusive as a sub for kaffir lime leaves. At any rate I think the traditional cucumber sauce/relish would be lovely with salmon.

[Shel_B]

Thanks for the ideas and comments.

[Simon Lewinson]

I add finely chopped coriander stems (cilantro for others), lemongrass and some sweet Chilli sauce to the mix. Agree with adding the kafir lime leaves and dropping the lime zest as it will overpower the other flavours.

Simon