Croquettes of thick bechamel mixed with grey shrimp, breaded and fried. With cheese croquettes, the two most popular in Belgium, as a starter or a main.

The two most popular croquettes in Belgium have a thick bechamel filling, either grey shrimp (garnaalkroketten) or cheese. The shrimp filling is thought to have first appeared in 1922 and became popular in the 1950s. As a main dish the croquettes are usually served with salad, fried parsley and fries. In Brussels they are on the card at the Noordzee fishbar, Chez Leon, Aux Armes de Bruxelles, Au Stekerlapatte and Les Brigittines.

Where to eat Croquettes aux crevettes grises in Brussels

5 editor picks for Croquettes aux crevettes grises in Brussels, ranked by editorial score. All Brussels signature dishes · Croquettes aux crevettes grises across every city.

Make it at home

Serves 85 hrIntermediate

Ingredients

  • 300g North Sea grey shrimps (or small cold-water peeled shrimp)
  • 50g butter
  • 50g plain flour
  • 300ml whole milk
  • 100ml fish stock
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1 egg yolk
  • Salt, cayenne pepper, nutmeg
  • For breading: 2 eggs beaten, breadcrumbs, flour
  • Vegetable oil for deep-frying
  • 1 small bunch parsley to fry as garnish

Method

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan, sweat shallot until soft.
  2. Add flour and cook the roux for 2 minutes without colour.
  3. Whisk in milk and fish stock until smooth; cook until very thick.
  4. Stir in shrimps, lemon juice, egg yolk, salt, cayenne and nutmeg. Cook 1 minute.
  5. Spread mixture on a tray to cool, then refrigerate at least 4 hours until firm.
  6. Shape into 8 small barrels. Roll in flour, then beaten egg, then breadcrumbs.
  7. Heat oil to 180C and deep-fry croquettes for 3 minutes until golden.
  8. Quickly deep-fry the parsley sprigs for 10 seconds; salt and serve as garnish.

Editor tip. Chill the bechamel for at least 4 hours; warmer mixture will collapse during frying. The breadcrumb coat protects the centre.

Common allergens: Shellfish, Gluten, Dairy, Eggs.