Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 g) Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
- 8 oz (227 g) ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp (5 ml) granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) ground ginger
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups (160 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 3-4 cups (720-960 ml) vegetable oil, for deep frying
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes until tender. Drain and mash (or rice) until smooth. Set aside.
- Sauté onion, carrot and garlic in oil until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and ginger. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Mix the cooked beef mixture with the mashed potatoes until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Scoop portions of the mixture and form into oval or round shapes. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate the formed croquettes for at least 15 minutes to firm up. This helps them hold their shape during frying.
- Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third.
- Dredge each croquette in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Make sure they're fully coated - no bald patches allowed!
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully lower a few croquettes at a time into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove croquettes with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve immediately.