Corned Beef Fritters are a crispy, golden delight that combine tender corned beef with shredded potatoes for a savory, satisfying bite. These fritters are lightly pan-fried to create the perfect balance of crunch on the outside and soft, flavorful goodness on the inside. They pair beautifully with a tangy honey mustard sauce, bringing out the rich, salty notes of the corned beef while adding just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a hearty appetizer, these fritters are an excellent way to use up leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day or any meal. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of horseradish, or even stacked with a poached egg for an indulgent morning treat. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these crispy corned beef fritters are sure to be a hit!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes (or substitute russet or red potatoes)
- 1 small yellow onion, peeled
- 2 ½ cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup almond flour (or substitute all-purpose flour)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or other high-smoke-point oil)
Honey Mustard Sauce (optional):
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or substitute sour cream or yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard (or stone ground mustard)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Directions:
- In a small bowl, mix all the honey mustard sauce ingredients and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy.
- Chop the corned beef into small pieces using a food processor or a knife.
- Peel and grate the potatoes and onion using a food processor or box grater.
- Squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the potatoes and onion using a kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Add the potato-onion mixture, corned beef, almond flour, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the eggs. Mix well with your hands.
- Form 12 small patties using about 1/4 cup of the mixture for each one.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and heat until hot but not smoking.
- Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Serve immediately with honey mustard sauce, sour cream, or horseradish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 435 kcal | Servings: 6 (2 fritters per serving as an appetizer)
The History Behind Corned Beef Fritters
Corned beef itself has a long history, dating back to the 17th century when it was popularized as a way to preserve beef using large grains of salt, also known as “corns” of salt. This method allowed meat to be stored for long periods without refrigeration, making it a staple food in many cultures. Over time, corned beef became particularly associated with Irish cuisine, especially as part of the traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal of corned beef and cabbage.
Fritters, on the other hand, have been a staple in various cultures worldwide. They typically involve a batter or mixture of ingredients that are fried until crispy and golden brown. Combining corned beef with fritters is a logical evolution of these traditions, making use of leftovers in a practical and tasty way. Today, corned beef fritters remain a popular dish, especially in households that appreciate hearty, comforting meals.
Why You’ll Love These Corned Beef Fritters
There are many reasons to love corned beef fritters, whether you’re a longtime fan of corned beef or trying it for the first time. Here are some of the top reasons why this recipe deserves a spot in your meal rotation:
1. A Great Way to Use Leftovers
One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it helps reduce food waste by giving new life to leftover corned beef. Instead of reheating the same meal, you can transform your leftovers into something exciting and full of texture and flavor.
2. Quick and Easy to Make
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, corned beef fritters come together quickly. They can be cooked in under 30 minutes, making them a convenient choice for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
3. Crispy and Satisfying Texture
The combination of shredded potatoes and corned beef creates a crispy, golden crust on the outside, while the inside remains soft and flavorful. The contrast in textures makes every bite enjoyable.
4. Perfect for Any Meal
Corned beef fritters are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a hearty breakfast with eggs, as a lunch or dinner alongside a fresh salad, or even as an appetizer with a dipping sauce. Their adaptability makes them a great recipe to have in your repertoire.
5. Customizable to Your Tastes
This recipe is easy to modify based on your preferences. You can add different herbs, spices, or even cheese to enhance the flavor. Whether you like a bit of heat from red pepper flakes or the added richness of shredded cheddar, there are endless ways to make this recipe your own.
Serving Suggestions
Corned beef fritters pair well with a variety of sides and sauces, depending on your personal preference and the meal occasion. Here are some great ways to enjoy them:
- With a Poached or Fried Egg – Serving these fritters with an egg on top makes for a delicious breakfast or brunch option. The runny yolk adds a creamy texture that complements the crispy fritters perfectly.
- With a Fresh Salad – A light, tangy salad with vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the fritters, making for a well-rounded meal.
- With a Dipping Sauce – Honey mustard, sour cream, horseradish sauce, or even ketchup can enhance the flavors and provide extra zest.
- As a Side Dish – These fritters make a great side for roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or even classic mashed potatoes.
Tips for the Best Corned Beef Fritters
To ensure your fritters turn out crispy and full of flavor, here are some useful tips:
- Squeeze Out Excess Moisture – Grated potatoes and onions contain a lot of water, which can make the mixture too wet and prevent the fritters from crisping up properly. Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Use a Hot Skillet – A properly heated skillet is essential for achieving a crispy crust. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the fritters may absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan – Fry the fritters in batches if necessary. Crowding the pan can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in soggy fritters.
- Use the Right Oil – Since these fritters are pan-fried, using an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, is recommended to prevent burning.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste – Corned beef can be quite salty, so taste the mixture before adding extra salt. You can also enhance the flavor with black pepper, garlic powder, or chopped fresh herbs.
Storing and Reheating Corned Beef Fritters
These fritters store well, making them great for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigeration – Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Fully cooled fritters can be frozen in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Reheating – The best way to reheat fritters is in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side. You can also reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes or in an air fryer for 5-6 minutes at the same temperature.
Conclusion:
Corned beef fritters are a simple yet satisfying dish that showcases the rich, savory flavor of corned beef in a crispy, golden package. Whether you’re looking for a creative way to use up leftovers, a quick and hearty meal, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe delivers on all fronts. With their crispy texture, bold flavors, and versatile serving options, corned beef fritters are sure to become a favorite in your home.