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Are you searching for quick dinner ideas that don’t sacrifice flavor? Look no further than these incredible Corned Beef Fritters! This easy hamburger meat recipe alternative transforms simple ingredients into crispy, golden patties that will have your family asking for seconds. Whether you’re using leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day or starting fresh, these fritters deliver big on taste while keeping your time in the kitchen minimal.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. These savory fritters work perfectly as a main course, appetizer, or even a hearty breakfast option. The combination of tender Yukon gold potatoes, flavorful corned beef, and aromatic onions creates a texture and taste that’s simply unbeatable. Plus, with the optional honey mustard sauce, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Corned Beef Fritters Recipe
This recipe has become a favorite in kitchens across America for several compelling reasons. First, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, making it perfect for families looking to stretch their grocery dollars without compromising on quality. The ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry, which means you can whip up these fritters any night of the week.
Second, these fritters are ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish. When you’re juggling work, kids, and life’s endless demands, having quick and easy dinner recipes in your arsenal is essential. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to master this dish – the straightforward instructions make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Third, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve these fritters as a main course alongside a fresh salad, use them as sliders for game day, or even enjoy them for breakfast with a fried egg on top. The possibilities are endless, making this one of those ground meat recipes for dinner that you’ll turn to again and again.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Fritters
Let’s dive into what makes these fritters so delicious. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect crispy exterior and tender interior that defines a great fritter.
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | 2 large | Acts as the binding agent |
| Yukon Gold Potatoes | 1 lb | Can substitute russet or red potatoes |
| Yellow Onion | 1 small | Outer skin removed |
| Cooked Corned Beef | 2 ½ cups | Chopped into small pieces |
| Almond Flour | 1/3 cup | Can substitute all-purpose flour |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Black Pepper | ½ teaspoon | Freshly ground preferred |
| Avocado Oil | 2 Tablespoons | For frying |
Honey Mustard Sauce (Optional)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1/4 cup | Can substitute sour cream or yogurt |
| Honey | 1 Tablespoon | Pure honey recommended |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 ½ Tablespoons | Stone ground works too |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 1 teaspoon | Adds tangy brightness |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Corned Beef Fritters is easier than you might think. Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time.
Preparing the Honey Mustard Sauce
Start by preparing your honey mustard sauce so it has time to blend while you work on the fritters. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the mustard or honey to your preference. Set this aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the fritters.
Making the Fritter Mixture
Begin by whisking your two eggs in a large mixing bowl for about a minute until they become frothy. This incorporates air and helps bind the ingredients better. Next, using a food processor or a sharp knife on your cutting board, chop the cooked corned beef into small, uniform pieces. The smaller the pieces, the better they’ll hold together in the fritters.
Now it’s time to grate your vegetables. Peel the potatoes first, then use your food processor or the large holes on a box grater to shred both the potatoes and the onion. This is where having quality chef’s knives and kitchen utensils makes the job much easier.
Here’s a crucial step that many people skip: squeeze out the excess water from your grated potato and onion mixture. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to really wring out as much moisture as possible. This step is essential for achieving crispy fritters rather than soggy ones.
Combining and Forming
Add the squeezed potato and onion mixture to your bowl with the eggs. Then add the chopped corned beef, almond flour, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands (this is the best method for even distribution), work the mixture together until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
Form the mixture into 12 patties. Each patty should use just under ¼ cup of the mixture and be about 2 inches across and ½ inch thick. Use your measuring cups to ensure consistency. Press them firmly so they hold their shape during cooking.
Cooking Your Fritters
Heat a large frying pan on your stove over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil and let it heat until it’s hot but not smoking – you should see the oil shimmer slightly. If you have a kitchen scale, maintaining consistent heat is key to even cooking.
Carefully place your fritters in the hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until you see a lovely golden-brown crust forming. Flip them gently using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. If all 12 fritters won’t fit comfortably in your pan, cook them in two batches to ensure even browning.
Pro Tips for Perfect Fritters
Want to take your fritters from good to absolutely amazing? Here are some professional tips that will elevate your cooking:
- Temperature control is key: If your oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Too cool, and you’ll end up with greasy fritters. Medium-high heat is your sweet spot.
- Don’t skip squeezing the potatoes: Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy fritters. Take your time with this step.
- Use leftover corned beef: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day or any other occasion.
- Make them ahead: You can form the patties up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator.
- Freeze for later: These fritters freeze beautifully. Cook them first, let them cool, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These versatile fritters can be served in countless delicious ways. Here are some of our favorite serving suggestions:
For a complete meal, serve your fritters alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad perfectly complements the rich, savory fritters. You can also serve them with roasted vegetables or steamed green beans for a balanced plate.
The honey mustard sauce we’ve included is just one option. These fritters are also fantastic with sour cream, cream-style horseradish, or even a tangy aioli. For a breakfast twist, top each fritter with a fried egg and serve with hash browns.
Want to make this recipe your own? Try these variations:
- Add herbs: Fresh parsley, dill, or chives mixed into the batter add wonderful flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Cheese lovers: Mix in ½ cup of shredded cheddar or gruyere cheese.
- Vegetable boost: Add grated carrot or zucchini to increase the vegetable content.
- Different meats: While this is a corned beef recipe, you can substitute with cooked ground beef, turkey, or chicken for equally delicious results.
Storage and Reheating
One of the best things about these fritters is how well they store and reheat. Once cooled completely, store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain their crispiness, place a paper towel in the container to absorb any moisture.
To reheat, your best bet is to use an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, or pop them back into a hot frying pan with a little oil. This method will restore that delicious crispy exterior. You can also reheat them in your oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For freezing, lay the cooled, cooked fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in your air fryer or oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutritional Information
While these fritters are indulgent and delicious, they also offer good nutritional value. Each fritter (recipe makes 12) contains approximately:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 12g (from the corned beef and eggs)
- Carbohydrates: 15g (primarily from the potatoes)
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
The corned beef provides a good source of protein and iron, while the potatoes offer potassium and vitamin C. By using almond flour instead of regular flour, you’re also adding healthy fats and reducing the overall carbohydrate content slightly.
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes cooking these fritters much easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
- Food processor – for chopping and grating (optional but helpful)
- Cutting board – for prep work
- Chef’s knives – for chopping
- Frying pan – large, preferably non-stick
- Kitchen utensils – spatula for flipping
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy
- Kitchen scale – optional but helpful for consistency
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned corned beef for this recipe?
Yes! Canned corned beef works perfectly in this recipe. Just drain it well and break it up into small pieces before adding it to your mixture. You’ll need about 2 cans (12 oz each) to get 2 ½ cups of corned beef.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon gold potatoes are ideal because they have a buttery flavor and hold their shape well. However, russet potatoes (higher starch content) or red potatoes (waxy texture) will also work. Each type will give you a slightly different texture, but all are delicious.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! The recipe already uses almond flour, which is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure all your other ingredients (especially the corned beef if using pre-packaged) are certified gluten-free, and you’re all set.
How do I know when the fritters are cooked through?
The fritters are done when both sides are golden brown and crispy. Since the corned beef is already cooked, you’re mainly cooking the potatoes and eggs. The fritters should be firm to the touch and hold their shape when flipped.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the fritters on a greased baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with oil. Bake for 15 minutes, flip them, brush with more oil, and bake for another 12-15 minutes until golden brown. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but they’re still delicious and lower in calories.
What can I serve with these fritters for a complete meal?
These fritters pair wonderfully with a simple green salad, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans. For a heartier meal, serve them with mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries. They’re also great as sliders on small buns with lettuce and tomato.
How can I make the fritters extra crispy?
The key to extra crispy fritters is removing as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes and onions. After squeezing them in a towel, let them sit for a few minutes and squeeze again. Also, make sure your oil is properly heated before adding the fritters, and don’t crowd the pan.
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour is a perfect substitute for almond flour in this recipe. Use the same amount (1/3 cup). The almond flour adds a slightly nutty flavor and makes the recipe lower in carbs, but regular flour works great too.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Corned Beef Fritters are truly one of those easy meals with ground beef alternatives that deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. They’re budget-friendly, quick to make, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re using leftover corned beef or cooking it fresh, these fritters transform simple ingredients into something special.
The versatility of this recipe makes it perfect for any occasion – from lazy dinners on busy weeknights to impressive appetizers for your next gathering. The combination of crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior creates a texture contrast that’s simply irresistible. And with the optional honey mustard sauce, you have a complete dish that rivals anything you’d find in a restaurant.
So the next time you’re searching for quick and easy dinner recipes that don’t compromise on flavor, give these Corned Beef Fritters a try. Your family will thank you, and you’ll have a new go-to recipe that’s both practical and delicious. Happy cooking!
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PrintCrispy Corned Beef Fritters Recipe : Easy 30-Minute Dinner Idea
These Crispy Corned Beef Fritters are golden, savory patties made with tender potatoes, flavorful corned beef, and aromatic onions. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for quick dinners and served with a delicious honey mustard sauce.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 12
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 eggs
1 lb Yukon gold potatoes (can substitute russet or red potatoes)
1 small yellow onion (outer skin removed)
2 ½ cups cooked corned beef
1/3 cup almond flour (can substitute all-purpose flour)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 Tablespoons avocado oil (for frying)
Honey Mustard Sauce (optional):
1/4 cup mayonnaise (can substitute sour cream or yogurt)
1 Tablespoon honey
1 ½ Tablespoons dijon mustard
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1. Stir all honey mustard sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the two eggs with a fork for about a minute until they become frothy. Set aside.
3. Chop corned beef up into small pieces by pulsing in a food processor or chopping with a knife.
4. Peel potatoes and then grate them and the onion using a food processor or the large holes in a box style cheese grater.
5. Use your hands to squeeze excess water out of the potato and onion mixture using a kitchen towel or paper towels.
6. Add potato and onion to bowl with the eggs along with corned beef, almond flour, salt and pepper. Use your hands to work the mixture together and mix evenly.
7. Form 12 patties out of the corned beef mixture. Patties should use just under ¼ cup of the corned beef mixture and be about 2 inches (5cm) across and about ½ inch thick (1.5cm).
8. Heat a large skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Add oil and heat until oil is hot but not smoking.
9. Add fritters and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes on the other side until each patty is golden brown.
10. When fritters are done cooking, place them on a serving plate and serve immediately with the optional honey mustard sauce, sour cream, or cream style horseradish.
Notes
Remove as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes and onions for crispier fritters.
You can form the patties up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
Fritters can be frozen after cooking. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes for best crispiness.
Canned corned beef works great – you’ll need about 2 cans (12 oz each).