Belgian Garnaalkroketten (Shrimp Croquettes)

Belgium’s love affair with seafood is well documented, and few dishes capture this passion quite like Garnaalkroketten, or shrimp croquettes.

These golden, crispy delicacies are a staple of Belgian bistros and coastal restaurants, often served as an appetizer or a light meal alongside a fresh salad and a squeeze of lemon.

With their creamy filling packed with North Sea shrimp and a crunchy breadcrumb coating, Garnaalkroketten are a perfect balance of texture and flavour.

Whether enjoyed as part of a leisurely lunch or a refined starter at a brasserie, they offer a true taste of Belgian culinary tradition.

What Is Garnaalkroketten?

Garnaalkroketten are deep fried croquettes filled with a rich, velvety mixture of grey shrimp and a thick, seasoned béchamel sauce.

Unlike standard shrimp croquettes found elsewhere, the Belgian version is distinct because of its use of North Sea grey shrimp (crevettes grises), tiny, intensely flavourful crustaceans that are hand peeled and prized for their delicate sweetness.

These croquettes are carefully breaded and fried to golden perfection, creating a crisp exterior that gives way to a creamy, seafood infused centre.

Served hot and traditionally accompanied by a wedge of lemon, deep fried parsley, or a side of fries, Garnaalkroketten are a beloved dish across Belgium.

While they may seem like simple comfort food, their preparation requires precision, ensuring that the shrimp filling is flavourful, creamy, and encased in just the right amount of crispness.

Ingredients and Taste

At the heart of Garnaalkroketten is the grey shrimp, which is smaller and more delicate than other varieties, offering an intense yet refined seafood flavour.

These shrimp are folded into a béchamel based filling, enriched with butter, flour, and milk, sometimes with a hint of nutmeg for depth.

The mixture is then cooled until firm, shaped into croquettes, and coated in breadcrumbs before being fried to achieve a crispy, golden crust.

The result is a dish that is both crispy and creamy, with the delicate sweetness of the shrimp contrasting against the buttery richness of the filling.

The fried coating provides a satisfying crunch, making each bite a perfect blend of textures. A squeeze of fresh lemon adds a welcome brightness, cutting through the richness and enhancing the natural seafood flavors.

Belgian chefs take great pride in perfecting Garnaalkroketten, ensuring that the shrimp flavour shines through without being overpowered by the béchamel.

Some variations may incorporate fresh herbs or a splash of white wine, but the essence of the dish remains unchanged, a celebration of high quality shrimp encased in a crisp, golden shell.

A Taste of History

Garnaalkroketten are deeply rooted in Belgium’s North Sea fishing culture, where grey shrimp have long been a prized ingredient.

Traditionally harvested by fishermen on horseback in coastal towns like Oostduinkerke, these small shrimp were a staple of Belgian cuisine, appearing in everything from salads to stews.

Croquettes became a way to transform the delicate seafood into a more substantial, satisfying dish.

While croquettes themselves have origins in 17th-century France, Belgium developed its own version, focusing on seafood rather than meat or cheese.

By the 19th century, Garnaalkroketten had become a signature dish in Belgian brasseries, where they were served as a refined appetizer or a light meal.

Today, they remain a fixture on menus across the country, from casual seaside cafés to Michelin starred restaurants.