Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 pound medium shrimp, shelled, deveined and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 2 pounds frozen green peas, thawed
• 3 cups peanut oil, for frying

Instructions

1. For the shrimp croquettes: Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallot and saute until softened, about 4 minutes. Use a wire whisk to stir in the flour. Cook for 1 minute, and then add the shrimp. Stir in the milk and cook until the mixture is very thick, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice and some salt and pepper.
2. Allow the croquette mixture to cool completely before shaping into small meatball-sized balls. Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Mix the beaten eggs with 2 tablespoons water. Double coat the croquettes by rolling them first in the crumbs, then in the egg mixture, and then in the crumbs again. Place each coated croquette on a baking sheet. Cover the croquettes and set them aside.
3. For the creamed green peas: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook until smooth and lightly browned, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue cooking on medium heat, stirring often. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the mixture is smooth and thick, about 6 minutes. Stir in the peas, and keep warm while you fry the croquettes.
4. Heat the oil to about 375 degrees F in a deep, heavy pot. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees F.
5. Add the croquettes to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Drain the croquettes on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and keep warm in the oven as you fry the remaining croquettes. Make sure the oil returns to 375 degrees F before cooking the next batch, or they will be heavy and greasy.