Fish cakes are a fantastic way to enjoy seafood in a comforting, crispy, and flavorful form. Whether you have leftover fish or fresh fillets, cooking fish cakes is easier than you think. This article will walk you through the process of making delicious fish cakes from scratch, with tips to get them perfectly golden and tasty every time.
What Are Fish Cakes?
Fish cakes are patties made from cooked fish mixed with mashed potatoes or other binders, herbs, and seasonings. They are then shaped into cakes, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried or baked until golden and crisp on the outside. Fish cakes can be served as a main dish, snack, or appetizer, often accompanied by lemon wedges, salad, or tartar sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– White fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, pollock) – skinless and boneless
– Potatoes (floury types like Russet or Maris Piper work best)
– Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives
– Garlic and onion for flavor
– Egg (for binding and coating)
– Breadcrumbs (fresh white or panko for extra crunch)
– Seasonings: salt, pepper, lemon juice, and optional chili or mustard for a kick
– Oil for frying (vegetable, sunflower, or canola oil)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Fish Cakes
1. Prepare the Fish and Potatoes
Start by cooking your fish. You can poach the fish gently in boiling water until just cooked, then drain and flake it with a fork, removing any bones or skin. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes until tender, then mash them smoothly or leave some chunks for texture.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flaked fish and mashed potatoes. Add finely minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and any other flavorings like lemon zest or mustard. Some recipes also include finely chopped green onions or chillis for extra flavor.
3. Shape the Fish Cakes
Dust your hands with flour to prevent sticking and shape the mixture into patties about 2.5 cm thick. You can make them round or slightly oval. For uniform size, use a scoop or mold if you have one. Place the shaped cakes on a tray and chill them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
4. Coat the Fish Cakes
Beat an egg in a shallow dish. Set out a plate of flour and a plate of fresh breadcrumbs or panko. Dip each fish cake first in the flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. This triple coating ensures a crispy, golden crust when cooked.
5. Cook the Fish Cakes
There are two popular methods to cook fish cakes:
– Pan-frying: Heat 3-4 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Test the oil by dropping a breadcrumb in; it should sizzle and turn golden quickly. Fry the fish cakes for about 5 minutes on each side until crisp and golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the temperature steady.
– Oven-baking: For a lighter option, place the coated fish cakes on a baking sheet sprayed with oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your fish cakes hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over, a fresh salad, or tartar sauce. They also pair well with watercress or steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Tips for Perfect Fish Cakes
– Use fresh breadcrumbs or panko for a crunchier texture.
– Don’t overwork the fish and potato mixture; a bit of chunkiness adds nice texture.
– Chilling the fish cakes before cooking helps them hold their shape better.
– Experiment with herbs and spices to suit your taste – dill, coriander, or smoked paprika work beautifully.
– Leftover fish and potatoes make this recipe budget-friendly and reduce food waste.
Variations to Try
– Smoked fish cakes: Use smoked cod or haddock for a rich, smoky flavor.
– Spicy fish cakes: Add finely chopped chillis or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
– Breaded crab cakes style: Use breaded fish fillets pulsed in a food processor for a quick and easy version.
Fish cakes are versatile, delicious, and a fantastic way to enjoy seafood with a crispy twist. Whether pan-fried or baked, homemade fish cakes are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and the tasty results!
Fish cakes are simple to make, delicious, and perfect for any meal or occasion. Give this recipe a try and savor the crispy, flavorful goodness!