Fish cake recipes are an incredibly versatile dish enjoyed across cultures. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a dish to impress at a dinner party, a good fish cake recipe can do the trick. The beauty of a fish cake recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences with different types of fish, spices, and cooking methods.
In this guide, we will explore 10 mouth-watering fish cake recipes, from classic British fish cakes to Korean-inspired Eomuk. Whether you’re craving a crispy, golden crust or a lighter, healthy alternative, there’s a fish cake recipe for everyone.
What Are Fish Cakes?
A fish cake recipe typically involves fish fillets combined with potatoes, breadcrumbs, and various seasonings, shaped into cakes and pan-fried or baked to perfection. The dish is a fantastic way to use leftover fish or transform cheaper cuts of fish into something special. Fish cakes are enjoyed in many countries, each with its own unique twist on the recipe. For example, in the UK, fish cake recipes often feature cod or haddock, while in Korea, fish cakes are made with a mixture of fish paste and seafood, stir-fried for added flavor.
Fish cakes are not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate more seafood into your diet. They’re loaded with protein and healthy fats, depending on the type of fish you use.
1. Classic Fish Cake Recipe: A Timeless Favorite
Ingredients for Classic Fish Cake Recipe
A classic fish cake recipe uses simple ingredients like cod, potatoes, onions, eggs, and breadcrumbs. The fish provides the main flavor, while the potatoes help bind the mixture and add a creamy texture. Seasonings like salt, pepper, and a bit of parsley can elevate the flavor of this dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Peel and boil your potatoes until tender. Mash them while still hot and set aside.
- Prepare the Fish: Poach your cod fillets in a bit of milk and water until fully cooked. Flake the fish into pieces.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, flaked fish, chopped onions, egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.
- Shape the Cakes: Take spoonfuls of the mixture and shape them into round cakes.
- Cook the Fish Cakes: Heat a pan with a bit of oil, and fry the cakes until golden and crispy on both sides.
Tips for the Perfect Classic Fish Cake
- Binding the Mixture: If your fish cake mixture feels too loose, add a bit more breadcrumbs or an extra egg to help hold it together.
- Crispy Coating: For a crispier texture, coat the cakes in more breadcrumbs before frying.
2. Crispy Fish Cakes Recipe: The Crunchy Alternative
Ingredients for Crispy Fish Cakes
For crispy fish cakes, you’ll need white fish such as cod, almond flour, eggs, and oat fiber or coconut flour. The use of almond flour and coconut flour creates a crunchy coating without using breadcrumbs.
How to Make Crispy Fish Cakes
- Prepare the Fish: Poach or pan-fry the fish fillets and flake them into pieces.
- Mix the Ingredients: Combine the fish, almond flour, eggs, and seasonings. Add the oat or coconut flour for an added crunch.
- Shape and Coat the Cakes: Form the mixture into small patties and roll them in more almond flour to get an extra-crispy exterior.
- Fry the Cakes: Heat oil in a pan and fry the cakes until golden brown and crisp.
Healthier Crispy Fish Cake Recipe
For a healthier version of crispy fish cakes, you can bake them instead of frying them. Simply place the cakes on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
3. Korean Eomuk Fish Cake Recipe
What is Eomuk?
Eomuk is a Korean fish cake recipe that uses fish paste and seafood like shrimp and squid. It’s popular in Korean cuisine and can be served in various ways, such as stir-fried, stewed, or grilled.
Eomuk Ingredients
- Fish fillets (usually white fish)
- Squid, shrimp
- Garlic, onion, sugar, and seasonings
- A little cornstarch to bind the mixture
How to Make Eomuk Fish Cakes
- Prepare the Seafood: Mince the fish fillets, squid, and shrimp into a fine paste using a food processor.
- Season the Paste: Add garlic, onion, sugar, and salt to the mixture. Blend until smooth.
- Shape the Cakes: Shape the mixture into small cakes or strips.
- Cook the Eomuk: You can either stir-fry or boil the fish cakes. The stir-fried version adds a crisp texture, while the boiled version gives a softer bite.
Korean Fish Cake Stir-Fry Recipe
If you prefer a stir-fried option, simply heat oil in a pan, add your Eomuk cakes, and stir-fry until golden and crispy on the outside.
4. Fast and Simple Fish Cake Recipe: Perfect for Busy Nights
Quick Ingredients for Fish Cakes
- Boneless fish fillet (any white fish)
- Large potatoes, eggs, and chopped onions
- Salt, pepper, and water
How to Make Quick Fish Cakes
- Boil the Potatoes: Boil the potatoes until soft, then mash them while still warm.
- Prepare the Fish: Cook the fish fillets (either poach or pan-fry) and flake them into pieces.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, flaked fish, eggs, chopped onions, and seasonings.
- Shape the Cakes: Form the mixture into small patties.
- Cook the Cakes: Fry the cakes until golden on both sides.
Why This is the Best Fast Fish Cake Recipe
This recipe is ideal for busy evenings because it’s quick, easy, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s a fish cake recipe that doesn’t require hours of preparation but still delivers great flavor.
5. British Fish Cake Recipe: A Proper Classic
What Makes a Proper British Fish Cake?
A fish cake recipe that hails from the UK often includes cod, russet potatoes, and a rich milk sauce with bay leaves. These fish cakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Traditional British Fish Cake Ingredients
- Cod fillets, bay leaves, milk
- Russet potatoes
- Breadcrumbs, eggs, and flour
Step-by-Step British Fish Cake Preparation
- Poach the Fish: Poach the cod fillets in a mixture of milk and water, with bay leaves for added flavor.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Boil the russet potatoes and mash them.
- Combine the Fish and Potatoes: Mix the flaked cod with the mashed potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
- Form the Cakes: Shape the mixture into round cakes and coat in breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Cakes: Heat oil in a pan and fry until crispy and golden.
Serving Suggestions for British Fish Cakes
Traditional British fish cakes are often served with mashed peas and tartar sauce for an authentic meal.
6. Fish Cake Recipe with Walleye: A North American Twist
What Makes Walleye Fish Cakes Unique?
Walleye, a freshwater fish known for its mild flavor, makes an excellent choice for fish cake recipes. This recipe showcases how to make a flavorful fish cake using walleye fillets.
Ingredients for Walleye Fish Cakes
- Walleye fillets
- Homemade tartar sauce
- Lemon wedges for serving
How to Prepare Walleye Fish Cakes
- Prepare the Fish: Poach or bake the walleye fillets and flake them into pieces.
- Combine the Ingredients: Mix the fish with mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
- Shape the Cakes: Form the mixture into small round cakes.
- Fry the Cakes: Fry the cakes in hot oil until they are crispy and golden.
Serving Ideas for Walleye Fish Cakes
Walleye fish cakes are best served with homemade tartar sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
7. Better-Than-Fish-Sticks Fish Cake Recipe
Why This Recipe is Better than Store-Bought Fish Sticks
This fish cake recipe elevates traditional fish sticks with a homemade touch. The secret is blending some of the fish with cream, egg, and breadcrumbs to create a sticky paste that holds the cakes together perfectly.
Ingredients for Better-Than-Fish-Sticks Fish Cakes
- Fish fillets
- Heavy cream or milk
- Egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blend the Fish: Blend some of the fish fillets with cream to create a smooth paste.
- Combine the Ingredients: Mix the paste with chopped fish, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings.
- Shape the Cakes: Shape the mixture into cakes and coat in breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Cakes: Fry until golden and crispy on the outside.
8. Ultimate Fish Cake Recipe: The All-in-One Dish
What Makes This the Ultimate Fish Cake Recipe?
This fish cake recipe combines the best elements from multiple cuisines to create a flavor-packed dish. Using a variety of fish, seasonings, and a creamy milk base makes for the ultimate fish cake experience.
Ultimate Fish Cake Ingredients
- Cod fillets, bay leaves, and milk
- Potatoes, onions, eggs, and breadcrumbs
How to Make the Ultimate Fish Cakes
- Poach the Fish: Poach the cod fillets in milk and bay leaves.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Mash the potatoes while hot.
- Mix the Ingredients: Combine the fish, potatoes, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Cakes: Cook until golden brown and crispy.
9. Healthy Fish Cake Recipe: Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Variations
Gluten-Free Fish Cake Recipe Ideas
If you’re looking for a healthier fish cake recipe, consider using almond flour or coconut flour instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
10. Fish Cake Serving Ideas: Pairing with Sides and Dips
Best Accompaniments for Fish Cakes
Fish cakes can be served with a variety of sides, including mashed potatoes, salad, steamed veggies, or even a side of fries. A light side dish will help balance the richness of the fish cakes.
Dips to Pair with Fish Cakes
- Tartar sauce
- Spicy mustard
- Aioli or garlic mayo
Conclusion: A Fish Cake Recipe for Every Taste
Whether you’re looking for the classic comfort of a British fish cake recipe or the crispy crunch of a gluten-free version, there’s a fish cake recipe here for everyone. Experiment with different types of fish and cooking methods to find the perfect dish for your taste buds. So, grab your ingredients, follow the recipes, and enjoy these irresistible fish cakes at your next meal!
FAQs
- Can I use frozen fish for fish cakes?
- How do I prevent fish cakes from falling apart?
- What are the best types of fish to use in fish cakes?
- Can I make fish cakes ahead of time?
- What are some gluten-free alternatives for breading fish cakes?