Old Fashioned Cod Fish Cakes: A Classic Recipe for a Comforting Meal
If you're looking for a classic and comforting meal, old fashioned cod fish cakes are a great option.
This simple recipe has been around for generations and is still popular today.
Made with just a few ingredients, these fish cakes are easy to prepare and can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer.
To make old fashioned cod fish cakes, you'll need cod, potatoes, onion, and eggs.
Some recipes may also call for breadcrumbs or herbs to add extra flavour.
The cod is typically boiled or baked and then flaked, while the potatoes are boiled and mashed.
The ingredients are then mixed together, formed into patties, and fried until golden brown.
Whether you're looking to try a new recipe or just want to enjoy a classic dish, old fashioned cod fish cakes are a great option.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Key Takeaways
- Old fashioned cod fish cakes are a classic and comforting meal that have been around for generations.
- The recipe typically includes cod, potatoes, onion, and eggs, and can be customized with additional ingredients like breadcrumbs or herbs.
- These fish cakes are easy to prepare and can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Selecting the Fish
When it comes to making old fashioned cod fish cakes, selecting the right fish is crucial.
Fresh cod is the best choice, but if fresh cod isn't available, you can use rehydrated salted cod.
If you're using salted cod, soak it in milk overnight to remove the excess salt. You can also use other types of white fish such as haddock or pollack.
Herbs and Seasonings
Herbs and seasonings are what give old fashioned cod fish cakes their unique flavour.
Parsley, dill, salt, and black pepper are the most commonly used herbs and seasonings.
You can use fresh or dried herbs, but fresh herbs are always the best choice.
Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavour to the fish cakes, while dill adds a subtle, refreshing flavour.
Binding Ingredients
The binding ingredients are what hold the fish cakes together.
Eggs and breadcrumbs are the most commonly used binding ingredients.
Eggs help to bind the ingredients together, while breadcrumbs help to give the fish cakes a crispy texture.
You can use panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs are the best choice as they give the fish cakes a lighter, crispier texture.
Ingredient Substitution Guide
If you don't have all the ingredients on hand, don't worry. There are plenty of ingredient substitutions you can make.
For example, if you don't have russet potatoes, you can use any other type of potato.
If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley. If you don't have mayonnaise, you can use sour cream or yoghurt instead.
Just be sure to adjust the quantities accordingly.
Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Mixture
To make old fashioned cod fish cakes, you will need to prepare the mixture first.
Begin by boiling the cod fish until it is tender and flaky.
Once cooked, crumble the fish into a medium bowl and let it cool.
In another pot, boil some potatoes until they are soft enough to mash.
Once the potatoes are mashed, add them to the bowl with the cod fish.
Finely chop an onion and add it to the mixture along with all the other ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly until it is well combined.
Forming and Cooking the Patties
To form the patties, take a handful of the mixture and shape it into a patty. Repeat this process until you have used up all the mixture.
In a skillet, heat up some oil or butter. Once the oil is hot, place the patties in the skillet and cook them until they are golden brown.
This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
Old fashioned cod fish cakes are best served hot and fresh out of the skillet.
You can serve them with a side of coleslaw or homemade tartar sauce.
To make tartar sauce, mix mayonnaise, chopped pickles, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt together in a small bowl.
Alternatively, you can serve the fish cakes with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Cooking Notes
To make the fish cakes even healthier, you can use olive oil or extra virgin olive oil instead of regular oil or butter.
When simmering the cod fish, be sure to remove all bones before mixing it with the other ingredients.
If the mixture is too crumbly, add another egg.
Experiment with the recipe to find your perfect blend of spices and herbs. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to keeping fish cakes from crumbling?
The secret to keeping fish cakes from crumbling is to make sure that the mixture is not too wet.
If the mixture is too wet, the fish cakes will fall apart when you try to cook them.
To prevent this, make sure you squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the fish before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Additionally, you can add a binding agent such as egg or breadcrumbs to the mixture to help hold it together.
How can you make cod fish cakes without using potatoes?
If you want to make cod fish cakes without using potatoes, you can substitute the potatoes with other starchy vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes.
You can also use breadcrumbs or flour as a binder instead of potatoes. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste of the fish cakes may be different.
What's the best way to bake cod fish cakes for a crispy finish?
To bake cod fish cakes for a crispy finish, preheat your oven to 200°C.
Place the fish cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush them with oil or melted butter.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish cakes are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Can you share a traditional Portuguese cod fish cake recipe?
Sure! Here's a traditional Portuguese cod fish cake recipe:
- 500g salt cod, soaked overnight
- 500g potatoes, peeled and boiled
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup flour
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
- Drain the soaked cod and rinse it under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels and remove any bones and skin.
- In a large bowl, mash the boiled potatoes and add the cod, onion, garlic, parsley, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Form the mixture into small patties and fry until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve hot with a side of salad or rice.
What are some tips for making Newfoundland fish cakes with fresh cod?
When making Newfoundland fish cakes with fresh cod, it's important to use fresh, high-quality cod and to remove any bones and skin before using it in the recipe.
You can also add other ingredients such as onions, potatoes, and herbs to enhance the flavour of the fish cakes.
To prevent the fish cakes from falling apart, make sure the mixture is not too wet and use a binding agent such as egg or breadcrumbs.
What's a simple and quick recipe for making cod fish cakes?
Here's a simple and quick recipe for making cod fish cakes:
- 500g cod fillets, cooked and flaked
- 500g potatoes, peeled and boiled
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
- In a large bowl, mash the boiled potatoes and add the flaked cod, onion, parsley, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into small patties and fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve hot with a side of tartar sauce or lemon wedges.