Fish Cake Recipe: How to Make Delicious Fish Cakes at Home

Fish cakes are a beloved dish enjoyed by many across the UK. These cakes are made by combining fish, typically cod or haddock, with mashed potatoes, herbs, and spices before forming them into patties and frying them until crispy. Fish cakes are a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, appetizer, or even as a sandwich filling.

Fish cake basics involve selecting the right type of fish, which can be fresh or frozen, and combining it with mashed potatoes, herbs, and spices to give it a unique flavour. The cakes are then coated in breadcrumbs or flour before being fried in oil until golden brown. Common herbs and spices used in fish cakes include parsley, chives, garlic, and lemon zest.

Cooking techniques and tips for making fish cakes include using a non-stick frying pan to prevent the cakes from sticking and crumbling. It is also important to ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding the cakes to the pan to avoid them becoming soggy. To add extra flavour, you can also add diced onions, celery, or peppers to the mixture before forming it into patties.

Key Takeaways

• Fish cakes are a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, appetizer, or sandwich filling.
• The key to making delicious fish cakes is to select the right type of fish, herbs, and spices, and to fry them until golden brown.
• Using a non-stick frying pan and ensuring that the oil is hot enough are essential cooking techniques to prevent the cakes from sticking and becoming soggy.

Fish Cake Basics

If you're a fan of seafood, you've probably come across fish cakes. These delicious cakes are made by combining fish with a range of ingredients before frying or baking them. Fish cakes are a popular dish in many cultures, and they can be served as a main course or an appetizer.

What Are Fish Cakes?

Fish cakes are essentially patties made from fish and other ingredients. The fish is usually chopped or mashed and mixed with ingredients such as breadcrumbs, eggs, and potatoes. The mixture is then shaped into patties and fried or baked until golden brown.

Fish cakes can be made using a variety of fish, including cod, haddock, salmon, and tuna. They can also be made with canned fish, such as tuna or salmon, which makes them an affordable option.

Selecting the Right Fish

When selecting fish for your fish cakes, it's important to choose a firm white fish that is suitable for pan-frying. Cod, haddock, and pollock are all good options. Avoid using oily fish like mackerel or sardines as they can be too strong in flavour for fish cakes.

If you're using fresh fish, make sure it is of good quality and has been properly stored. If you're using leftover cooked fish, make sure it is still fresh and hasn't been sitting in the fridge for too long.

Essential Ingredients

There are a few essential ingredients you'll need to make fish cakes. These include:

• Fish: As mentioned, a firm white fish is the best option for fish cakes.
• Breadcrumbs: These help to bind the fish mixture together and add texture.
• Egg: The egg acts as a binder and helps to hold everything together.
• Potato: Mashed potato is often added to fish cakes to help bind the mixture and add moisture.
• Flour: Flour can be added to the mixture to help bind everything together.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is essential for seasoning the fish cakes and bringing out the flavour.

By using these ingredients, you can create delicious fish cakes that are sure to impress.

Cooking Techniques and Tips

Preparing Your Fish Cakes

Before cooking, make sure your fish cakes are evenly shaped and compact. This will help them cook more evenly and prevent them from falling apart. You can use a cookie cutter or a measuring cup to shape your fish cakes. Also, make sure to season your fish cakes with salt and pepper before cooking them.

Cooking Methods

Fish cakes can be cooked using various methods, each with its own unique flavour and texture. Here are a few popular cooking methods:

• Pan-frying: Heat some oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the fish cakes and cook until they are golden brown on both sides. This method will give your fish cakes a crispy exterior and a moist interior.

• Baking: Preheat your oven to 200°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place your fish cakes on the baking sheet and brush them with some olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Serving and Pairing

Fish cakes are a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sauces and sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Tartar sauce: This classic sauce is made with mayonnaise, pickles, and capers. It pairs well with fish cakes and adds a tangy flavour.

• Remoulade: This French sauce is made with mayonnaise, mustard, and garlic. It adds a rich and creamy flavour to your fish cakes.

• Lemon wedges: Squeeze some lemon juice over your fish cakes before serving to add a fresh and zesty flavour.

• Sides: Fish cakes pair well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple salad.

Remember to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the size and thickness of your fish cakes. And don't forget to experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your perfect flavour combination!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you prepare a simple fish cake recipe?

Preparing a simple fish cake recipe is easy. You can use any white fish such as cod, haddock, or pollock. First, cook the fish and mash it up with boiled potatoes and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and herbs. Then, shape the mixture into patties and fry them in oil until they are golden brown. Serve with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice.

What's the best way to make fish cakes with potatoes?

The best way to make fish cakes with potatoes is to boil the potatoes until they are soft and then mash them up with cooked fish. You can also add breadcrumbs to the mixture to give it more texture. Then, shape the mixture into patties and fry them in oil until they are crispy and golden brown.

Can you explain how to make fish cakes using tinned fish?

Yes, you can make fish cakes using tinned fish. Drain the liquid from the tinned fish and mix it with mashed boiled potatoes, breadcrumbs, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and herbs. Then, shape the mixture into patties and fry them in oil until they are crispy and golden brown.

What are the health benefits of Korean fish cakes?

Korean fish cakes are made from fish that is high in protein and low in fat. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus. Additionally, Korean fish cakes are often made with a variety of vegetables such as carrots and onions, which provide additional nutrients and fibre.

Why are some Japanese fish cakes pink in colour?

Some Japanese fish cakes are pink in colour because they are made with surimi, a type of processed fish meat that is dyed with food colouring to give it a pink hue. Surimi is often used to make imitation crab meat and other seafood products.

How is fish cake referred to in Chinese cuisine?

Fish cake is referred to as "yu pian" in Chinese cuisine. It is often made with fish that has been pounded into a paste and then mixed with seasonings and other ingredients such as vegetables and starches. Fish cakes are a popular street food in China and can be found in many markets and food stalls.