Classic Fish Cakes

Fish cakes in various forms are eaten throughout the world and have a long history, dating back to ancient China nearly 4000 years ago.   Every country has its own variation but the classic Western fish cakes consists of fish, potatoes, eggs, onions, seasoning, herbs and often breadcrumbs.

Through the years, fish cakes also became a convenient way to use up leftovers.  Mrs. Beeton’s 19th century recipe calls for “leftover fish” and “cold potatoes,” a great example of repurposing food.

Since those times fish cakes have risen to new horizons, even being served in upscale restaurants with modern twists and gourmet ingredients like smoked salmon and truffles.

Fish cakes are a great way to enjoy fish if you’re generally not particularly crazy about it.  The other ingredients help camouflage the flavor, especially if you’re using a mild white fish like cod or haddock, and even the pickiest of eaters may surprise you when you serve these.

Today we’re making some good old-fashioned, classic fish cakes that will have you coming back for seconds, especially when you serve them with the Best Homemade Tartar Sauce!

Let’s get started!

Place all ingredients, except for the breadcrumbs, in a large bowl and mash until thoroughly combined.

Form the mixture into patties and roll them in the panko breadcrumbs.  Refrigerate the patties for at least 30 minutes or until they’ve firmed up.

Heat some oil in a non-stick pan and fry the patties on each side for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

Serve immediately these with the Best Homemade Tartar Sauce!

Enjoy!

Print Recipe

4.2 from 5 votes

Classic Fish Cakes

Pull up a chair and enjoy a serving of these flavorful fish cakes with homemade tartar sauce!

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time30 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 182kcal

Author: Kimberly Killebrew

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes (about 2 cups mashed), diced, boiled and drained
• 1 pound white-fleshed fish, COOKED (cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, flounder)
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard
• panko breadcrumbs
• (Gluten-free use GF panko breadcrumbs)
• oil for frying
• Homemade Tartar Sauce

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• Place all ingredients, except for the breadcrumbs, in a large bowl and mash until thoroughly combined.

  Form the mixture into 8 equal patties and roll them in the panko breadcrumbs.  Refrigerate the patties for at least 30 minutes or until they've firmed up.
• Heat some oil in a non-stick pan and fry the patties on each side for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
• Serve immediately with homemade tartar sauce 

Notes

•  To save time, cook the fish and potatoes in advance then mash the ingredients together when you're ready to make the fish cakes.

Serving: 2fish cakes | Calories: 182kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 720mg | Potassium: 531mg | Vitamin A: 655IU | Vitamin C: 6.3mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 0.9mg