Classic Fish Cakes
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Delightfully crispy on the outside, tender, moist and flaky on the inside, this BEST fish cakes recipe is the perfect way to enjoy fish, even for those who are picky about eating seafood! Paired with my homemade tartar sauce these fish cakes are sure to be a smash hit!
The BEST Homemade 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 ones consists of fish, potatoes, eggs, onions, seasoning, herbs and often breadcrumbs. Through the years they 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.
These patties are a great way to enjoy fish if you’re generally not 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 I’m making some good old-fashioned, classic fish cakes inspired by our excursions up through New England that will have you coming back for seconds, especially when you serve them with our BEST Homemade Tartar Sauce!
BEST Fish Cakes Recipe
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 these fish cakes immediately with my BEST Homemade Tartar Sauce.
Can Fish Cakes Be Reheated?
Yes. They’re crispiest when they’re straight out of the frying pan but if you have leftover cooked fish cakes you can reheat them in the oven. They can also be microwaved but they’ll be soggier that way.
Can You Freeze Fish Cakes?
Yes, they’re perfect for freezing! Fully assemble the fish cakes, place them in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen you can put them in a freezer container with greaseproof paper between each layer. To cook them, simply thaw and cook and instructed. You’ll have an easy dinner in a hurry! These will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Enjoy!
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Classic Fish Cakes
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 , for coating
- (Gluten-free use GF panko breadcrumbs)
- oil for frying
- Homemade Tartar Sauce
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. (You can make smaller patties if you prefer.) 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 our BEST 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.
Nutrition
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet November 2, 2017
Hi, I’m Kimberly Killebrew and welcome to Daring Gourmet where you'll find delicious originals, revitalized classics, and simply downright good eats from around the world! Originally from Germany, later raised in England, world-traveled, and now living in the U.S., from my globally-influenced kitchen I invite you to tour the world through your taste buds!
I have a one-pound piece of Cod. Can you tell me how you would recommend cooking it before putting in with other ingredients to mash/combine? I don’t want to overcook it and then fry it and overcook even more.
Hi Lynn, I usually bake it in the oven, covered in a casserole dish or wrapped in tin foil.
Can u use any white fish
Absolutely!
With panko crumbs these become non gluten free.
Hi Mary, there’s a note in the recipe box to use GF panko crumbs for anyone who is GF.
Thanks again that was I decided to do. Have a Gr8 Day
Thanks for your response. I don’t quite understand what you mean about freezing them ” Raw”. I was thinking of cooking the fish , potatoes , etc. adding an egg and then freeze them until I want to fry them up. I hope this won’t cause them to have a bad taste. or not crisp up. Thanks
Hi Irene, yes, that’s what I mean by raw – “uncooked”. Thaw them out well, fry them, and they should crisp up nicely. Happy cooking!
We used to make these when I was a kid . LOL never was any leftovers to save but, I would like to make these and freeze them for another time. Will they freeze well ? Thanks
Hi Reneie, yes these freeze well for up to 3 months. You can freeze them pre-cooked and reheat them or freeze them raw and breaded and then thaw and cook. I recommend the second option because that way the fish cakes will be crispy.
Question, the recipe says the cod filets should be cooked already, but in the picture the fish looks raw. Or is it cooked?
Thanks.
Hi Renee, yes the cod is already cooked. Happy cooking!
I love crab cakes so I can only imagine I would love these!
Oh boy, do these look good!! I love the combination of the fish and potatoes. I must make these!
Such a delicious idea! Yummy!
My boys love to dip so this tarter sauce looks like the perfect accompaniment for these fish cakes. Yum!!
I love fish cakes and these look delicious!
Tarter sauce is a must! I love fish cakes and I can’t wait to try this recipe!
My husband is a fish lover, so I’ll have to make these for him!
I’ve never attempted making fish cakes! I need to change that asap because these look phenomenal! And yes to tartar sauce! The best!