Get ready to reel in some flavor with these 18 crispy fish cakes recipes, each with a delicious twist! From classic combinations like salmon and potato to international inspirations like Korean-style spicy fish cakes and Moroccan-spiced fish cakes, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or bold and adventurous, there’s a recipe on this list that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
In this article, we’ll be diving into the world of fish cakes, exploring different ingredients, flavors, and techniques to create the perfect crispy exterior and tender interior. From gluten-free options to unique flavor combinations, these recipes are sure to inspire your next seafood adventure.
Spicy Thai Fish Cakes with Sweet Chili Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand with these crispy fish cakes and sweet chili sauce, perfect as an appetizer or snack. This recipe combines the freshness of fish with the heat of chilies and the tanginess of lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound white fish (cod or tilapia), flaked
– 1/2 cup red curry paste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup grated carrot
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine fish, curry paste, cilantro, carrot, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Divide the mixture into 6-8 portions, depending on desired size. Shape each portion into a patty.
3. Heat oil in a non-stick skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry fish cakes for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
4. Serve hot with sweet chili sauce and lime wedges.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Classic Salmon and Potato Fish Cakes
Classic Salmon and Potato Fish Cakes: A Delightful Twist on Traditional Fish Cakes
These fish cakes are a masterclass in simplicity, bringing together the rich flavor of salmon with the comforting warmth of potatoes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and flaked
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine salmon, potatoes, panko breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry fish cakes for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite accompaniments.
Cooking Time: About 12-15 minutes
Zesty Lemon and Dill Fish Cakes
Brighten up your meal with these flavorful fish cakes infused with zesty lemon and fresh dill. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod or haddock fillet, skinned and flaked
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together fish, panko breadcrumbs, dill, lemon juice, garlic, and egg until just combined.
2. Divide mixture into 4-6 portions, depending on desired size.
3. Shape each portion into a patty.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry fish cakes for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite accompaniments.
Cooking Time: About 8-10 minutes total
Asian-Style Tuna Fish Cakes with Soy Glaze
Elevate your snack game with these savory tuna fish cakes infused with the bold flavors of Asia. A perfect combination of texture and taste, these bite-sized treats are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine tuna, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well.
3. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
4. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the fish cakes for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Transfer the fish cakes to a baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Crispy Cod Fish Cakes with Tartar Sauce
Crispy Cod Fish Cakes with Tartar Sauce Recipe
This classic fish cake recipe yields crispy, flavorful patties that pair perfectly with a tangy tartar sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod fish, flaked
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Tartar sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cod fish, panko breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, and lemon juice. Mix well.
3. Divide the mixture into 4-6 portions, depending on desired size.
4. Shape each portion into a patty.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Place the fish cakes on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
8. Serve with tartar sauce and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mediterranean Herb Fish Cakes with Tzatziki
Experience the flavors of the Mediterranean with these delicious fish cakes, flavored with herbs and served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod or haddock fillets, flaked
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Tzatziki sauce (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine flaked fish, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape mixture into 4-6 patties.
4. Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve with tzatziki sauce (see below).
Tzatziki Sauce:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Smoked Haddock and Cheddar Fish Cakes
These fish cakes combine the rich flavor of smoked haddock with the creaminess of cheddar cheese, perfect for a satisfying snack or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can smoked haddock (drained and flaked)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the smoked haddock, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, egg, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Divide the mixture into 4-6 portions, depending on desired size. Shape each portion into a patty.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry the fish cakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove from heat and serve hot with your favorite accompaniments.
Cooking Time: Approximately 6-8 minutes per batch, depending on size of fish cakes.
Sweet Potato and Mackerel Fish Cakes
A twist on traditional fish cakes, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich flavor of mackerel for a delicious and nutritious snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 can of mackerel in water (drained and flaked)
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, flaked mackerel, panko breadcrumbs, grated cheese, egg, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Divide the mixture into 6-8 portions, depending on desired size.
3. Shape each portion into a patty.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
5. Fry the fish cakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes to fry all the fish cakes.
Korean-Style Spicy Fish Cakes with Gochujang
Elevate your snack game with these crispy and spicy fish cakes, infused with the bold flavors of gochujang. This Korean-inspired recipe is perfect for a quick bite or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod or pollock fillets, flaked
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine flaked fish, panko breadcrumbs, gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix well.
2. Divide the mixture into 4-6 portions, depending on desired size. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten slightly into patties.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the fish cakes for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain excess oil on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Coconut and Lime Fish Cakes with Mango Salsa
Brighten up your plate with these flavorful fish cakes infused with the tropical notes of coconut and lime, served with a sweet and tangy mango salsa.
Ingredients:
For the fish cakes:
– 1 pound cod or tilapia, flaked
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the mango salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together fish, panko breadcrumbs, coconut, lime juice, and olive oil.
3. Shape into 6-8 patties.
4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve fish cakes with mango salsa.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Panko-Crusted Fish Cakes with Wasabi Mayo
Elevate your seafood game with these crispy Panko-crusted fish cakes, served with a tangy and spicy wasabi mayonnaise. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod or haddock, flaked
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Wasabi mayonnaise (see below for recipe)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together fish, panko breadcrumbs, egg, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Divide the mixture into 4-6 portions, depending on desired size.
3. Shape each portion into a patty.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the fish cakes for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve immediately with wasabi mayonnaise (recipe below).
Wasabi Mayo Recipe:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon wasabi paste
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Moroccan-Spiced Fish Cakes with Harissa Yogurt
Moroccan-Spiced Fish Cakes with Harissa Yogurt: A flavorful twist on traditional fish cakes, this recipe combines the warmth of Moroccan spices with the tanginess of harissa yogurt for a deliciously unique appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod or haddock fillet, flaked
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons harissa paste
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine flaked fish, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Divide mixture into 6-8 portions, depending on desired size. Shape each portion into a patty.
4. Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, mix harissa paste with yogurt in a small bowl.
6. Serve fish cakes hot with a dollop of harissa yogurt and lemon wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Parsley and Caper Fish Cakes with Lemon Aioli
Elevate your seafood game with these flavorful fish cakes, infused with the brightness of parsley and capers. Serve them with a tangy lemon aioli for a refreshing twist.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod or haddock fillets, flaked
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 eggs
– Lemon aioli (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, combine flaked fish, panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic, parsley, and capers. Mix well.
3. Beat in the eggs until just combined.
4. Divide mixture into 6-8 portions and shape each portion into a patty.
5. Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Lemon Aioli:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Serve chilled.
Curried Fish Cakes with Mint Raita
This recipe combines the warmth of Indian spices with the freshness of mint and yogurt to create a unique and flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for a gathering.
Ingredients:
For the fish cakes:
– 1 pound cod fillet, flaked
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 1/4 cup curry powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the mint raita:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine fish, panko breadcrumbs, onion, curry powder, cayenne pepper, and egg. Mix well.
3. Shape into 4-6 patties, depending on desired size.
4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, mix yogurt, mint leaves, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl.
6. Serve fish cakes with mint raita and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Gluten-Free Almond-Crusted Fish Cakes
Gluten-Free Almond-Crusted Fish Cakes Recipe
Elevate your fish game with these crispy and flavorful gluten-free fish cakes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch. This recipe uses almond flour as the base, adding a delightful crunch to the tender fish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod or haddock fillet, flaked
– 1/2 cup almond flour
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together almond flour, panko breadcrumbs, and a pinch of salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flaked fish, egg, lemon juice, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
4. Add the fish mixture to the almond-panko mixture and gently fold until a sticky dough forms.
5. Shape into 4-6 patties, depending on desired size.
6. Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Japanese Fish Cakes with Ponzu Dipping Sauce
This recipe combines the savory flavor of fish cakes with the tangy zip of ponzu dipping sauce, perfect for a quick and easy snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod fish, flaked
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Ponzu dipping sauce ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup citrus juice (orange or grapefruit), 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine flaked fish, panko breadcrumbs, scallions, soy sauce, sake, sugar, salt, and white pepper. Mix well.
2. Divide the mixture into 6-8 portions and shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly into a disk shape.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry the fish cakes until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Serve hot with ponzu dipping sauce (mix all ingredients together and adjust to taste).
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Caribbean Jerk Fish Cakes with Pineapple Salsa
Experience the bold flavors of the Caribbean with these spicy fish cakes and sweet pineapple salsa. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is sure to transport your taste buds to the islands.
Ingredients:
For the fish cakes:
– 1 pound cod or tilapia, flaked
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 eggs, lightly beaten
For the pineapple salsa:
– 1 ripe pineapple, diced
– 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flaked fish, panko breadcrumbs, jerk seasoning, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix well until combined.
4. Add eggs and mix until just combined.
5. Form into 8 patties.
6. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Meanwhile, combine pineapple, red bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl.
8. Serve fish cakes with pineapple salsa and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic and Herb Fish Cakes with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
A flavorful and moist fish cake recipe paired with a sweet and smoky roasted red pepper sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod or haddock fillet, flaked
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Roasted red peppers (see below for recipe)
– Fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine fish, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Shape into 4-6 patties, depending on desired size.
4. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
5. Serve with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce (recipe below).
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place red peppers on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 30-40 minutes or until charred and blistered.
3. Remove from oven and peel off skin, then puree in a blender or food processor.
Summary
Get ready to reel in the flavor with these 18 crispy fish cakes recipes that put a twist on the classic! From Spicy Thai Fish Cakes with Sweet Chili Sauce to Mediterranean Herb Fish Cakes with Tzatziki, each recipe offers a unique combination of flavors and textures. Try your hand at making Asian-Style Tuna Fish Cakes with Soy Glaze or Coconut and Lime Fish Cakes with Mango Salsa for a taste adventure. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy or herby, there’s a fish cake recipe on this list that’s sure to satisfy.