Fish Cakes Recipe

Crispy Golden Fish Cakes Recipe: A Family Favorite Delight

Crispy, golden fish cakes have been my go-to comfort meal since childhood.

My grandmother first taught me this delightful seafood recipe during summer vacations in maine.

Flaky white fish blends perfectly with herbs and spices to create a mouthwatering dish.

Each bite promises a delicate balance of crunch and tender maritime flavors.

Salt and pepper enhance the natural sweetness of fresh fish.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, these fish cakes will become your new favorite weeknight dinner.

Serve them hot with a zesty lemon wedge and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Why Hairy Bikers Fish Cakes Are A Classic Pick

Why Hairy Bikers Fish Cakes Are A Classic Pick
  • Craft Simple Seafood Delight: These fish cakes transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish anyone can master at home with minimal cooking skills.
  • Flexible Family Meal: Perfect for transforming leftover fish into a crowd-pleasing dinner that kids and adults will love, making meal planning a breeze.
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Requires minimal prep and cooking steps, allowing busy home cooks to prepare a delicious protein-packed meal in less than an hour from start to finish.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Adaptable to multiple serving styles – serve as appetizers, main course, or sandwich filling, making them ideal for casual gatherings or elegant dinner parties.

What You’ll Need For Hairy Bikers Fish Cakes

Main Fish Ingredient:
  • Fish: A tender white fish that provides the primary protein and flavor for these delicious cakes.
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Help bind the fish cakes together and add richness.
  • Mayonnaise: Provides moisture and a creamy texture to the mixture.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, zesty flavor that complements the fish.
Fresh Aromatics and Herbs:
  • Celery, Onions: Bring a crisp texture and savory depth to the fish cake mixture.
  • Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Seasoning:
  • Seasoning: Enhances the taste and brings out the natural flavors of the fish cakes.
Additional Serving Components:
  • Lemon Wedges: Provide a fresh, tangy garnish to brighten the dish.
  • Tartar Sauce: Offers a creamy, tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with the fish cakes.
Cooking Preparation:
  • Parchment Paper: Helps in shaping and preventing the fish cakes from sticking during preparation.

How To Make Hairy Bikers Fish Cakes At Home

How To Make Hairy Bikers Fish Cakes At Home

Step 1: Poach the Fish

Gently simmer the fish in simmering water until it’s just tender and flakes easily. Remove from water and let it cool completely on a clean kitchen towel, allowing excess moisture to drain away.

Step 2: Prepare Flavor Base

Chop and combine fresh ingredients to create a zesty mixture:
  • Finely diced celery
  • Minced green onions
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Eggs
  • Mayonnaise
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step 3: Blend Fish and Mixture

Break the cooled fish into delicate flakes using a fork. Carefully fold the fish into the prepared mixture, ensuring gentle mixing to maintain the fish’s tender texture.

Step 4: Shape Delicious Cakes

Use your hands to form the mixture into compact, even-sized patties. Place the shaped cakes on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Create Golden Crispy Exterior

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place fish cakes in the pan, cooking until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Flip once and cook the other side until equally crisp and heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the hot fish cakes to a serving platter. Accompany with fresh lemon wedges and creamy tartar sauce. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Tips To Get Hairy Bikers Fish Cakes Just Right

  • Flake Fish Gently: Break the fish into small, delicate pieces to maintain its tender texture and prevent overmixing.
  • Chill Before Frying: Refrigerate fish cakes for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape and create a crispy exterior when frying.
  • Control Oil Temperature: Keep oil at medium-high heat (around 375°F) to ensure golden-brown crust without burning.
  • Drain Excess Moisture: Pat fish and vegetables dry to prevent soggy fish cakes and achieve a crispier result.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions.

Try New Variations Of Hairy Bikers Fish Cakes

  • Salmon Sensation: Replace white fish with salmon for a richer, omega-3 packed version that adds deep flavor and nutritional boost.
  • Gluten-Free Seafood Cakes: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to create a celiac-friendly alternative that maintains crispy texture.
  • Spicy Cajun Fish Cakes: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, and diced jalapeños to transform the recipe into a zesty, New Orleans-inspired seafood treat with bold, spicy notes.
  • Vegetarian Jackfruit Adaptation: Substitute fish with shredded young jackfruit, using similar seasonings to create a plant-based version that mimics seafood texture and taste.

What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Fish Cakes

  • Boost Flavor with Zesty White Wine Pairing: Crisp sauvignon blanc cuts through the richness of fish cakes, its bright acidity complementing the delicate seafood and herbal notes.
  • Enhance Texture with Crunchy Slaw Side: Tangy coleslaw with red cabbage and apple provides a refreshing contrast to the golden-fried fish cakes, adding crunch and lightness to each bite.
  • Create Depth with Herbed Aioli Dip: Homemade garlic aioli infused with fresh dill and lemon zest elevates the fish cakes, offering a creamy, herb-packed sauce that intensifies the seafood flavor.

Store Hairy Bikers Fish Cakes The Smart Way

  • Store leftover fish cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual fish cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Place fish cakes on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
  • Heat a non-stick pan with a touch of oil over medium heat. Cook fish cakes for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring crispy exterior and warm center.

Hairy Bikers Fish Cakes FAQs Explained

  • Can I use frozen fish for these fish cakes?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen fish. Just ensure it’s fully drained and patted dry before mixing into the recipe.

  • What type of fish works best for this recipe?

White fish like cod, haddock, or halibut are ideal. They have a mild flavor and flake easily, creating perfect fish cakes.

  • How do I prevent my fish cakes from falling apart while frying?

Make sure to chill the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping and frying. This helps bind the ingredients and prevents crumbling.

  • Can I make these fish cakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the fish cakes and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before frying. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap.

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Fish Cakes Recipe

Fish Cakes Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 56 mins
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy golden fish cakes bring Caribbean charm to dinner tables with zesty Caribbean spices. Quick and easy preparation delivers a delightful meal that promises to satisfy hungry guests with minimal kitchen effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) white fish
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Vegetables and Herbs:

  • 1/4 cup green onions
  • 1/4 cup celery
  • 1 tablespoon parsley

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 tablespoon oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Gently poach fish in simmering water at 160°F until just opaque and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely.
  2. Finely dice celery and green onions into uniform small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the mixture.
  3. Whisk eggs with mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until smoothly combined.
  4. Carefully break cooled fish into delicate flakes using a fork, ensuring no large chunks remain.
  5. Fold fish flakes into the prepared mixture, stirring gently to maintain fish’s tender texture without breaking it further.
  6. Using a measuring scoop or large spoon, form uniform fish cakes on a parchment-lined tray, pressing gently to compact the mixture.
  7. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 375°F, creating a crisp golden exterior.
  8. Fry fish cakes in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once to achieve an even, rich golden-brown color.
  9. Transfer cooked fish cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  10. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and serve immediately alongside homemade tartar sauce for a classic accompaniment.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, white fish like cod or haddock for the best flavor and texture in your fish cakes.
  • Ensure fish is completely cooled and well-drained to prevent soggy cakes that fall apart during cooking.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for an extra crispy, golden exterior when frying.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the crunchy coating.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 46 mins
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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