Easy Fish Cakes Recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Lauren Matheson ·

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Made with leftover fish and potatoes, this easy Fish Cakes recipe can be ready to enjoy in a little over 30 minutes and this simple meal is guaranteed to become a family favourite! Serve with your favourite salad, vegetables, homemade tartare sauce and sprinkle with lemon juice.

Find both regular and Thermomix instructions in the recipe card below.

Easy Fish Cakes Recipe (1)

You will love:

Budget Friendly – this traditional Fish Cake recipe can be made using leftover fish and potatoes, making it a perfect budget friendly and easy meal.

Versatile – Serve these Fish Cakes with a simple salad or vegetables.

Great for entertaining – Make these Fish Cakes a little smaller to turn them into the perfect finger food or appetiser for your next party.

Easy Fish Cakes Recipe (2)

Ingredients

Please note you will find both regular and Thermomix instructions in the recipe card below.

  • Cooked Fresh Fish – Basa Fillets were used to make the Fish Cakes pictured.
  • Cooked Potatoes – mashed potato can also be used.
  • Milk
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic
  • Lemon Zest
  • Onion Flakes
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Chives
  • Eggs
  • Panko Breadcrumbs – using Panko Breadcrumbs will help to give your Fish Cakes a crunchy crust.

How to Make Fish Cakes:

Step 1. Place the fish fillets and mashed potatoes into a large mixing bowl and mash.

Step 2. Add the milk, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon rind, onion flakes, mustard, egg and salt and pepper and stir well to combine.

Step 3. Use a large spoon to scoop up the fish mixture and shape with your hands to form fish patties.

Step 4. Coat with the bread crumbs.

Step 5. Transfer to the fridge and let chill.

Step 6. Place olive oil into a large frying pan and heat over a medium heat. Cook the Fish Cakes for 3 -4 minutes on each side before flipping over.

Easy Fish Cakes Recipe (3)

Easy Fish Cakes Recipe Hints and Tips

This recipe is very simple to make and it’s also really versatile. We enjoyed the ‘chunkier’ texture of the fish and potatoes, however you can choose to use a food processor to combine your fish and potatoes if you would like a smoother texture.

Leftover mashed potato can also be used for this recipe.

You can use any type of white fish for this recipe, I used Basa Fillets in the Fish Cakes pictured.

You could also add some leftover corn or other vegetables to your mixture as well as using other types of fish, such as salmon, too.

This recipe is not only perfect for using up leftovers, but it also makes a great simple meal or snack.

It’s important to chill the fish cakes in the fridge before cooking as this helps them to keep their shape.

We like to serve these with some homemade vegetable chips and salad, but they are also yummy when served with steamed vegetables and rice too. You may also like to enjoy these with homemade tartare sauce and lemon juice.

Store in the fridge and consumed within two days and leftover Fish Cakes can be frozen for up to three months. Uncooked fish cakes can also be frozen for up to three months.

Easy Fish Cakes Recipe (4)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep Fish Cakes from falling apart?

Break the fish into small pieces to help it bind together. It is also important to let the cakes chill in the fridge as this will help them to hold their shape.

Is it ok to freeze Fish Cakes?

You can freeze Fish Cakes for up to three months. They can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.

Easy Fish Cakes Recipe (5)

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes:

  • Zucchini Slice
  • Baked Chicken Cheese and Zucchini Balls
  • Spinach and Cheese Gozleme
  • Rissoles Recipe

Easy Fish Cakes Recipe (6)

Easy Fish Cakes Recipe

This easy Fish Cakes recipe is a great way to use up any leftover fish and potatoes. These Fish Cakes are simple to make, freezer friendly and both regular and Thermomix instructions are included too.

4.44 from 58 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Chilling Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Modern

Servings 12 Fish Cakes

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 x Frying Pan

Ingredients

  • 500 grams cooked fish
  • 350 grams cooked potatoes
  • 2 tablespoon milk
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 lemon rind
  • 1 tablespoon onion flakes
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon chives finely chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • olive oil for cooking

Instructions

  • Place the panko breadcrumbs into a bowl and set aside until needed.

  • Place the fish and potatoes into a large bowl and mash. Alternatively, if you would prefer your fish cakes to have a ‘smooth’ consistency, you can process these ingredients in a food processor.

  • Add the milk, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon rind, onion flakes, mustard, egg and salt and pepper and stir well to combine.

  • Use a large dessert spoon to scoop up the mixture and shape with your hands to form a ball.

  • Place the ball into the panko breadcrumbs and gently roll to coat.

  • Place the coated fish cakes onto a plate and repeat steps 4 and 5 until all of the mixture has been used.

  • Transfer the fish cakes to the fridge for 30 minutes to chill, this will help them to hold their shape.

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and add 4 – 5 fish cakes. The amount of fish cakes you can cook at a time will depend on the size of your frying pan. Cook for 3 minutes before carefully flipping and cooking for a further 2 minutes on the other side or until nice and brown.

  • Repeat until all of your fish cakes have been cooked.

Thermomix Instructions

  • Place the panko breadcrumbs into a bowl and set aside until needed.

  • Place the fish and potatoes into your Thermomix bowl and mix on speed 5 for 5 seconds to combine. Scrape down the sides of your bowl.

  • Add the milk, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon rind, onion flakes, mustard, egg and salt and pepper mix for 6 seconds, speed 5 on REVERSE.

  • Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix for a further 5 seconds, speed 4 REVERSE or until combined.

  • Follow instructions as above from step 4.

Notes

This recipe is very simple to make and it’s also really versatile. We enjoyed the ‘chunkier’ texture of the fish and potatoes, however you can choose to use a food processor to combine your fish and potatoes if you would like a smoother texture.

You can use any type of fish for this recipe, I used Basa Fillets in the Fish Cakes pictured.

You could also add some leftover corn or other vegetables to your mixture as well as using other types of fish, such as salmon, too.

This easy Fish Cake recipe is not only perfect for using up leftovers, but it also makes a great simple meal or snack.

It’s important to chill the fish cakes in the fridge before cooking as this helps them to keep their shape.

We like to serve these with some homemade vegetable chips and salad, but they are also yummy when served with steamed vegetables and rice too.

These Fish Cakes are best stored in the fridge and consumed within two days and can be frozen for three months.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 12gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 253mgPotassium: 341mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 74IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Fish Cakes, Thermomix Fish Cakes

Tried this recipe? Please leave a rating and tag me on Instagram! Mention @createbakemake or tag #createbakemake!

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Easy Fish Cakes Recipe (7)
Easy Fish Cakes Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep homemade fish cakes from falling apart? ›

How do you keep fish cakes from falling apart?
  1. Use forks to flake your leftover fish into small pieces (smaller flakes hold together better when forming the cakes).
  2. Have a clean plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper ready before you form your fish cakes.
Oct 29, 2022

What is the best binder for fish cakes? ›

Eggs and cracker crumbs will help bind everything together below a drift of spice. Make sure to leave some time to chill the resulting patties in the refrigerator – the cold will help them set up so they don't fall apart in the sauté pan.

What can you use instead of breadcrumbs in fish cakes? ›

Yes, you can use flour as a substitute for breadcrumbs in salmon patties. While breadcrumbs are commonly used to provide texture and help bind the ingredients together, flour can serve a similar purpose.

Why do fish cakes fall apart when cooked? ›

If you add too much egg, for instance, or the canned fish isn't properly drained, the mixture will be too wet and the cakes will fall apart. Too many breadcrumbs, on the other hand, will make your cakes dry and crumbly.

Why are my fish cakes rubbery? ›

Most version include egg which is used as a binder. In this recipe, you have that option but personally I prefer the texture without the egg. Adding egg gives the Thai fish cakes a rubbery texture which some people like.

Why are my fishcakes mushy? ›

Make sure that the mashed potatoes are dry and fluffy (preferably without any added milk or butter), as if the mash is too wet then the fishcakes can be difficult to handle and may become too soft when they are defrosted.

Why are my fish cakes not sticking together? ›

Refrigerate The Mix, Use A Sheet Pan

Then you can scoop the cakes and put them on a sheet pan to cool down in the fridge once again. The cooler temperature of the mix will help everything stick together better when the patties are pan-fried, crisping them up nicely.

What can I use as a binder for fish? ›

First, use the right “glue.” If you've got the time and patience, a traditional breading (flour, egg and breadcrumbs) will work, but a far less messy and time-consuming binder is mayonnaise. It brings a bit of richness to the fish and spreads onto the fillets with a spatula so you can keep your hands clean.

What is the function of egg in fish cakes? ›

One thing you'll always need for fish cakes is an egg. The proteins in the egg will help bind together your fish cake mix as it cooks. Think of it as your glue: Without it, your fish cakes are going to fall apart.

Can Ritz crackers be substituted for bread crumbs? ›

Crushed-up crackers make an excellent bread crumb substitute in baked dishes like meatballs or meatloaf. The crackers work just as well as the bread crumbs to hold the meat mixture together, and using varieties like salty saltines or buttery Ritz is a great way to add an extra burst of flavor to your dish.

Can I use flour instead of breadcrumbs for fish? ›

Fish fillets dusted with flour and cooked until crispy makes a simple yet satisfying dish. The flour browns nicely and creates just the barest hint of a crust on the fish. For this technique, all-purpose flour is often used, and this is a great way to start.

What is the pink stuff in fish cakes? ›

Narutomaki is made from surimi (white fish paste) that's been molded into a log and steamed. The pink spiral comes from dying half of the surimi with red food coloring and then rolling it into a cylinder.

How do you know when fish cakes are done? ›

Drizzle a bit of oil. Place 3-4 fishcakes on the hot pan and cook on each side for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally. If they start browning too quickly, reduce heat and continue cooking. The fishcakes are done when both sides are golden and the fishcake itself feels firm and slightly dry.

How do you thicken fish cakes? ›

Put the remaining egg in a shallow bowl, and tip the flour and breadcrumbs on to separate saucers. Dip each fishcake in turn into the flour, the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs until thoroughly coated. Put into the fridge for at least half an hour to firm up.

Why do my fish patties fall apart? ›

If you add too much egg, for instance, or the canned fish isn't properly drained, the mixture will be too wet and the cakes will fall apart. Too many breadcrumbs, on the other hand, will make your cakes dry and crumbly.

What causes a homemade cake to fall? ›

Why did my cake sink in the middle?
  • 1 – Your ratio of ingredients is incorrect. ...
  • 2 – Your cake tin is too small. ...
  • 3 – You're undermixing your cake batter. ...
  • 4 – You're overmixing your cake batter. ...
  • 5 – You're opening the oven door too early when checking your cake. ...
  • 6 – Your oven is too cold.
Apr 28, 2023

What keeps cake from falling apart? ›

Get an oven thermometer and make sure your temperature falls within the right range. You under-mixed the batter. Leaving pockets of dry ingredients that aren't mixed into the batter well enough can cause weak points inside your cake. Make sure to mix your batter thoroughly and that there are no dry spots.

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