Surprise, surprise! These were a huge hit! And why not? My all-time favorite ingredient (potatoes), plenty of fresh herbs, mustard, capers, and scallions give them tons of perky flavors. They are crisp and golden on the outside and flaky-moist on the inside. What’s not to like? These fish cakes make a good case for using up leftover cooked fish – especially the cod used in this recipe – but from now on, they are going into my rotation as a purposeful dish, not a leftover afterthought. Tarragon mayonnaise, mayonnaise spiked with another fresh herb, or tartar sauce are literally the icing on the cake.
What’s the Best Fish for Fish Cakes?
I used cod for these because I like it, but having said that, you could substitute another white fish like haddock, hake, whiting, halibut, or veer off into salmon territory if you like. You can purchase skinned fish, but if it has not been skinned, cook it with the skin on. It’s easy enough to flake it either way.
Make Ahead Fish Cakes
You can make all the components of these fish cakes up the day before you plan to assemble them—cook the potatoes and fish, prep the herbs and capers—or you could also OHIO (only handle it once) and mix and shape the patties ahead of time. Once the patties are shaped they will keep for at least one day in the refrigerator before needing to be cooked. If you like, you could freeze the patties, cooked or uncooked, for up to 2 months for optimal freshness. Wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, and defrost them in the fridge before cooking or reheating in a pan.
Healthy Fish Cakes
Traditionally, codfish cakes are fried, but eight patties do not fit in one pan, and that is a deal-breaker for me. I experimented with the broiler, which I found quite satisfactory. Even though you are not frying them, they still need oil in order to brown, so don’t skimp on the oil when you broil them. To keep the patties from falling apart as they cook, chilling them for at least one hour beforehand is essential.
Love Fish Cakes? Try These Recipes
Salmon Patties Tuna Patties Tuna Burgers Shrimp Patties Spicy Crab Cakes.
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 or more tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon, or fresh herb of your choice
For the Cod Fish Cakes:
2 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
1 1/2 teaspoons table salt
1 bay leaf
1/2 onion, 1/4-inch slices
1 sprig fresh thyme or pinch dried thyme
1 pound cod fillet
2 large eggs
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, dill, or tarragon
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons drained and chopped capers
4 scallions, finely sliced
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
4 to 6 tablespoons olive oil
In a colander, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. With a potato masher, coarsely mash them. Set aside. Over medium heat, bring the water to a simmer. Simmer the fish for 2 to 3 minutes. The fish may be done at this point, but if not, set it aside, covered, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until it is opaque. The cooking time will vary according to the thickness of the fish. Transfer it to a plate to cool. With a fork or your fingers, break the fish into large flakes. Remove the pan from the oven and flip the patties over. Brush the tops with more oil. Broil for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until browned. Serve hot with tarragon mayonnaise or tartar sauce.
