Cod Almighty! Classic Cod & Parsley Fish Cakes

Looking for the best fish cake recipe? These cod fish cakes are a classic, easy, and use sustainable cod. Try my homemade fish cakes recipe tonight! ... Quick & Easy
Recipe Introduction
Craving Comfort?
Ever have one of those days? you know, when only comfort food will do? honestly, that's when this fish cake recipe saves the day.
It's like a warm hug on a plate. it might become your next comfort food recipe using leftover fish.
A Classic with a Twist
The humble fish cakes recipe has roots in british cuisine, a way to use up leftover fish recipes . it's a classic for a reason, blooming 'eck, because it is yummy! this version is simple, i'm going to show you how to make easy fish cake recipe , plus using sustainable cod.
It takes about an hour, but that includes chilling time, and makes four delicious cakes.
Good for You, Good for the Soul
We're using sustainable cod, packed with protein and omega-3s. it's a great way to get those healthy fats. these best fish cakes recipe are perfect for a quick midweek dinner.
Honestly, they are special because they taste blooming amazing, and are a little bit good for you.
The Stars of the Show
Right, gather your ingredients. you'll need cod, potatoes, milk, butter, parsley, lemon, dijon mustard, egg, panko breadcrumbs, plain flour, and vegetable oil.
I will show you how to make the classic fish cakes . let’s talk ingredients.
Cod Almighty! Classic Cod & Parsley Fish Cakes Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment For The Best Fish Cake Recipe Easy
So, you fancy giving this classic fish cakes recipe a go, eh? ace! let’s get down to brass tacks. having the right kit and ingredients makes all the difference, honestly.
It transforms a potential kitchen disaster into a proper treat. plus knowing these ingredients is useful for using leftover fish recipes .
Main Players
Right then, here's what you need for cracking homemade fish cakes recipe . And don’t you worry, nothing too fancy!
- Cod: 1 pound (450g) skinless, boneless sustainable cod fillet. Key is freshness; it should smell of the sea, not "fishy", you know?
- Potatoes: 1 pound (450g) , russet are best. They give a lovely fluffy texture.
- Milk: 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
- Parsley: 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley. Not dried, it's not the same, trust me.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon .
- Dijon Mustard: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs. These are amazing for getting a proper crispy finish.
- Flour: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting.
- Oil: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying.
Seasoning Shenanigans
A good fish cakes recipe is all about the flavour bomb. parsley and lemon are essential; they just lift the whole thing.
Plus, that little bit of dijon gives a lovely tang. if you don't have dijon, a tiny bit of english mustard will do in a pinch but be careful, it's got a kick! for easy fish cake recipe , don’t go overboard with spices.
Gear Up
No need for a Michelin-star kitchen here. Just the basics will do the job for this fishcakes recipe .
- Saucepan: For boiling the potatoes.
- Potato Masher: Or a ricer, if you’re feeling posh.
- Mixing Bowl: A standard mixing bowl is ideal for combining all the ingredients.
- Shallow Dishes: For breading the fish cakes.
- Frying Pan: A large skillet or frying pan is perfect for frying the cakes.
- Spatula: Flipping those cakes like a pro.
Honestly, this cod fish cake recipe is so straightforward. remember my old flatmate sarah trying to make them and forgetting to chill the cakes? what a disaster! they just fell apart in the pan.
Learn from her mistakes. chill them! the result will be best fish cakes recipe .

Cod Almighty! Cracking the Classic Cod & Parsley Fish Cake Recipe
Fancy a bit of comfort food? honestly, who doesn't love a good fish cake recipe ? this isn't just any fish cake recipe.
We're diving into a classic fish cakes recipe using sustainable cod. you know, doing our bit and all that. this homemade fish cakes recipe is proper tasty.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your Mate
First things first, let's get organised. peel and cube about 450g of potatoes. get your sustainable cod fillet, also about 450g, ready for poaching.
Chop up roughly 1/4 cup of parsley. honestly, getting this sorted beforehand is a massive time saver.
Cod's Calling: Step-by-Step to Fish Cake Perfection
Right then, pay attention, because we are about to cook one of the best fish cakes recipe ever. Here’s how we're gonna smash it:
- Boil the potatoes until they're tender, about 15- 20 minutes. Mash 'em with 60ml of milk and 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Gently poach or steam the cod until it flakes easily, about 5- 7 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, flaked cod, parsley, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, plus a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Form the mixture into four fishcakes .
- Chill those babies in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . This is key!
- Coat in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs (panko if you're feeling fancy).
- Fry in hot oil over medium heat for about 5- 7 minutes per side until golden brown.
Tips and Tricks: Elevate Your Fish Cake Game
Always remember to chill your fish cakes before frying. otherwise, they'll fall apart faster than a politician's promise! use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust.
It makes all the difference, trust me. you can use all those leftover fish recipes or even the leftover fish cakes from last night to prepare today's batch, which is cool.
If you want a real treat why not try a cod fish cake recipe ?
There you have it. A easy fish cake recipe that’s guaranteed to be a winner. It’s ideal when you fancy something simple and delicious. Give it a go.
Recipe Notes: Cracking the Fish Cake Code
Honestly, the best fish cakes recipe is one that's adaptable and suits your taste. but before you tuck in, let's go over a few essential bits and bobs.
I learned these the hard way, trust me.
Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating On!
Presentation is key, right? Think about it – a pile of fish cakes recipe easy just doesn't cut it. Elevate your plate!
- Plating & Presentation: Arrange your golden fish cakes on a bed of fresh greens. A lemon wedge adds zing! Drizzle with a bit of homemade tartare sauce.
- Complementary Sides & Beverages: A crisp green salad is classic. Or go full-on Brit with chips and mushy peas. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc? chef's kiss
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh
Got leftover fish cakes ? No worries, they're still good!
- Refrigeration Guidelines: Pop cooled fishcakes recipe in an airtight container. They're good for up to 2 days .
- Freezing Options: Wrap individually in cling film, then foil. Freeze for up to 1 month .
- Reheating Instructions: Bake at 180° C ( 350° F) until heated through. Or pan-fry for a crispier finish.
Variations: Mix It Up!
Don't be a stick in the mud! Adapt the homemade fish cakes recipe to your liking.
- Dietary Adaptations: For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. For dairy-free, use dairy-free milk and butter.
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the autumn, try adding roasted squash to the potato mash. A bit of nutmeg never hurt, either.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
This classic fish cakes recipe is more than just tasty. It's actually quite good for you!
- Simplified Nutrition Information: Packed with protein from the sustainable cod fish cakes , and healthy carbs from the potatoes.
- Key Health Benefits: Fish cakes recipe are a great way to get your omega-3s. Also it helps with your protein!
Honestly, making the best fish cakes recipe at home can be really easy! so go on, give this easy fish cake recipe a go and let me know how it turns out.
Don't forget to share your culinary masterpieces! happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My fish cakes are falling apart – what am I doing wrong?
Oh crumbs, that's a common snag! The most likely culprit is not chilling them for long enough. Pop those chaps in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or even longer!) before breading and frying. This firms them up and helps them hold their shape. Also, be gentle when handling the mixture; overworking it can also lead to crumbly results.
Can I use frozen cod for this fish cake recipe, or does it have to be fresh?
You can absolutely use frozen cod, no worries! Just make sure it's fully thawed before you start cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, as this can make the fish cakes soggy. Using sustainable cod is always a great choice, whether fresh or frozen, so check the labels!
What's the best way to get a really crispy crust on my fish cakes?
For a truly smashing crispy crust, panko breadcrumbs are your best mate. They're lighter and crisper than regular breadcrumbs. Make sure the oil in your pan is hot enough before adding the fish cakes – medium heat should do the trick. And don't overcrowd the pan; give them space to brown properly.
I'm trying to eat healthier. Are there any healthy variations I can make to this fish cake recipe?
Certainly! You can bake the fish cakes instead of frying them to reduce the fat content. Just preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), place the breaded fish cakes on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Using sweet potato mash instead of regular potatoes is another way to boost the nutrients, and you could add some finely chopped veggies like spinach or spring onions to the mixture for an extra boost.
How long will these fish cakes last, and what's the best way to store them?
Cooked fish cakes will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing them in an airtight container. You can also freeze uncooked fish cakes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They'll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Remember to fully defrost before cooking, darling!