Crispy Golden Cod Fish Cakes: Your New Favorite 30-Minute Seafood Meal
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these incredibly easy cod fish cakes! Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and bursting with savory flavor, these golden patties are made with simple ingredients like fluffy mashed potatoes and a generous blend of aromatic seasonings. Best of all, they come together in just 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer. Prepare for a truly delicious seafood experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why This Easy Cod Fish Cake Recipe Will Be Your Go-To
These homemade cod fish cakes, sometimes affectionately called cod potato cakes, are a culinary masterpiece that strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and gourmet delight. What makes this recipe truly stand out is its clever combination of wholesome ingredients and incredibly simple steps. We’re talking about flaky cod fillets, creamy mashed potatoes, aromatic garlic, fresh green onions, crispy breadcrumbs, and the iconic flavor of Old Bay seasoning. This delightful mixture is then gently formed into perfect patties, ready to be sizzled in a skillet until they achieve that irresistible golden-brown hue and a light, satisfying crisp.
Every bite of these cod fish cakes delivers an experience of contrasting textures and harmonious flavors. You’ll first encounter a wonderfully crunchy exterior, which then gives way to a moist, tender, and perfectly flaky interior. Yes, they are that good – a true symphony for your senses! Not only are they exceptionally delicious, but their quick preparation time also makes them a lifesaver on busy days. Plus, this recipe is fantastic for utilizing leftover cooked fish, reducing waste and transforming yesterday’s dinner into an exciting new meal. Let’s dive into how you can create these culinary gems in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Cod Fish Cakes
Crafting the perfect cod fish cake starts with selecting the right ingredients. Below, you’ll find an overview of everything you’ll need, along with tips and substitution suggestions to ensure your fish cakes are nothing short of spectacular. For precise measurements, detailed instructions, and a printable version, be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Swaps
Let’s take a closer look at the components that make these cod fish cakes so special:
- FISH – While cod is the undeniable star of this recipe, its versatility means you can substitute it with almost any other white-fleshed fish. Excellent alternatives include haddock, bluegill, tilapia, or grouper. Each will bring its own subtle flavor profile, but all will result in delicious fish cakes. If you’re looking to use salmon, we have a fantastic dedicated recipe for salmon fish cakes that you might enjoy! Remember, for the best texture and ease of mixing, ensure your fish is already cooked and thoroughly cooled before flaking. (If you’re starting with raw fish, don’t worry! Check out the quick baking method provided in the “Before You Begin” notes section of the printable recipe at the end of this post.)
- POTATOES – We recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture when mashed. They contribute significantly to the fish cakes’ tender interior. It’s crucial to mash them without adding butter, milk, or cream, as this ensures the potato acts purely as a binder and doesn’t introduce too much moisture, which can make the patties difficult to form and fry. Just plain mashed potatoes are perfect here!
- BINDERS – The combination of fluffy mashed potatoes, crispy breadcrumbs, and a whisked egg forms the essential binding trio for your fish cakes. The potatoes provide structure and moisture, the breadcrumbs add texture and absorb excess moisture, and the egg acts as a powerful adhesive, holding everything together so your patties won’t fall apart during frying.
- SEASONING – Old Bay seasoning is truly a no-brainer when it comes to enhancing anything seafood-related. Its unique blend of spices complements the delicate flavor of cod beautifully, adding a classic, irresistible zest. However, feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavor profiles to suit your preference. Imagine how delicious these would be with an Italian-inspired herb blend featuring oregano, basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes, or perhaps a bold Cajun seasoning mix for an exciting kick of heat and depth. Garlic and green onions, sautéed in butter, infuse the mixture with an aromatic foundation that elevates the overall taste.
- OIL FOR FRYING – A good quality olive oil is recommended for pan-frying these fish cakes, as it provides a lovely golden crust and subtle flavor. You can also use other neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil. The key is to use enough oil to partially submerge the patties, allowing them to crisp up evenly without deep frying.
How to Make Perfect Cod Fish Cakes: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with all measurements and instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Begin by flaking your cooked and cooled cod fish. Place the tender flakes into a large mixing bowl. (If your fish is raw, refer to the detailed notes in the printable recipe at the end for quick oven baking instructions to prepare it first.)
- Prepare your potatoes. Fill a stock pot about two-thirds full with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
- While the water heats, peel your potatoes and cut them into uniform cubes. Add the cubed potatoes to the boiling water and cook until they are fork-tender. Once cooked, thoroughly drain them and mash them until smooth. It’s crucial at this stage not to add any butter, milk, or other liquids – just pure mashed potatoes will ensure the perfect consistency for binding.
- Next, prepare your aromatics. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until it becomes foamy. Add the minced garlic and sliced green onions, and sauté them for approximately 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Remove the mixture from the skillet and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Now, it’s time to combine the flavors. To the large mixing bowl containing the flaked fish, add the Old Bay seasoning, about half of your plain mashed potatoes, garlic salt, the whisked egg, the cooled sautéed onion and garlic mixture, and the breadcrumbs.
- Using gloved hands (or clean bare hands), gently but thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be cohesive and hold its shape. If you find it’s too loose or crumbly, gradually add the remaining mashed potatoes until you achieve a consistency that allows you to easily form patties.
- Once the mixture is ready, form it into uniformly sized patties. You can make them round or oval, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper can help prevent sticking if you’re preparing them in batches.
- Pour enough olive oil into your skillet to reach about 1/2-inch up the sides. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Achieving the right oil temperature is key for a crispy, non-greasy result. If you don’t have a thermometer, a small piece of breadcrumb should sizzle immediately when dropped into the hot oil.
- Carefully place the formed patties into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are wonderfully crisp. Once cooked, remove them and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Cod Fish Cakes
Yes, absolutely! This is a fantastic recipe for meal prepping. You can prepare the mixture and shape it into patties a day in advance. Simply arrange them on parchment paper inside an airtight container and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. This makes getting dinner on the table even quicker!
Yes, these fish cakes freeze exceptionally well, allowing you to enjoy them at your convenience. Prepare and shape the patties as directed. Then, flash freeze them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 1-2 hours until they are mostly solid. Once firm, wrap each individual cod fish cake tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, and then place them all into a freezer-safe Ziplock bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, you can fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, or thaw them in the refrigerator overnight first.
Leftover cod fish cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For best results when reheating, use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven until they are warmed through and crisp again. This method helps maintain their delightful crispy texture, unlike microwave reheating which can make them soggy.
Several factors contribute to extra crispy fish cakes. Firstly, make sure your mashed potatoes are not too wet; avoid adding milk or butter. Secondly, ensure your oil is at the correct temperature (350°F / 175°C). If the oil isn’t hot enough, the cakes will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn before cooking through. Finally, don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this lowers the oil temperature and can lead to steaming instead of frying.
Absolutely! For a healthier alternative, you can bake or air fry these cod fish cakes. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush the patties with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and heated through. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the patties with cooking spray and air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden. The texture might be slightly different from pan-frying, but they will still be delicious!
A few common pitfalls can be avoided for perfect fish cakes. Don’t use too much moisture in your potato mash or fish mixture, as this will lead to soggy cakes that won’t hold their shape. Ensure your fish is completely cooled before mixing, as warm fish can make the mixture too loose. Don’t skip chilling the patties if you have time, as it helps them firm up. Lastly, don’t rush the frying process – allow adequate time on each side for a beautiful golden crust.
Delicious Serving Ideas for Your Cod Fish Cakes
These versatile cod fish cakes can be enjoyed in so many delightful ways! For a classic touch, serve them piping hot with fresh lemon wedges, allowing a bright squeeze of citrus to cut through the richness. They pair wonderfully with a creamy homemade tartar sauce, a zesty aioli, or any of your favorite dipping sauces. Consider a spicy sriracha mayo for a modern twist!
As a light appetizer, they are perfect on their own or with a simple garnish of fresh chopped parsley. For a more substantial main course, accompany them with a crisp dinner salad, a refreshing coleslaw, or a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables. Their adaptability makes them a fantastic addition to almost any meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill or chives for an extra touch of color and flavor, and prepare to savor every bite!
More Seafood & “Cake” Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these cod fish cakes, you might also like to explore these other fantastic recipes from our kitchen:
- Classic Fish Cakes
- Irresistible Crab Cakes
- Savory Salmon Croquettes
- Authentic Korean Fish Cakes
I absolutely love to spend time in the kitchen, experimenting with new flavors and perfecting classic dishes, and I’m always thrilled to share my culinary adventures and experiences with all of you! Remembering to come back each day to check for new recipes can be tough, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe today and start receiving your free daily recipes directly in your inbox!
Cod Fish Cakes
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 pound cod fish cooked and cooled
- 2 large Yukon Gold potatoes cooked and mashed
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 Tablespoons sliced green onion
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 large egg whisked
- ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs
- olive oil for frying
Things You’ll Need
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Mixing bowls
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Stockpot
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Large heavy bottomed skillet
Before You Begin
- While cod is featured as the main ingredient, you can easily substitute it with other white-fleshed fish such as haddock, bluegill, tilapia, or grouper. For those preferring salmon, check out our specific recipe for fish cakes using salmon! It’s essential to use cooked and cooled fish for this recipe to achieve the best texture and consistency.
If you have raw fish, here’s quick instructions for baking cod in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- If your cod filets are frozen, thaw them completely first. Pat the thawed or fresh filets very dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Rub each filet lightly with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning for extra flavor.
- Bake the filets for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before flaking them for your fish cake mixture.
Instructions
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Flake the cooked and cooled fish and place it into a large mixing bowl.
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Fill a stock pot two-thirds full with water and bring it to a boil.
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Peel and cube the potatoes. Add the cubed potatoes to the boiling water, cook until tender, then drain thoroughly. Mash the potatoes by themselves, without adding any butter or milk.
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Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until foamy. Add minced garlic and sliced green onions and sauté for 2 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside to cool.
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To the mixing bowl with the flaked fish, add the Old Bay seasoning, half of the mashed potatoes, garlic salt, whisked egg, the reserved cooled onion mixture, and plain bread crumbs.
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Using gloved hands, mix all ingredients together thoroughly. If the mixture is too loose, add the remaining mashed potatoes as needed until it’s firm enough to form patties.
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Form the fish mixture into uniform patties of your desired size.
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Add enough olive oil to a skillet to come about 1/2-inch up the sides and heat to 350°F (175°C).
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Carefully place patties into the hot oil and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Remove to paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Make Ahead – For easy entertaining or quick weeknight meals, you can prepare the fish cake mixture and shape it into patties up to a day in advance. Store them on parchment paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
- Storage – Store any leftover cooked cod fish cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in an air fryer or a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through and crisp for the best results.
- Freezing – These fish cakes freeze beautifully! After forming the patties, flash freeze them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until mostly solid. Then, wrap each individual fish cake in plastic wrap and transfer them to a freezer-safe Ziplock bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Cook from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Crispy Texture Secret – Ensure your mashed potatoes are not too wet and that your frying oil is at the correct temperature (350°F / 175°C) to get those perfect crispy exteriors without being greasy. Don’t overcrowd the pan!
- Flavor Variations – Don’t limit yourself to Old Bay! Experiment with herbs like fresh dill or parsley, a pinch of lemon zest, or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.