What To Serve With Fish Cakes? (30+ Accompaniments)
Fish cakes are a delicious and easy meal for all to enjoy. However, knowing what to serve with fish cakes is essential to make the best possible combination of flavors and textures.
Here are what to serve with fish cakes:
Tartare Sauce
Sweet Chili Sauce
Salad
Sesame Seeds
French Fries or Baked Potato
And many more.
Cod Fishcake. Credit: canva
Which ones to serve with Asian-style fish cakes? Which side dishes go well with European-style fishcakes? And how to prepare them? Let’s find out!
A fishcake, often known as a fish cake, is a fried mixture of minced or ground filleted fish or other seafood with a starchy ingredient and fried until golden brown.
Asian-style fish cakes
The term “fishcake” can refer to any fishcake but most commonly refers to the kind made in Asia.
These fishcakes are usually made from prawns, squid, mackerel, salmon, tuna, etc., that have been cut into small pieces and then marinated before deep-fried.
The texture of these fishcakes is firmer than those made in Europe and America, and they tend to be savory rather than sweet.
They may also contain seasonings like soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, chili pepper, scallions, coriander leaves, etc.
European-style fish cakes
Fishcakes made in Europe are similar to the Asian style, but they are typically made from white fish fillets such as cod fillet, haddock, halibut, sole, plaice, turbot, etc., and oily fish like mackerel, salmon, or tuna.
The Fishcake has been seen as a method of turning otherwise-wasted leftovers into something edible.
Fish cakes are croquette-like, consisting of filleted fish or other seafood with a potato patty, sometimes breaded in breadcrumbs or batter.
American-style fish cakes
In American cuisine, fishcakes are generally made from fatty fish such as salmon, trout, catfish, snapper, grouper, flounder, etc., and are usually served hot.
They are cooked on a griddle or skillet and are often served with tartar sauce, remoulade, horseradish, lemon juice, ketchup, mustard, etc.
American fish cake with tartar sauce. Source: canva
What to Serve with Fish Cakes
Sweet and Sour Sauce
This sauce is trendy in China and Japan and is used to enhance the flavor of many dishes. For example, it is the favorite dipping sauce for fish cakes. It contains vinegar, sugar, and corn syrup.
Sweet Chili Sauce
Another famous dipping sauce for fish cakes is sweet chili sauce. This sauce is made from fermented chilies, salt, sugar, and water.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is one of the most common ingredients found in Chinese cooking. It comes in different types depending on how salty it tastes.
Korean Fishcake Skewer. Credit: canva
Chili Pepper
Chili peppers are spicy condiments that come in various colors. They are commonly used to spice up food.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is acidic and helps balance out the saltiness of the Fishcake. If you don’t want to use lemon juice, you can replace it with lime juice.
Chili Sauce
Chili sauce is another ingredient commonly used for fish cake dipping sauce. However, it has a strong taste and should only be added sparingly.
Potatoes
Boiled potatoes are ideal for serving alongside fishcakes because they complement the firmness of the Fishcake. They also add moisture and flavor.
Thai Fishcake with Coriander Leaves. Credit: canva
Cucumber
Cucumber makes an excellent side dish to accompany fishcakes because it adds acidity and freshness to the meal. It’s best to use Japanese varieties because they’re thinner and less watery than Western varieties.
Green Beans
The crisp crunchiness of green beans goes well with fishcakes because it complements their soft texture.
White Rice
White rice is a staple food in Asian cuisines and is ideal for serving fish cakes. It provides a neutral base for the other flavors in your dish.
Carrots
Carrots make a great accompaniment to fishcakes because they provide color and sweetness.
Broccoli
You can also try broccoli as a side dish for your fishcakes. It has a mild taste so that it won’t overpower the flavors of the Fishcake.
Fishcake with Tartar Sauce and Salad. Credit: canva
Corn
Corn is another good choice because it provides nutrients and fiber.
Mushrooms
Mushroom caps are also a perfect side dish to go along with because they add color and texture.
Celery
Celery is another vegetable that works well with fishcakes because its crisp texture matches the soft texture of the Fishcake.
Ginger
Ginger is a root that grows in tropical areas and is known for its medicinal properties. It is often added to soups and stews.
Scallion
A scallion is a member of the onion family. Its long green stems have a strong smell and flavor.
Coriander Leaves
These leaves are aromatic and flavorful. They are commonly used in Indian curries.
Black Pepper
Black pepper is a peppercorn that has been dried and ground into small pieces. It gives foods a peppery flavor.
Garlic
Garlic is a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world. It has an intense aroma and a slightly sweet flavor.
Onions are members of the lily family. They grow in clusters and have a mild flavor.
Onion
Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are tiny black seeds that have a nutty flavor. They are commonly used as garnish.
Peanuts
Peanuts are nuts that grow underground. Therefore, they are usually eaten raw or roasted.
Pineapple
Pineapples are fruits that grow in tropical regions. They contain lots of vitamin C and other vitamins.
Best accompaniment for fish cakes: European and American style
Tartar Sauce (or Tartare Sauce)
This tangy sauce is made from finely chopped egg yolks, vinegar, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. The homemade tartar sauce is traditionally served with French fries, potato chips, corn chips, pretzels, etc.
Parsley Sauce
This is a creamy sauce made of mayonnaise, sour cream, parsley, and chives. This sauce is typically served on steamed vegetables like peas, carrots, cauliflower, and cabbage.
Cocktail Sauce
This thick, rich sauce contains ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, mustard, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Cocktail sauce is typically served over hamburgers, hot dogs, steak sandwiches, chicken wings, and fried shrimp.
Hollandaise Sauce
This light yellow sauce combines mayonnaise, eggs, milk, and herbs. Hollandaise sauce is typically served with boiled potatoes, macaroni, pasta, and baked ham.
Cheese Sauce
This smooth cheese-based sauce is similar to hollandaise sauce but contains no butter. Cheese sauces are typically served over grilled meats, burgers, and pizza.
Baked Potato
You can fill them with toppings such as bacon bits, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, and chili!
French Fries
French fries are one of America’s favorite snack food items. They are deep-fried slices of potatoes seasoned with salt and sometimes spices.
European’s term for french fries is potato chips or just chips. And making your homemade chips is very simple.
Remoulade
A traditional fishcake accompaniment is a remoulade, an emulsion of mayonnaise, pickles, celery, onion, and parsley.
Horseradish
This condiment is available in both powdered and prepared forms. It’s used in many dishes, including fishcakes, sandwiches, salads, soups, stews, etc.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another popular ingredient in fishcakes. It adds flavor and helps keep the cakes moist.
Ketchup
Another common accompaniment for fishcakes in America is ketchup.
Mustard
In addition to its use as a sandwich dressing, it is also added to fishcakes.
Chips
Fried potatoes, breaded chicken nuggets, and battered shrimp are excellent options for serving alongside fishcakes.
Salad
A simple green salad is perfect for serving with fishcakes.
Vegetables
Grilled zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas, etc., are some vegetables you could add to your plate.
Cheese
Some people prefer their fishcakes without cheese, while others enjoy them with cheese on top.
Bread
You can also serve fishcakes with crusty bread.
Eggs
Try adding eggs to the batter to make a breakfast version of fishcakes.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a delicious side dish that goes well with fishcakes.
Baked Beans
Beans are an excellent option for making baked beans. You’ll find recipes online.
Sour Cream
Sour cream is a creamy dairy product that has a tangy taste. It’s typically used topping for mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, and fishcakes.
How to Make a Fishcake
There are a few different ways to cook fishcakes. You can fry them, bake them, or microwave them.
Frying
You’ll need some vegetable or cooking oil to fry fish cakes. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish cakes and cook for about four minutes per side or until golden brown.
Baking
To bake fish cakes, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Place the fish cakes on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until cooked.
Microwaving
If you want to microwave your fishcakes, place them on a microwavable plate and cook them for about two minutes per side or until cooked through.
How to serve fish cakes
Once you’ve cooked your fishcakes, the next step is to decide how to serve them.
You can put them on a bun, make a fishcake burger, or place them on a plate with some sides.
Good side dishes to serve with fish cakes are hollandaise sauce, cheese sauce, baked potato, french fries, remoulade sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, ketchup, mustard, and chips.
You can also serve them with a salad or some vegetables. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, try serving them with sweet potatoes or baked beans. Enjoy!
Recipe
There are many variations for fish cake recipes. The following steps will help you make your own.
Basic Asian-style Fishcake Recipe
Fishcake Ingredients
The essential ingredients for making fishcakes include:
Fish (this recipe uses fresh fish)
Starch
Seasoning (e.g., salt, sugar, black pepper, etc .)
Oil/fat
Water
Other optional ingredients
Instructions: There are two main ways to prepare fishcakes, depending on what fish you use.
White Fish
Put it in a bowl and add enough water to cover it entirely for white fish. Add some seasoning and let it soak overnight. Then drain off all the excess liquid and pat dry with paper towels.
Put the fish in a food processor and process until fine. Mix the fish with starch and spices.
Heat your frying pan and pour in enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. When hot, drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan and fry until golden brown.
Remove from heat and transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Serve immediately.
Oily Fish
For oily fish, first, clean them by removing bones and scales. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Add enough water to cover the fish—season well and mix. Drain off the excess water and pat dry with a paper towel. Let stand for about 30 minutes.
Combine the fish with flour, cornstarch, and spices. Heat the frying pan and pour in enough oil to coat the bottom.
Drop spoonfuls of the fish mixture into the pan and cook over medium heat until golden brown.
Remove and serve immediately.
Fishcake Recipe Cod (European Style)
Crispy Cod Cakes are a fantastic way to employ leftover fish! These crispy fish cakes are ideal for using up whatever fish you’ve left.
Ingredients
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 pound cooked cod or another firm white fish like halibut, flaked
¼ cup whole milk sour cream
Two eggs, lightly beaten
One rib celery, very finely chopped
Two teaspoons chopped capers
One minced green onion or fresh chives
large pinch of kosher salt
several grinds of black pepper
¼ cup olive oil for frying, divided
fresh lemon wedges optional
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked fish with sour cream, eggs, celery, capers, green onions, salt, and pepper.
Prepare eight equal patties from the fish cake mixture, and then coat each side with panko breadcrumbs.
Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry the fish cakes in two batches, turning them often, until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
Serve hot with lemon wedges.
FAQs
How do you cook frozen fish cakes?
Defrost the frozen fish cakes overnight in the fridge, then cook as directed.
Alternatively, cook from frozen by heating the grill to medium and oiling fish cakes as directed before grilling for 12-15 minutes on each side, then flipping and grilling for five additional minutes.
Can babies have fish cakes?
At 8 or 9 months, infants begin to grasp using their thumb and index finger; it’s the perfect time to start feeding them finger foods.
Please give them choices like fishcakes, carrots, and green beans.
How to cook European-style sauteed broccoli codfish
This healthy, flavorful dish is a snap to make and can be on the table in under 30 minutes. European-style sauteed broccoli codfish is a great way to show off your culinary skills while impressing your guests with a delicious, healthy meal.
To start, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat. Add one head of broccoli, florets cut into bite-size pieces, and saute for 3-5 minutes until crisp-tender. Add 1 pound of codfish fillets, cut into 2-inch pieces, and saute for 3-5 minutes until opaque.
Finally, add 1/4 cup of white wine and salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Can fishcakes be eaten cold?
Yes, fishcakes can be eaten cold. Many people think they taste better this way. Just make sure they’re stored in an airtight container and refrigerated.
Do you have to defrost fish cakes before cooking?
No, you do not have to defrost fish cakes before cooking. Instead, you can cook them from frozen by following the instructions for defrosted fishcakes.
Heat the oil over medium-low heat. Put the frozen cakes into the oil and let them be for 5-10 minutes until they are thawed.
American fish cake with tartar sauce. Source: canva
