Proper Cod Parsley Fish Cakes with Lemon Aioli

Proper Cod Fish Cakes Recipe Seaside Chippy Style

By Amara Vitalis August 28, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever fancied a proper taste of the British seaside? What if you could get that chippy feel at home. These homemade fish cakes are way better than the shop bought ones.

These are proper Cod fish cakes recipe .

Quick Hook

Remember those dodgy frozen fish cake things from school dinners? Urgh! This recipe is nothing like that. We're talking golden, crispy British fish cakes packed with flaky cod and fresh herbs.

Top it all off with a tangy lemon aioli recipe , and you're in for a treat.

Brief Overview

The fish cake is a humble dish. Its roots go back to making use of leftover fish and potatoes. This recipe celebrates those traditions.

It requires only a medium skill level. It should take about an hour. This recipe yields four good sized cakes, enough for two hungry bellies.

Main Benefits

These fish cakes aren't just tasty. They're packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids from the cod. Perfect for a cozy Friday night dinner or a simple lunch.

What makes them special? It's the freshness of the ingredients.

Ingredient Notes

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. You'll need floury potatoes like Maris Piper. They make for the fluffiest insides.

Fresh cod fillet is essential. Make sure it's skinless and boneless. Don't skimp on the fresh parsley either. It adds a brilliant freshness.

Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Smoked haddock is a great addition for a smoky flavour. Or, for those who like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

You can get crazy creative with your Fish Cake Decorating Ideas . You can even try and bake a birthday Fish Theme Birthday Cake , with funny Fish Birthday Cake Ideas .

What to Serve 'Em With

Classic chips and tartare sauce are a must. A vibrant pea puree is also lovely. For something lighter, try a simple green salad.

Don't forget that lemon aioli recipe ! These Seaside fish cakes are the perfect accompaniment for these dishes.

Time to Prep! Ingredients & Equipment for Cracking Fish Cakes

Alright, let's get down to the nitty gritty. Making homemade fish cakes isn't rocket science, but having your bits and bobs ready makes it all smoother.

Honestly, there is nothing better than fresh seaside fish cakes .

Main Ingredients Let's Get Specific

Here's what you'll need. This cod fish cake recipe is quite forgiving, but precision helps!

Potatoes: 500g (1.1 lbs) Maris Piper potatoes. These are floury. Waxy potatoes are a no-go.
Olive Oil: 2 tbsp , plus extra for frying. Don't skimp here.
Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 100g or 3.5 oz).
Cod Fillet: 300g (10.5 oz), skinless and boneless. Fresh is best! Look for firm, white flesh. This elevates the recipe from a basic cod fish cakes recipe .
Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp , chopped.
Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp . Adds zest.
Egg: 1 large, beaten. This binds everything.
Plain Flour: 50g (1/2 cup). For dusting.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Seasoning Notes Spice It Up!

Simple is key here. This isn't a curry. We will use lemon aioli recipe .

Essential Combination: Salt, pepper, and lemon. Can't go wrong.
Flavor Enhancers: Fresh parsley. It makes a massive difference.
Substitution Option: If you're out of parsley, chives work in a pinch.

Essential Equipment Keep It Simple

You probably have most of this already. A cake with fish design isn't needed.

Large saucepan. For the spuds.
Potato masher. Self explanatory!
Large frying pan. Non-stick is your friend.
Small bowl. For the aioli.
Cling film. For chilling the cakes.
Fish slice/Spatula. Flipping like a pro.

I remember when I tried making British fish cakes for the first time. I didn't chill them. Big mistake. They fell apart in the pan.

Don't be like me! Now, I even explore fish cake decorating ideas . It could serve some fish birthday cake ideas or a fish theme birthday cake .

So, grab your ingredients and equipment. Let's make some amazing fish cakes ! I tell you, my sister's kids ask for them every time they come to visit!.

Mastering the Art of Frying: Perfectly Golden Fish Cakes

Let's talk fish cake . Not those sad, grey ones from the freezer aisle. We're making proper British fish cakes think seaside chippy meets gastropub.

I reckon that will give you the homemade fish cakes you ever wanted!.

I still remember trying to make fish cake for the first time and they were a total disaster! I was so frustrated.

They fell apart in the pan. It was a starchy, greasy mess. Honestly, it nearly put me off making them forever.

Now I know the secrets. A bit of chilling time and floury potatoes. It makes all the difference, trust me.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place & Safety

First, get your act together. Peel and quarter 500g of floury Maris Piper potatoes. Finely chop 1 small onion . Chop 300g of cod into chunks.

Mise en place is key! Remember to wash your hands! If you have an egg allergy, be sure to find a substitue!

step-by-step for Golden Fish Cakes

Boil the potatoes until tender. Mash them thoroughly .
Sauté the chopped onion in 2 tbsp olive oil until softened.
Add the cod to the onions. Cook until opaque and flaky.
Combine : Mix the mashed potatoes, cod, 2 tbsp parsley, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
Bind : Stir in 1 beaten egg . Season with salt and pepper.
Shape : Divide into 4 cakes. Chill for at least 30 minutes .
Dust : Lightly flour the chilled cakes with 50g flour.
Fry : Fry in oil over medium heat for 4- 5 minutes per side until golden.

Pro Tips for Fish Cake Perfection

For lemon aioli recipe , don't skimp on quality mayo. Mix 100ml mayo with 1 crushed garlic clove , 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp zest. Chill until needed.

Here is a simple fish cake ideas. Never overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature . Ensure the fish cake are golden. Chilling is non-negotiable.

Want to add a seaside vibe? Try some Seaside fish cakes . Are you going for a Fish Theme Birthday Cake ? The kids will love some simple Fish Cake Decorating Ideas ! You can decorate with some cucumber scales.

Or create a cute Cake With Fish Design using fondant. Alternatively for a more grown-up take, maybe try some Cod fish cakes recipe .

If you have a birthday coming up, maybe get some Fish Birthday Cake Ideas .

Recipe Notes for Proper Cod Fish Cakes

Right then, so you're ready to make some killer fish cakes ? Ace! But before you dive in, let's go through a few extra bits and bobs to make sure they're absolute bangers.

Consider this your friendly heads-up.

Serving Up Some Delish Fish Cake Decorating Ideas

Plating and Presentation: Honestly, presentation is half the battle. Don't just chuck them on a plate! Think about it. A simple scattering of fresh parsley goes a long way.

For a bit of fancy pants, a swirl of that lemon aioli recipe on the plate looks dead good. Imagine stacking them on a bed of vibrant green pea puree! You can create Fish Cake Ideas and turn them into a special meal.

Complementary Sides: Chips are a must. I mean, it's practically the law. Mushy peas? Yes, please! But don't forget a good, sharp tartare sauce or a simple green salad with a zingy dressing to cut through the richness.

A pint of chilled lager or a crisp white wine wouldn't go amiss either, would it? Let's turn this seaside fish cakes dish into something amazing! You can even look at Fish Birthday Cake Ideas for a themed party.

Storage Secrets For Your Homemade fish cakes

Refrigeration: Got leftovers? No worries. Pop those bad boys in an airtight container and they'll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days .

Make sure they've cooled down completely first though, yeah?

Freezing: You can freeze cooked British fish cakes , although the texture might change a bit. Wrap them individually in cling film, then bung them in a freezer bag.

They'll be good for up to 3 months . Thaw them completely in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, you can either whack them in the oven at 180° C ( 350° F) for about 15- 20 minutes , or gently pan-fry them until heated through and crispy.

Microwaving isn't ideal, as they can go a bit soggy.

Variations on a Theme to Fish Theme Birthday Cake

Dietary Adaptations: If you're after a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour for dusting. Easy peasy! For a dairy-free version, try a plant based mayonnaise for the aioli.

Loads of options out there these days.

Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, chuck in some fresh herbs like dill or chives instead of parsley. In winter, a touch of smoked paprika adds a lovely warmth.

You could even try different types of fish depending on what's in season.

Nutrition Nuggets, A Cake With Fish Design

Each serving gives you a good whack of protein from the Cod fish cakes recipe , and carbohydrates from the potatoes.

Cod is a fantastic source of vitamin B12 and selenium. It's great for your nervous system and boosting your immune system.

Of course, frying adds fat, so don't go overboard on the oil.

Right then, there you have it! Hopefully, these notes have given you a bit more confidence. Honestly, once you get the hang of making homemade fish cakes , you'll be knocking them out like a pro.

So get in the kitchen and give it a go. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My fish cakes are falling apart. What am I doing wrong?

Oh dear, that's a right bother! The most common culprit is not chilling the fish cake mixture for long enough. Make sure you chill them for at least 30 minutes before frying this helps them firm up. Also, ensure your potatoes are properly mashed and not too wet, as excess moisture can lead to disintegration.

You can add a little extra flour to the mixture to help bind everything together.

Can I use different types of fish to make these fish cakes?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for cod, feel free to experiment. Smoked haddock makes a lovely smoky fish cake, and pollock or hake are also great, more budget friendly options. Just make sure the fish is skinless and boneless before you start, unless you fancy a bit of culinary bone surgery!

How can I make these fish cakes ahead of time?

Good thinking, planning ahead is always a winner! You can prepare the fish cakes up to the point of frying and store them, covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can freeze the un-fried fish cakes for up to a month. Just make sure to defrost them completely in the fridge before cooking.

You might need to add a little more flour when dusting them before frying if they've released any moisture during defrosting.

Are these fish cakes healthy? What's the nutritional value?

These fish cakes can be part of a balanced diet! Cod is a great source of lean protein, and potatoes provide carbohydrates for energy. However, remember that frying adds extra fat and calories. To make them healthier, consider baking them in the oven until golden brown.

The nutritional information provided is just an estimate, so bear in mind that the ingredients and portion sizes used impact it.

What's the best way to reheat leftover fish cake?

To reheat the leftover fish cake, the oven or the frying pan is best. For the oven, bake at 180C (350F) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For the frying pan, gently fry on medium heat until crispy. Microwaving could result in a soggy texture, so it is not ideal.

What can I serve with these fish cakes? I'm looking for some sides!

Oh, the possibilities are endless! For a classic British experience, serve your fish cakes with chips (fries) and mushy peas. A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is also a great option to cut through the richness. And don't forget the condiments!

Tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a dollop of ketchup are all fantastic accompaniments to these delicious fish cakes.