| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
Why I Love British Cod and Chive Fishcakes
There’s something undeniably satisfying and comforting about a well-made fishcake, and these Cod and Chive Fishcakes truly hit the mark. Inspired by traditional British cuisine, this dish utilizes the incredible bounty of the sea and pairs it with the comforting simplicity of potatoes and a hint of Dijon mustard for a delightful flavour twist. It’s a recipe that has quickly become a favorite in my own kitchen, and today, I want to share it with you.
Fusion of Flavors
The freshest ingredients are always at the heart of West Coast inspired cooking, and Cod and Chive Fishcakes are a perfect example of this principle. Quality Cod fillets form the base of these fishcakes, with their mild, slightly sweet flavour being a perfect canvas for the other ingredients. The chives, lemon, and Dijon mustard combine to bring a vibrant, zingy and sharp note to this dish, perfectly balancing against the comforting, earthy flavor of potatoes. It’s a fusion that’s both familiar and unique, offering a full-bodied flavor that’s utterly delectable.
Mastering the Perfect Fishcake
Crafting excellent fishcakes was a skill I learned mostly by trial and error, but I must confess, British chef and cookbook author Jamie Oliver has been a significant source of inspiration. His focus on utilizing fresh, quality ingredients aligns with my own philosophy, and has helped me in creating this dish. His love for food and his mission to make everyone a better cook resonates with me, and perhaps, through this recipe, in your kitchen as well.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, the key to mastering these Cod and Chive Fishcakes lies in patience and attentiveness. Cooking is not just about creating delicious food, it’s a journey of discovery, growth and endless enjoyment. From filleting the cod to frying the fishcakes, each step offers its own challenges and rewards, culminating in a dish that’s packed full of flavor and truly satisfying.
Comfort food has always occupied a special place in my heart, and in my family’s kitchen. And while this British recipe may seem a bit of a departure from my usual West Coast-inspired creations, I think you’ll find these Cod and Chive Fishcakes strike a wonderful balance between indulgent comfort and health-conscious cooking. I hope you love them as much as I do. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds of cod fillets
- 1.25 pounds of potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 2 tablespoons of fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup of plain flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1.5 cups of breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Method
Step One
Start by placing the cod fillets in a saucepan with enough water to cover them, then simmer until they are fully cooked. This should roughly take 10 minutes.
Step Two
In another pot, boil the potatoes until they’re soft. This should take about 15-20 minutes depending on the size of your potato quarters. Drain, return to the pot, and mash until smooth, then set aside to cool.
Step Three
Once the fish is cooked, drain it and gently flake it into a large bowl, making sure to remove any skin and bones.
Step Four
To the fish, add the cooked and mashed potatoes, chives, Dijon mustard, and the zest and juice of the lemon. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Step Five
Mix all the ingredients together gently until they are well combined. Once done, shape the mixture into 8 equal-sized fishcakes.
Step Six
Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs into separate shallow dishes. Dredge each fishcake first in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat in the breadcrumbs.
Step Seven
Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the fishcakes and fry for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step Eight
Drain the fishcakes on paper towels to remove excess oil, then serve immediately with your choice of side dish. Enjoy your homemade Cod and Chive Fishcakes!
