If you love seafood, these Nova Scotia Fish Cakes Recipe are a must-try. They are golden, crispy and full of flavor. Many families enjoy this Nova Scotia Fish Cakes Recipe for lunch or dinner.
They are easy to prepare and taste just like homemade comfort food. Today, you will learn how to make Nova Scotia Fish Cakes step by step.
Using fresh fish and simple ingredients, these cakes are perfect for any meal. Let’s get started with this delicious recipe.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this recipe on a weekend afternoon. The smell of fresh fish and herbs filled my kitchen.
The fish cakes were crispy on the outside and soft inside. They had the perfect balance of seasoning and flavor. My family loved them immediately.
This recipe captures the classic taste of Nova Scotia seafood cuisine. It is simple, fresh and very satisfying. Now, I make these fish cakes often for lunch or family gatherings.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Nova Scotia Fish Cakes Recipe
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Canadian
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Frying pan or skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Potato masher
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients You Need for Nova Scotia Fish Cakes Recipe
- Fresh white fish – 500g (cod or haddock, cooked and flaked)
- Potatoes – 2 large (boiled and mashed)
- Onion – 1 small (finely chopped)
- Egg – 1 large
- Bread crumbs – ½ cup
- Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp (chopped)
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- Vegetable oil – 2–3 tbsp (for frying)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Fish and Potatoes
Cook white fish until fully done. Boil potatoes until soft. Mash potatoes in a large bowl. Add flaked fish and mix well.
2. Mix Ingredients
Add chopped onion, parsley, egg, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until it forms a soft dough-like mixture. Ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Shape the Fish Cakes
Divide the mixture into equal portions. Shape each portion into round or oval cakes. Make sure they are compact so they don’t break while frying.
4. Coat with Bread Crumbs
Place bread crumbs in a shallow dish. Roll each fish cake in the bread crumbs until fully coated. This gives a crispy outer layer when fried.
5. Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Make sure oil is hot but not smoking. This helps cook the cakes evenly and avoid soggy texture.
6. Fry the Fish Cakes
Carefully place fish cakes in the pan. Fry for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve Warm
Place fish cakes on a serving plate. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. Serve immediately while warm for best taste and texture.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh fish for the best flavor.
- Do not overmix, or fish cakes may become too soft.
- Ensure oil is at the right temperature for even frying.
- Make cakes uniform in size for consistent cooking.
- Add a little garlic or herbs for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 25 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
Nova Scotia Fish Cakes are perfect with tartar sauce or lemon wedges. Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
These cakes also work well in a sandwich or wrap. They are ideal for lunch, dinner or even as appetizers.
Best Sides To Serve With
Pair with simple sides like coleslaw, roasted potatoes or green beans. Rice pilaf and corn on the cob also complement fish cakes well. For a lighter option, serve with a citrusy cucumber salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover fish cakes in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a frying pan or oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can make them soft and soggy.
You can also freeze uncooked fish cakes. Place them on a tray and freeze. Transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen when needed.
Nova Scotia Fish Cakes Recipe
Ingredients
- Fresh white fish – 500g cod or haddock, cooked and flaked
- Potatoes – 2 large boiled and mashed
- Onion – 1 small finely chopped
- Egg – 1 large
- Bread crumbs – ½ cup
- Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp chopped
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- Vegetable oil – 2–3 tbsp for frying
Instructions
Prepare the Fish and Potatoes
- Cook white fish until fully done. Boil potatoes until soft. Mash potatoes in a large bowl. Add flaked fish and mix well.
Mix Ingredients
- Add chopped onion, parsley, egg, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until it forms a soft dough-like mixture. Ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
Shape the Fish Cakes
- Divide the mixture into equal portions. Shape each portion into round or oval cakes. Make sure they are compact so they don’t break while frying.
Coat with Bread Crumbs
- Place bread crumbs in a shallow dish. Roll each fish cake in the bread crumbs until fully coated. This gives a crispy outer layer when fried.
Heat the Oil
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Make sure oil is hot but not smoking. This helps cook the cakes evenly and avoid soggy texture.
Fry the Fish Cakes
- Carefully place fish cakes in the pan. Fry for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
Serve Warm
- Place fish cakes on a serving plate. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. Serve immediately while warm for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh fish for the best flavor.
- Do not overmix, or fish cakes may become too soft.
- Ensure oil is at the right temperature for even frying.
- Make cakes uniform in size for consistent cooking.
- Add a little garlic or herbs for extra flavor.
FAQs about Nova Scotia Fish Cakes Recipe
1. Can I use frozen fish instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen white fish works. Thaw completely and pat dry before mixing. Fresh fish is best for flavor and texture.
2. How to make fish cakes crispy?
Use bread crumbs and fry in medium-hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Flip carefully for even golden color.
3. Can I bake the fish cakes instead of frying?
Yes, preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Place cakes on a greased tray. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden.
4. What other fish can I use?
Cod, haddock, pollock or halibut all work well. White fish is preferred for mild flavor and firm texture.
5. Can I add herbs or spices?
Yes, dill, chives, or paprika add extra flavor. Adjust seasoning based on your taste preference.
Conclusion
This Nova Scotia Fish Cakes Recipe is easy, flavorful and perfect for seafood lovers. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they are ideal for any meal.
Now you know how to make Nova Scotia Fish Cakes step by step. The ingredients for Nova Scotia Fish Cakes are simple and easy to find.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious homemade seafood dish that everyone will love.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
