Gourmet Fish Cakes: A Delicious and Sustainable Twist on a Classic Dish

Fish cakes are a timeless favourite, blending delicate seafood flavours with a crisp, golden crust. While most traditional recipes often call for cod or salmon adventurous home cooks can explore a variety of fish species to create their own signature dish. 

Whether you're looking for an alternative to fried or baked fish or simply want to make the most of an underutilized catch, fish cakes offer a delicious and sustainable solution. Australian salmon, dart, garfish, yakka, and many other Australian fish are perfect for fish cake recipes.

One of the best aspects of fish cakes is their versatility. They can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a gourmet burger. With the right balance of seasoning, texture, and technique, they can easily rival the quality of those found in high-end restaurants or glossy food magazines.

A Sustainable Choice: Cooking with Underutilized Fish

Using lesser-known fish species is a great way to create flavourful dishes while supporting sustainability. For this recipe, we’ve chosen Redfin Perch, an invasive species in New South Wales. With no size or bag limit, harvesting these fish helps protect native species while providing an excellent source of fresh, white meat. We caught these fish on ReproBaits' Bottom Bugs with the smaller size #4 ReproBaits' Worm Hooks.

When preparing Redfin Perch—or any similar white fish—it's best to fillet them as soon as they’re caught. A sharp fillet knife makes quick work of removing the delicate flesh from the bones. Smaller fish can be filleted off the frame, and the skin is easily removed against a cutting board. The result? Clean, white fish meat ready for mincing.

Finely chopping the fish into a flaky mince enhances its texture, ensuring it binds well with the other ingredients. Before mixing, seasoning the fish and letting it rest in the refrigerator for an hour allows the flavours to deepen, creating an even more delicious final product.

Crafting the Perfect Fish Cake

The secret to an exceptional fish cake lies in balancing moisture, texture, and flavour. Too dry, and the cakes will crumble; too wet, and they’ll fall apart in the pan. This recipe includes just the right mix of breadcrumbs and eggs to hold everything together while keeping the fish front and center.

Once the mixture is combined, you can shape the fish cakes into classic croquettes or burger-sized patties. Pan-frying in hot olive or vegetable oil creates a crisp, golden crust while keeping the inside moist and tender. Serve them as is, or elevate the experience by pairing them with a homemade tartar sauce or Mary Rose sauce.

The Recipe: Homemade Fish Cakes with Tartar Sauce

For the Fish Cakes

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 2½ tbsp mayonnaise
• 1½ tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Pinch of celery salt
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp finely diced celery
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives
• 500g white fish, roughly chopped
• ½ cup panko or breadcrumbs
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the fish: Finely chop or mince the filleted fish into small flakes.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and spices until well combined.
3. Combine everything: Fold in the fish, celery, parsley, chives, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently to avoid overworking the fish.
4. Shape the patties: Form into croquettes or burger-sized patties. Let them rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Cook the fish cakes: Heat a pan with vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the cakes for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot: Plate with a side of fresh salad, lemon wedges, or a soft bun for a gourmet fish burger.

For the Quick Tartar Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1½ tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp finely diced red onion (optional)
• 1-2 tbsp lemon juice (to taste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
2. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more lemon juice for tanginess.
3. Chill before serving for the best flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Sustainable & Eco-Friendly – Uses underutilized fish species while helping maintain ecological balance.
✅ Restaurant-Quality Flavor – Perfectly seasoned with a crisp, golden crust.
✅ Versatile & Customizable – Serve as croquettes, burgers, or on their own with sauce.
✅ Easy to Make at Home – Simple ingredients, quick prep, and a foolproof method.

Whether you're a home cook looking for a new seafood recipe or an angler making the most of your catch, these homemade fish cakes deliver gourmet taste with minimal effort. Try them for your next meal and enjoy a restaurant-worthy dish in your own kitchen!

Would you like pairing suggestions for sides or wine recommendations?