With Ireland being surrounded with large coastlines and speckled with bays and docks it is only fitting that Fish is a large part of Irish cooking.
From the coasts of Galway to the rivers that surround Co. Derry and Donegal, cooking with fish has changed over the years in Ireland.
Gone are the days where boiling was the main way to cook meals with the product with influences from all over the world and chefs using their more modern techniques and recipes to change the appeal of the food source.
Although the way of cooking with fish has changed in recent years, the love and culture within Ireland for food has ensured that the traditional recipes and methods have never been lost.
Recipe for Irish Fish Cakes
A favourite meal of mine as a child, fish cakes were always welcome on the plate. A simple and delicious with either white sauce and peas or homemade chips (fries/potato wedges)and baked beans.
For this recipe you will need:
- 1lb of Potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped (I prefer to use the Cultra potato or Kerrs Pinks however any will suffice)
- ¾ Cod or Hake fillets (or both) – ensure they are fully skinned and boned before cooking
- 1 tbsp of Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped finely)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 3 Eggs (beaten)
- ½ cup of white flour
- Salt & Pepper for seasoning
- 2-3 tbsp of cooking oil (this can be olive, vegetable or canola)
- 1/3 cup of rolled oats ( I also use Irish porridge oats as rolled oats can be difficult to find sometimes)
How to make Irish Fish Cakes
1. So the first step is to prepare your potatoes. Get a medium to large size pot and put the peeled potatoes in and cover with cold water. It is a personal preference whether to cook with salt or not, but putting a little pinch in with your potatoes while boiling just adds to the flavour a little. Bring the potatoes to the boil on a high heat however turn the heat to medium and let them continue to cook for a further 20-30 minutes or until soft (best way to check this is with a sharp knife if it meets resistance they are not cooked fully through).
2. Whilst you are letting the potatoes cook, begin on your fish. Place your fillets in a medium-sized frying pan covering with water and bringing to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, bring the heat right down and allow the fish to simmer in the water until fully cooked. It is wise to drain the fish now and set aside for the time being.
3. Returning to the potatoes, drain them of all water and mash them. Once this has been carried out take the fish fillets and add them to the pot. Stirring in the ketchup, parsley, lemon juice and just enough of the eggs to bind the mixture. Mix all the ingredients well so that the mixture is thoroughly integrated.
4. Get a chopping board or a surface where you can shape your mixtures. Cover the surface with a dusting of flour to ensure the mixture doesn't stick. Flour your hands also and begin to shape your cakes into circular cakes. After this, put the flour in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
5. The final stage is cooking the cakes. Heat the oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Coating each fish cake in the flour, dip the cakes in the remaining egg and also covering in the oats. Each cake should take around 8 minutes each side to cook or fry until a delicious golden brown and serve.
If you like this Irish fish recipe then why not try the following fish dishes:
