Fish Cakes
Fish cakes are a frequent meal at our house during Lent. You can vary the type of fish, but I like using monkfish, which is very firm. Other choices include haddock and cod or even leftover cooked fish.
Serves4
Cooking Methodfrying
CostModerate
Total Timeunder 2 hours
Kid FriendlyYes
Recipe Coursemain course
Dietary Considerationhalal, kosher, peanut free, soy free, tree nut free
Mealdinner
Ingredients
- 1½ cups soft fresh bread crumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 pound fresh monkfish, haddock, swordfish, or cod fillets
- 3 cups water
- ¼ teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 small carrot, peeled
- 1 small onion, peeled and quartered
- ¼ to 1/3 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup fine bread crumbs
- 2 to 3 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
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In a bowl, moisten the fresh bread crumbs with the milk. Mix in 1 egg, sea salt, pepper, parsley, and cheese. Set aside.
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Place the fish in a shallow pan with the water, coarse salt, carrot, and onion; simmer until fish easily flakes, about 8 to 10 minutes.
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Carefully lift the fish out of the water with a strainer, place in a bowl, and cool to room temperature. Dice the carrot and add to the bread crumb mixture. Discard the water and onion. Flake the fish with a fork, then add it to the bread crumb mixture and mix well.
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Have ready a plate with the flour, and one with the fine bread crumbs. In a small bowl, beat the remaining eggs.
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Divide the fish mixture evenly into 8 balls, forming them with your hands. Roll each ball in the flour and shake off the excess. Coat the balls in the beaten egg, then roll them in the bread crumbs, coating them evenly. Place the balls on a plate and press down slightly with your hand to flatten a little.
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In a deep skillet or deep-fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 375°F. Fry the fish cakes in the oil until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain on brown paper and serve hot, accompanied by lemon wedges.
1993 Mary Ann Esposito
