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Irish Fish Cakes and Tartar Sauce

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These Irish Fish Cakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, made with flaky white fish, mashed potatoes, and fresh herbs. Pan-fried until golden and served with homemade tartar sauce, they make the perfect St. Patrick’s Day appetizer, main dish, or seafood dinner. Serve with coleslaw, salad, or Irish soda bread for a delicious and easy meal!

Ingredients

For the Fish Cakes:

  • 1 lb white fish (cod, haddock, or pollock), cooked and flaked
  • 1 ½ cups mashed potatoes (cooled)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for binding)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for frying)

For the Tartar Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp pickles, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp capers, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Make the Fish Cakes:

  1. Prepare the Mixture – In a large bowl, mix together flaked fish, mashed potatoes, egg, green onions, parsley, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until well combined.
  2. Shape the Patties – Form the mixture into small patties (about 2 inches wide). Coat lightly in flour, then dip in breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
  3. Chill the Patties – Place the patties in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help them firm up (optional but recommended).
  4. Pan-Fry – Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each fish cake for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Drain and Serve – Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Make the Tartar Sauce:

  1. Mix the Ingredients – In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, capers (if using), and herbs.
  2. Season and Refrigerate – Add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
  • To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
  • Baking Option – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Air Fryer Method – Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/irish-fish-cakes-and-tartar-sauce/