Smoked Haddock Fish Cakes: A Family Favorite! 

Hey there, food lovers! Today, I’m super excited to share with you my recipe for Smoked Haddock Fish Cakes. These cakes were an absolute hit with my family, and they’ve quickly become a staple in our kitchen. They’re a fun and easy way to add fish to your diet (even if you’re not a huge fan of fish). The potatoes make these cakes super fluffy, while the smoked haddock adds just the right amount of flavor. Although these cakes turned out quite potatoey, next time, I might add even more fish to make them extra fishy just a little tweak for the future! But don’t worry, they were still delicious! Let’s dive into how you can make these tasty treats at home.

Method

Prepare the Potatoes 

Begin by chopping the potatoes into small cubes. You can leave the skin on for added texture, but if you prefer, feel free to peel them. Once chopped, place them in a large pot filled with boiling water. Let the potatoes cook for about 20 minutes, or until they are soft enough to easily mash with a fork. This step is crucial because you want the potatoes to be fluffy when mashed, giving the fish cakes a light and airy texture. Once softened, drain the water from the pot and set the potatoes aside to cool slightly.

Bake the Haddock 

While the potatoes are cooking, take the smoked haddock and wrap it in a piece of foil. Place the foil-wrapped haddock on a baking tray and bake it in the oven at 180°C for 18 minutes. The smoked haddock will cook through and become flaky. Once done, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool. After it cools slightly, flake the fish using a fork, removing any bones you might find, and then set it aside for later use.

Cook the Leek 

In a small saucepan, add 1 tsp of flora or butter and melt it over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the finely chopped leek to the pan. Cook the leek for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. This will give the leek a lovely sweetness that complements the smoky haddock. Be careful not to burn the leek; keep the heat low to allow it to soften gently.

Mash the Potatoes 

After the potatoes have cooled slightly, it’s time to mash them. Place the boiled potatoes into a large mixing bowl, then add the remaining 1 tsp of flora or butter. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the potatoes until they are smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This mixture should be soft, creamy, and well-seasoned, forming the base for your fish cakes.

Mix the Fish 

Now it’s time to bring the fish and potatoes together. Flake the baked haddock into small pieces and add it to the mashed potatoes. Crack 1 egg into the mixture and gently stir everything together until it’s well combined. The egg will help bind the ingredients, making it easier to shape the fish cakes later on.

Shape the Patties 

Once the mixture is ready, scoop out a handful at a time and shape it into small patties. You can make the patties as big or small as you like, but I recommend about the size of your palm for perfect portions. After shaping the patties, place them on a plate or tray and chill them in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This step is essential because it helps the patties hold their shape while cooking. If you prefer, you can freeze the patties at this point and cook them later just make sure to fully defrost them before frying.

Prepare for Frying 

While the patties are chilling, prepare three bowls for the breading process. In one bowl, place the plain flour. In the second bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. This will give the fish cakes a flavorful, crispy exterior. Once the patties are chilled, dip each patty into the flour first, coating it lightly. Next, dip the floured patty into the whisked egg, and finally, coat it in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Set the coated patties aside on a plate or tray, ready for frying.

Fry the Patties 

Heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the pan. Fry each patty for about 8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be gentle when flipping the patties to prevent them from breaking apart. You may need to fry the patties in batches depending on the size of your pan, so don’t overcrowd the pan.

Poach the Eggs 

While the fish cakes are frying, you can poach the eggs to go on top. Fill a small pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, carefully crack the eggs into the water and poach them for about 3-4 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolk remains runny. Remove the eggs from the water using a slotted spoon and set them aside.

Serve and Enjoy! 

Once the fish cakes are golden and crispy, serve them on plates with a poached egg on top of each. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a drizzle of tartar sauce. These fish cakes make for a hearty and satisfying meal, whether enjoyed alone or with a side of salad, veggies, or crispy fries. Enjoy your delicious homemade Smoked Haddock Fish Cakes!

Necessary Tools

• Large pot for boiling potatoes
• Small saucepan
• Baking tray for haddock
• Mixing bowls for flour, egg, and breadcrumbs
• Frying pan
• Spatula
• Plate or tray to set the fish cakes

Serving Suggestions

These Smoked Haddock Fish Cakes are perfect on their own or with a side of fresh salad. You could also serve them with some steamed veggies or mashed peas for a complete meal. For a more indulgent option, try them with a drizzle of tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon! If you’re looking for something extra, some crispy fries would be a delicious side to go with these cakes.

Fun Fact

Did you know that smoked haddock has been a traditional fish choice in the UK for centuries? It’s packed with flavor and is a great source of protein! It’s also a popular fish for making “kedgeree,” a dish that originated in India but became a favorite in British cuisine.

Conclusion

These Smoked Haddock Fish Cakes are the perfect blend of flavor and texture, with just the right amount of fishiness! Whether you’re looking to get more fish into your diet or just craving a tasty meal, this recipe will surely hit the spot. The best part? They’re super easy to make and great for feeding the whole family. Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out! Enjoy!