Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Start to Finish Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
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Crispy Cod Cakes: A Nutritious and Satisfying Seafood Delight
Cod cakes are a classic, hearty dish that can turn a simple meal into something special. Not only are they delicious, but these cakes also bring a wealth of health benefits to the table. At www.5starrecipe.com, our chefs work with all types of fish, but cod almost always is their dish of choice because of the numerous health advantages this deep-water fish offers. With its high protein content and being low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, cod is an excellent option for those looking to enjoy a healthy, balanced diet without sacrificing flavor.
Though cod has lower omega-3 content compared to fattier fish like salmon, it still promotes a healthy heart and supports weight management due to its lean nutritional profile. Cod is a fish with flaky, white flesh and a mild flavor, making it a versatile ingredient that pairs beautifully with a variety of seasonings and flavors. It’s also packed with B vitamins and essential minerals, adding even more nutritional value to your meal.
Despite the simplicity of these cod cakes, they are remarkably meaty and filling. The cakes hold together beautifully thanks to a mixture of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and eggs, while panko breadcrumbs create a glorious crispy crust that contrasts perfectly with the soft, tender fish inside. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by the flaky, mild cod enhanced by savory ingredients like Old Bay seasoning, which adds just the right touch of spice.
Cod’s versatility makes these cakes a great option for any meal, whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant dish for guests. The recipe can easily be adapted to other white-fleshed fish like haddock or halibut, making it flexible based on what’s available. The preparation is quick and straightforward, yet the results are truly impressive.
Our chefs love working with cod because it’s a perfect canvas for incorporating bold flavors while retaining its light, delicate character. The Old Bay seasoning adds a subtle, warming spice, and when paired with crispy panko breadcrumbs, the texture and flavor are nothing short of delightful. Serve these cod cakes alongside a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even on a bed of greens for a well-rounded, nutritious meal.
For a finishing touch, try serving these cakes with a bright and tangy lemon aioli or a classic tartar sauce. The lemon’s acidity cuts through the richness of the cakes, providing a fresh and zesty contrast that enhances the flavors. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley also adds a pop of color and a final note of freshness.
In summary, Chef’s cod cakes at www.5starrecipe.com are not only a culinary delight but also a nutritious option that delivers a satisfying and balanced meal. With simple ingredients and bold textures, they offer a flavorful way to enjoy the health benefits of cod while indulging in a dish that feels like a treat. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these cod cakes are sure to impress and leave everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients:
FOR THE FISH:
4 each peppercorns
1 each bay leaf
1 each lemon, cut into eighths
1 pound cod fillets, or other white flaky fish
FOR THE FILLING:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 ribs celery, trimmed, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoons mayonnaise (and a bit more for smearing before sauteing)
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 large eggs
1 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons OLD BAY SEASONING (or to taste)
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup parsley, roughly chopped
1/4 cup canola oil
Cod cakes are a delightful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a hearty meal. Despite their simplicity in terms of ingredients, these cakes are remarkably meaty and filling. What makes them truly special is their ability to hold together beautifully while developing a glorious, crispy crust that adds a delightful texture to each bite. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a tasty and unique recipe to try, these cod cakes will not disappoint.
NOTE: Cod cakes are terrific with cod, but can be made with any whitefleshed fish.
Instructions:
COOK FISH (15 minutes):
Fill a shallow, wide pan with high sides with about an inch of water, and set it over high heat. Add the peppercorns, bay leaf and 1 section of the lemon to the water, and allow it to come to a bare simmer.
Place the fish into this poaching liquid, and cook, barely simmering, until the flesh has just begun to whiten all the way through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
Using a wide spatula, carefully remove the fish from the water, and set aside to cool.
MAKE THE FILLING (20 minutes +30 minutes to refrigerate):
Empty the pan, and return it to the stove, over medium-high heat. Add the butter, and allow it to melt, swirling it around the pan.
When the butter foams, add the celery, onions and garlic, and sauté, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent, then transfer them to a large bowl.
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, eggs, salt, pepper and Old Bay (substitute Old Bay with paprika and hotpepper flakes), then add this mixture to the bowl with the sautéed vegetables, pour the bread crumbs over them and stir to combine.
Add the parsley, and stir again.
Flake the cooked fish into the binding sauce carefully, keeping the flakes as whole as you can manage, then gather them into small balls, and form them into 4-6 patties.
Place them on a sheet pan or platter, cover loosely with plastic wrap and transfer them to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
COOK THE CAKES (10 minutes):
Remove the fish cakes from the refrigerator. Spread a small smear of mayonnaise on the exterior of each patty that will give them a crisp crust when sautéd. Work in batches if necessary.
Set a large sauté pan over high heat, and add to it the canola oil. When the oil is shimmering, carefully sauté the patties until they are golden brown, approximately 4 to 5 minutes a side.
Serve the patties with the remaining wedges of lemon.
Serving Ideas: Serve them alone, or with greens dressed in a lemony vinaigrette, a bowl of chowder or a neat pile of slaw.