The great thing about this recipe is the taste! These fish cakes are also packed with nutrition such as omega 3, protein and iron. When it comes to omega 3 fatty acids, the fatty fish are much higher in these nutrients. These fatty acids are crucial for your body and brain to function optimally, and are strongly linked to a reduced risk of many diseases. Before we go any further, would you like to go back in history and find out how salmon fish cakes came to be?
The History of Salmon Fish Cakes
The history of the salmon fish cake is an interesting one. It was first created by accident during World War II when rationing meant there were limited ingredients to cook with. The dish was popularized in Great Britain after it was discovered by housewives who are unable to find meat for their meals. They had to find new ways of cooking dinner at home every night without it — that's when everyone switched over to using cheaper ingredients like vegetables, eggs and fish.
One of the most popular foods during this time was anything involving potatoes due to their availability at the time. One housewife made her own version of a food she had previously eaten in France called Fletchas, which used mashed potatoes mixed with salmon and cheddar cheese. So, when she returned home to Great Britain, she began making it for her family. She made her mash by adding all the ingredients together with hot milk before placing the mixture into an oven until it turned golden brown on top.
The dish became very popular amongst families in Great Britain but then grew even more once rationing ended after World War II ended. Housewives began selling their fish cake recipes to food companies who then packaged and sold them in supermarkets everywhere.
Salmon fishcakes are now a favourite meal found all over the world, including Southeast Asia, Great Britain and North America, where they can be bought frozen or prepared at home using various recipes.
Health Benefits of Salmon
Salmon fish cakes are enjoyed by people all around the world and remain popular not only because they taste good but also because there are many health benefits associated with it too. Salmon is packed with essential nutrients that can greatly benefit our health. It offers the following benefits:
- rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- a great source of protein
- high in B vitamins
- contains a lot of potassium
- loaded with selenium
- contains the antioxidant astaxanthin
- may help reduce risk of heart disease
- perfect for weight loss and weight management
- may help fight inflammation
- a great brain food
Salmon Fish Cake Recipe
Salmon fish cakes can be made using fresh or canned salmon, but we recommend the former. They can be baked in an oven, deep-fried or pan-fried. Salmon fish cakes are generally served with chips and tartar sauce.
For more delicious fish recipes, go to our recipe section.
Ingredients
- 400g floury potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 600g fresh salmon fillets, skinned
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp capers, rinsed and chopped (optional)
- 2 tsp grated lemon zest
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
- sea salt and pepper
- 250g fine green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 150g fresh or dry breadcrumbs (you can use rice crumbs for gluten free fish cakes)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, quartered
Instructions
- Heat oven to 180C. Bake salmon for 10 minutes, remove and cool.
- Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 20 minutes, drain and mash. Set aside to cool.
- Shred the salmon with a fork and fold into the potato with the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, mustard, capers (if using), lemon zest, parsley, and plenty of salt and pepper. Divide into 8 portions, shape into patties and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Cook the beans in simmering salted water for 5 minutes, drain and season.
- Dip each fishcake into flour, then beaten egg, then breadcrumbs, until completely coated.
- Heat the butter and oil in a frying pan and cook the fishcakes on one side until golden brown, then turn and lightly cook the other side.
- Serve with green beans and lemon. Enjoy.
Extra Tips
- Use good quality and sustainable salmon. You could ask your fishmonger where the salmon is sourced.
- When it comes to the beans, top but don't tail them, toss in olive oil, sea salt and pepper.
- A mix of fine and coarse dry breadcrumbs gives a nice colour without burning.
