How Do You Bake Frozen Fish Cakes to Perfection?

Fish cakes are a tasty and versatile way to enjoy seafood. Pre-made frozen fish cakes provide a quick and easy protein option that can be cooked straight from the freezer. Baking frozen fish cakes in the oven results in crispy flaky cakes with tender interiors. With a few simple tips, you can learn how to bake frozen fish cakes perfectly every time.

Why Bake Frozen Fish Cakes?

Baking frozen fish cakes has several advantages over frying

• It’s healthier – Baking avoids adding extra oil or grease compared to frying, This results in a lighter and less fatty fish cake

• It’s faster – Frozen fish cakes bake in 15-20 minutes while deep frying takes about 5-7 minutes per side. Baking avoids heating up a pot of oil.

• It’s simpler – Just place the frozen fish cakes on a baking sheet versus coating in batter for frying. Minimal prep needed.

• Better texture – Baking gives a nice crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist. Frying can sometimes make the coating too greasy.

• Consistent results – Oven baking cooks the fish cakes evenly all over without the need to flip.

So if you want a fast weeknight dinner or meal prep option, baking frozen fish cakes is the way to go!

How to Bake Frozen Fish Cakes Perfectly

Follow these simple steps for baked fish cakes that come out perfectly golden brown and delicious every time:

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Baking at a high temp helps the outsides get crispy.

2. Prepare a Baking Sheet

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. The non-stick surface prevents sticking.

• For easier flipping, use a wire rack on the baking sheet. This allows air circulation under the fish cakes.

3. Arrange Fish Cakes in a Single Layer

• Place the frozen fish cakes on the baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding.

• Leave at least 1 inch between the fish cakes for even cooking.

4. Brush Fish Cakes with Oil or Spray (Optional)

• For crispier results, lightly brush the fish cakes with oil or spray with cooking spray before baking.

• Oil helps promote browning and prevents drying out. Use oil high in smoke point like avocado, grapeseed or canola oil.

5. Bake Fish Cakes for 15-20 Minutes

• Bake the fish cakes for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is browned and fish is opaque throughout.

• If baking extra large fish cakes, extend baking time by a few minutes.

• Check fish cakes at 15 minutes and continue baking if needed for your preferred level of doneness.

6. Flip Fish Cakes Halfway (Optional)

• For evenly golden fish cakes, flip them gently halfway through baking.

• Use a thin spatula to gently lift and flip each fish cake.

• Bake for 7-10 more minutes after flipping.

7. Allow Fish Cakes to Rest

• Once baked, transfer fish cakes to a cooling rack to allow excess moisture to drain off.

• Letting them rest ensures the crunchy coating stays crispy.

And that’s it! Follow these simple steps to enjoy tender, flaky baked fish cakes from frozen.

Handy Tips for Baked Frozen Fish Cakes

Use these handy baking tips for the very best results:

• For added crunch, coat fish cakes in panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.

• Bake fish cakes from frozen – do not thaw first or they may break apart when flipping.

• Adjust baking time as needed based on size and thickness of your fish cakes.

• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• If reheating baked fish cakes, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until heated through.

• Freeze any uneaten baked fish cakes in an airtight container for 4-5 months.

What Fish Works Best for Baking Fish Cakes?

You can bake fish cakes made from almost any type of fish. Some of the most common varieties include:

• Cod – Flaky white fish with mild flavor that holds up well during baking. A traditional choice.

• Salmon – Omega-3 rich fish that stays moist when baked into cakes. Pairs well with herbs.

• Tuna – Meaty fish that makes sturdy cakes. Use low-mercury canned tuna.

• Pollock – Budget friendly white fish. Makes tender baked fish cakes.

• Haddock – Sweet, delicate flavor. Combine with shrimp or lobster in cakes.

• Tilapia – Affordable and versatile. Stays tender when baked.

• Crab – Delicate texture. Use real or imitation crab blended with breadcrumbs.

Coating Ideas for Baked Fish Cakes

Coatings add crunch and flavor to baked fish cakes. Try these fun ideas:

• Japanese panko breadcrumbs – Super crispy results!

• Crushed Ritz crackers – Salty, buttery crunch.

• Crushed potato chips – Surprisingly delicious pairing.

• Ground nuts – Finely chop peanuts, almonds or pistachios.

• Shredded coconut – Toast lightly before coating for tropical flair.

• Cornflake crumbs – Simply crush cornflakes into fine crumbs.

• Crushed pretzels – Salty crunch.

• Flavored breadcrumbs – Lemon-pepper or garlic Parmesan.

Delicious Ways to Serve Baked Fish Cakes

Baked fish cakes pair well with an array of sides and sauces. Mix and match flavors:

• Tartar sauce – Tangy classic.

• Cocktail sauce – Zesty with horseradish.

• Lemon wedges – Bright pop of citrus.

• Malt vinegar – Adds depth.

• Coleslaw – Cool, creamy crunch.

• Steamed vegetables – Quick & healthy.

• Green salad – Balance fresh produce.

• Oven fries – Crispy and craveable.

• Rice pilaf – Fluffy base.

• Pasta salad – Fun twist.

Satisfying Meal Ideas with Baked Fish Cakes

Here are some full meal ideas featuring baked fish cakes:

• Fish cake sandwiches with tartar sauce, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, brioche buns

• Fish cakes with roasted broccoli and potatoes, drizzled with lemon-garlic aioli

• Fish cake tacos with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado crema, corn tortillas

• Mediterranean salad with fish cakes, cucumbers, olives, feta, romaine, lemon vinaigrette

• Fish cakes with quinoa tabbouleh and Greek yogurt cucumber dip

• Fish cakes atop caesar salad with parmesan and garlic croutons

• Fish cakes paired with low country boil of corn, sausage, potatoes

• British-style fish and chips with fish cakes, steak fries, malt vinegar

• Fish cake po’ boy sandwiches with remoulade, tomatoes, pickles, lettuce

With a little creativity, fish cakes can be transformed into all types of global cuisine!

Troubleshooting Baked Fish Cakes

Follow these tips if your fish cakes don’t turn out perfectly:

Fish cakes stick to the pan

• Use parchment paper and spray with oil before baking

• Allow fish cakes to finish cooking before flipping

Fish cakes fall apart when flipping

• Be gentle when flipping and use a thin spatula

• Make sure fish cakes are fully frozen when baking

• Add extra egg or breadcrumbs to the mixture

Fish cakes are dry

• Avoid overcrowding the pan which blocks airflow

• Brush fish cakes with oil before baking

• Check internal temperature doesn’t exceed 165°F

Fish cakes are soggy

• Allow fish cakes to drain on a rack after baking

• Don’t let fish cakes overlap on the baking sheet

• Use breadcrumbs or coatings to increase crispiness

Fish cakes lack flavor

• Season fish cake mixture generously before forming

• Top with extra herbs, salt and pepper after baking

• Serve with bold sauces and flavors

With a few basic precautions, you can avoid any baking mishaps!

Ready to Master Baked Fish Cakes?

Cooking fish cakes from frozen doesn’t need to be complicated or time consuming. With these helpful tips on how to bake frozen fish cakes, you can enjoy tender seafood any night of the week. Perfectly baked fish cakes are crispy on the outside,