Store-bought fish cakes provide a quick and easy protein option for busy home cooks. Pre-made and ready to cook, they can be prepared in a variety of ways. But not all store-bought fish cakes are created equal. The cooking method you use can make a big difference in the final texture and flavor. Follow this guide to learn how to cook store-bought fish cakes perfectly every time.
Get to Know Your Fish Cakes
The first step is understanding what type of fish cake you are working with. Here are some things to consider:
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Fresh vs Frozen – Fresh fish cakes must be cooked before eating but frozen ones are pre-cooked so just need reheating. Check the packaging.
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Breading – Some fish cakes have breadcrumb coatings and some don’t. Breading impacts cooking time.
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Size and Thickness – Small thin cakes cook faster than large thick cakes. Adjust cook times accordingly.
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Added Ingredients – Spices, herbs and vegetables mixed into the cakes also affect cook times.
Top Cooking Methods for Fish Cakes
Once you know what you’re working with, it’s time to decide on a cooking method. Here are some excellent options:
Pan-Frying
This traditional cooking method yields a crispy, golden exterior.
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Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
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Cook fish cakes 2-4 minutes per side until browned.
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Drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.
Baking
Baking gives a more even all-over browning and gentler heat.
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
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Arrange fish cakes in a single layer on the sheet.
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Bake 15-18 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Air Frying
Air frying mimics deep frying for crispy fish cakes with less oil.
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Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
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Cook 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
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Mist with oil spray for added browning if needed.
Grilling
The hot dry heat of the grill also crisps up fish cakes nicely.
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Oil the grill grates. Grill over direct medium heat.
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Cook fish cakes 4-5 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
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Move to indirect heat if flare ups occur.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
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Brush fish cakes lightly with oil or melted butter before cooking for enhanced browning.
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Adjust cook times based on thickness. Thinner cakes cook faster.
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Flip carefully to keep fish cakes intact. Use a thin spatula.
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Insert a toothpick to test for doneness. It should slide in easily when cooked through.
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For added flavor, try a spritz of lemon juice right when they come off the heat.
What to Serve with Fish Cakes
Fish cakes pair well with fresh, light sides to balance their richness. Here are some tasty options:
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Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans or asparagus
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Leafy green salads with vinaigrette
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Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
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Rice pilaf or creamy risotto
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Garlic bread or biscuits
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Corn on the cob with herb butter
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Coleslaw or pasta salad
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Properly stored fish cakes will keep in the fridge 3-4 days. Here are some reheating tips:
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Reheat gently in a 300°F oven until warmed through, about 10 minutes.
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Pan fry until hot and slightly crispy, adding a bit of fresh oil to the skillet.
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Microwave in 30 second intervals just until heated through. Don’t overdo it.
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For best results, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
With the right techniques, you can cook store-bought fish cakes to restaurant-quality perfection in your own kitchen. Follow these tips for baked, fried, grilled or air fried fish cakes your whole family will love.
Customer Reviews Based on 47 reviews
My favourite go to meal must have. A
I love these, they’re so tasty. I pan-fry them and then put them in the oven while I make a Thai noodle salad to go with them.
Really tasty and easy to prepare. Highly recommended A
Wow so good J
They were nice and tasty but fell apart hard to handle maybe my fault. Very filling
$200 Save $-28
These fish cakes are simple yet satisfying and will please the whole family. Product delivered frozen. 600g, 4 serves (4 cakes per pack) with a side.
Preparation, cooking and serving instructions
Frozen product. To defrost, put in the fridge for 24 hours. Once defrosted, cook, and consume within 48 hours.
To cook you can use either oven, frypan or airfryer.
– Oven : place in preheated oven at 180C for 10-15 minutes
– Fry pan: Heat the oil in a fry pan and cook for four to five minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
– Air Fryer : 10min at 200 deg
Serve with a side of green salad.
Salmon, Potato, Onion, Garlic, Shallots, Dill, Basil, Parsley, Eggs, Breadcrumbs, Salt, Pepper, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil
Really good Fish Cakes
How do you make a fish cake?
Beat 1 egg on a large plate and lightly flour a board. Spread 85g fresh white breadcrumbs on a baking sheet. Divide the fish cake mixture into four. On the floured board, and with floured hands, carefully shape into four cakes, about 2.5cm thick. One by one, sit each cake in the egg, and brush over the top and sides so it is completely coated.
How can I prepare fish for kids?
This is really dependent on the personal preference of your children. Some children will eat fish the same way adults do for others you may need to make this more interesting by creating things like homemade fishcakes, fish burger patties, fish balls or by adding this to toast or even pasta. Involving your children in the preparation and cooking process can also encourage them to consume the fish.
How do you cook fish cakes in the oven?
Mix until well combined and the mixture holds together. Shape the mixture into patties of the desired size and thickness. Place the fish cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the fish cakes in the preheated oven for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Do fish cakes need to be refrigerated?
Transfer to a plate and then cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the fish cakes like this helps them to keep their shape when frying. If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, this is also where you can pause and store the prepared fish cakes in the fridge until needed.