Crispy Thai Spiced Fish Cakes
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Thailand with these Crispy Thai Spiced Fish Cakes. Fresh, flaky white fish fillets are blended with aromatic herbs and spices, then formed into delightful patties and fried to golden perfection. Served hot with a tangy chili sauce, these fish cakes are perfect as an appetizer or a light meal. Impress your friends and family with this authentic Thai recipe that brings a taste of the streets of Bangkok right into your kitchen. Enjoy the crunchy exterior and savory filling packed with fresh ingredients, ideal for any occasion!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
white fish fillets
300 g (Uncooked)
spring onions
2 (Chopped)
egg
1 (Lightly beaten)
cornflour
2 tablespoons
fish sauce
1 tablespoon
coriander leaves
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
red curry paste
2 tablespoons
red chili pepper
1-2 (Chopped)
green beans
50 g (Chopped)
oil
(for frying)
salt
(to taste)
Instructions
1
Step 1: In a blender, combine the uncooked fish fillets, lightly beaten egg, fish sauce, cornflour, red curry paste, red chili peppers (adjusting for heat), and chopped coriander leaves. Blend until the mixture is well-combined and reaches a thick, smooth paste. Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl.
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Step 2: Stir in the chopped spring onions and green beans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the fish paste. Using wet palms, form the mixture into small round patties, placing them on a plate or tray as you go.
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Step 3: In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the fish patties to the oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are crispy and golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, remove the patties and drain them on absorbent paper to eliminate excess oil.
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Step 4: Serve the crispy fish cakes hot alongside a zesty chili sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Thai Spiced Fish Cakes?
They are savory Thai-style patties made from blended white fish fillets, red curry paste, and aromatic herbs, fried until golden and crispy.
What kind of fish is best for this recipe?
Fresh white fish fillets such as cod, tilapia, snapper, or bass are ideal for achieving the right texture.
Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted very dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before blending.
How do I achieve a smooth fish paste consistency?
Use a blender or food processor to combine the fish, egg, and seasonings until they form a thick, uniform paste.
What ingredients make the fish cakes spicy?
The heat comes from the red curry paste and the addition of fresh chopped red chili peppers.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free provided you use a gluten-free fish sauce and cornflour.
Can these fish cakes be baked instead of fried?
Yes, you can bake them at 200C for 15-20 minutes, though they will not be as crispy as the fried version.
How long should I fry the fish patties?
Fry them for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side over medium-high heat until they are golden brown.
What vegetables are added for crunch?
Finely chopped spring onions and green beans are stirred into the paste to provide texture and crunch.
Can I prepare the mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the fish paste and form the patties a few hours early, keeping them refrigerated until ready to fry.
How should I store any leftovers?
Store leftover fish cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat the cakes?
Reheat them in a dry frying pan or a toaster oven to restore their crispy exterior; avoid microwaving if possible.
What sides go well with Thai fish cakes?
They are excellent with a zesty chili sauce, a side of cucumber salad, or steamed jasmine rice.
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes, air fry the patties at 190C for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
Why might my fish cakes fall apart?
This usually happens if the mixture is too wet or if there is not enough binder like egg or cornflour to hold it together.
Can I skip the red curry paste?
The red curry paste provides the essential authentic flavor, but you can reduce the amount if you prefer a milder taste.
Can I substitute the fish with another protein?
You can use minced shrimp or prawns as a substitute or mix them with the fish for a different flavor profile.
How can I make the dish milder?
Remove the seeds from the red chili peppers or omit them entirely, and use a smaller amount of red curry paste.
Why is cornflour included in the ingredients?
Cornflour acts as a thickening agent and binder, ensuring the fish paste holds its shape during the frying process.
Can the uncooked patties be frozen?
Yes, flash freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to two months.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on 300g of fish, this recipe typically serves 2 people as a light meal or 4 as an appetizer.
Can I use dried coriander instead of fresh?
Fresh coriander is highly recommended for the best flavor, but you can use a smaller amount of dried coriander if necessary.
What is a good substitute for fish sauce?
You can use light soy sauce or tamari, though the flavor will be slightly less traditional.
Do the green beans need to be cooked first?
No, the green beans should be added raw and finely chopped; they will soften slightly but remain crunchy after frying.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Eggs help with binding, but you can try using a small amount of mashed potato or a flax egg as an alternative.
What dipping sauce is recommended?
A sweet and tangy Thai chili sauce or a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and chopped cucumbers is ideal.
Are these fish cakes suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, they are relatively low-carb, though you should monitor the amount of cornflour used.
How thick should I form the patties?
Form them into round patties about 1 cm or half an inch thick for even cooking and a crispy texture.
Can I add kaffir lime leaves?
Absolutely, adding finely shredded kaffir lime leaves provides a wonderful authentic citrus aroma to the cakes.