These Thai Fish Cakes are golden-brown perfection, offering a crispy exterior with a moist, flavorful fish filling. Paired with a side of sweet chili sauce, every bite is an explosion of savory, slightly spicy goodness.
Perfect for a weeknight meal, party appetizer, or casual get-together, these fish cakes are sure to impress. The addition of red curry paste and fish sauce gives them an authentic Thai flavor, while the crunchy texture adds to the satisfaction of each bite. Serve them with fresh herbs or a simple salad to balance the richness of the fried cakes.
Full Recipe:
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500g white fish fillets (like cod or tilapia)
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1/2 cup green beans, finely chopped
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1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/4 cup fresh coriander, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon red curry paste
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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1 egg, lightly beaten
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
Directions:
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Place the fish fillets in a food processor and pulse until the fish is finely minced.
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In a large bowl, combine the minced fish, chopped green beans, onion, coriander, garlic, red curry paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and beaten egg. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
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Add breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind it. Shape the mixture into small patties (about 12).
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
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Cook the patties in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
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Remove the fish cakes from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Serve with a sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Thai Fish Cakes
Thai Fish Cakes are one of the most beloved street foods in Thailand. These tasty morsels combine fresh white fish with Thai herbs and spices, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. Often served with a side of sweet chili sauce, Thai Fish Cakes are a perfect appetizer or snack to kick off a Thai-inspired meal. While they are a popular dish in Thai restaurants, making them at home allows you to enjoy a fresher, more economical version that rivals the restaurant experience.
When ordering appetizers at Thai restaurants, many people gravitate toward Thai Fish Cakes or Thai Chicken Satay. These dishes not only bring the authentic flavors of Thailand to the table, but they also offer a delightful combination of savory spices and textures. One of the biggest advantages of making Thai Fish Cakes at home is that you can avoid the sometimes overpriced restaurant versions, which often come in small portions.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With a few essential ingredients—fish, red curry paste, egg, rice flour, and fish sauce—you can recreate these delectable treats in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal, these Thai Fish Cakes are sure to impress your family and friends.
What Makes Thai Fish Cakes Unique
What sets Thai Fish Cakes apart from other fish cakes is the addition of red curry paste. This ingredient infuses the fish cakes with the characteristic flavors of Thai cuisine—spicy, tangy, and aromatic. The fish itself is typically minced to a fine paste, giving the cakes a smooth, almost spongy texture. While this might sound unusual, the texture is what makes these fish cakes so special. They are not the dense, firm patties you might be accustomed to; instead, they offer a soft, airy bite that is a true reflection of Thai street food.
In addition to the red curry paste, Thai Fish Cakes are seasoned with fish sauce and lime juice, which add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. The green beans or shallots (depending on your variation) contribute a bit of crunch and freshness, further enhancing the dish. The combination of these ingredients results in a flavor-packed dish that captures the essence of Thai cooking.
The Best Fish for Thai Fish Cakes
Choosing the right fish is crucial to making the perfect Thai Fish Cakes. Most white fish fillets are suitable for this recipe, with options such as tilapia, barramundi, and snapper being popular choices. These fish have a mild flavor and a firm texture that work well when minced and combined with the curry paste and other ingredients.
It’s best to avoid lean fish such as swordfish or tuna, as they do not hold up as well when minced and may result in a less desirable texture. Delicate fish, such as flounder or Dover sole, should also be avoided, as they can break apart easily. Similarly, small, oily fish like sardines or mackerel are not recommended because their strong flavors may overpower the other ingredients in the fish cakes.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use fatty fish like salmon or trout to create a richer, more flavorful variation of Thai Fish Cakes. This adds a bit more depth to the flavor and gives the cakes a slightly different texture, making them a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Making Thai Fish Cakes at Home
Making Thai Fish Cakes at home is much easier than it might initially seem. With a food processor, you can quickly mince the fish fillets and combine them with the curry paste, lime juice, and other seasonings to form a smooth paste. After adding rice flour or cornstarch to help bind the mixture together, you can shape the paste into small patties, ready for frying.
While some traditional Thai recipes may involve deep frying the fish cakes, you can achieve equally delicious results by pan frying them. This method reduces the amount of oil needed and still results in golden, crispy fish cakes with a soft and bouncy interior.
Serving Suggestions for Thai Fish Cakes
Thai Fish Cakes are typically served as an appetizer in Thailand, but they can easily be turned into a meal when paired with the right side dishes. One of the most popular options is serving the fish cakes with steamed Jasmine rice or a flavorful Thai fried rice. You can also serve them with a side of Pineapple Fried Rice for a tropical twist or opt for Coconut Rice for a creamy and fragrant accompaniment.
For a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fish cakes, try pairing them with a crunchy Asian slaw or a fresh salad with an Asian sesame dressing. These sides balance the fried fish cakes and add a vibrant, healthy element to the meal.
Another traditional accompaniment is sweet chili sauce, which complements the spiciness of the red curry paste in the fish cakes. The combination of the crispy, savory fish cakes with the tangy and slightly sweet dipping sauce is what makes this dish a true Thai delicacy.
Making Thai Fish Cakes Your Own
While this recipe is authentic to traditional Thai Fish Cakes, it’s also flexible enough for you to experiment with. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of red curry paste. If you’re looking for more texture, feel free to add more green beans or substitute them with other vegetables such as finely chopped carrots or bell peppers. You can even adjust the fish type based on what’s available to you, giving you the freedom to create a dish that fits your taste preferences.
The beauty of cooking Thai food at home is that it allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking, whether you prefer it spicier or milder, or whether you want to incorporate different vegetables or herbs. It’s a dish that invites creativity while still retaining its essence.
The Nutritional Benefits of Thai Fish Cakes
Thai Fish Cakes are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. They are an excellent source of protein, thanks to the fish, and provide a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids, especially if you choose fatty fish like salmon. The addition of green beans and other vegetables provides fiber and essential vitamins, making these fish cakes a well-rounded dish.
Additionally, by pan frying rather than deep frying, you can reduce the overall fat content while still maintaining the crispy texture that makes these cakes so irresistible. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can also opt for baking the fish cakes, though they may not achieve the same level of crispiness.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Thai Fish Cakes
In conclusion, Thai Fish Cakes are a must-try dish for anyone who loves the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine. They offer a unique combination of spicy, savory, and tangy flavors, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy exterior. Whether you’re preparing them as a starter for a Thai-themed meal or serving them as a main dish with rice and salad, these fish cakes are sure to impress.
Making Thai Fish Cakes at home is easier than you might think and is a far more economical option than ordering them at a Thai restaurant. With just a few key ingredients and simple preparation, you can recreate this popular street food in your own kitchen and enjoy the flavors of Thailand anytime you like.
So, if you’re craving an appetizer with bold flavors and a satisfying texture, give these Thai Fish Cakes a try. They’re sure to become a favorite in your home cooking repertoire!