Pan-Fried Spanish Mackerel Cakes
Flaked Spanish mackerel combined with mashed potatoes, aromatics, and spices, formed into patties, breaded, chilled, then pan-fried until golden and crispy. Serve hot with optional dipping sauce. A textured, savory fish cake with smoky paprika and cumin undertones.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds Spanish mackerel filetsAtlantic mackerel1:1fish
mild flavor difference
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- breadcrumbs, extra for coating
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- ½ stick butter
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- salt(optional)
- pepper(optional)
- olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- 1
Cook Spanish mackerel filets by baking or poaching until cooked through and flaking easily.
- 2
Remove skin and bones from cooked mackerel, flake into small pieces.
- 3
Boil and mash potatoes, then stir in butter.
- 4
Mince garlic, chop onion, and chop parsley.
- 5
Combine flaked mackerel, mashed potatoes, onion, garlic, parsley, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- 6
Beat eggs in one plate and pour breadcrumbs into another.
- 7
Shape a portion of mixture into a patty, dip into beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.
- 8
Place coated cakes on baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- 9
Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 10
Fry cakes for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- 11
Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- 12
Serve hot, optionally with aioli or tomato sauce.
Tips
Refrigerate patties at least 30 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape during cooking.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked cakes in airtight container up to 3 days. Freeze up to 1 month.
Form and bread cakes up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate before frying. Or freeze uncooked breaded cakes up to 1 month.
Serve hot with aioli, tomato sauce, tartar sauce, or lemon wedges.
Common Mistakes
Skip refrigeration to avoid cakes falling apart during frying.
Avoid high heat before cakes are properly chilled; they need firmness to hold shape.
Do not press breadcrumbs too gently; ensure they adhere completely to prevent coating from separating.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
mild flavor difference