30-Minute Pan-Fried Cod Cakes
These tender cod cakes combine flaky fish with fresh herbs and breadcrumbs, pan-fried until golden and crispy. The vibrant red pepper aioli adds a creamy, smoky complement that the mild fish flavor. Perfect for a light dinner or elegant appetizer, these cakes offer a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare at home. The soft interior contrasts beautifully with the crispy exterior, while the aioli provides a bright, garlicky finish.
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, from a jar
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ¾ lb cooked cod, walleye or tilapia
- 1 cup soft bread crumbs
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Process mayonnaise, roasted red peppers, and garlic cloves in blender until smooth
- 2
Transfer aioli to small bowl, cover, and refrigerate until serving
- 3
Combine cod, bread crumbs, green onions, parsley, chopped garlic, and beaten eggs in large bowl, breaking up fish as needed
- 4
Shape mixture into 6 patties using about 1/2 cup mixture each
- 5
Heat olive oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat
- 6
Cook patties 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until golden brown
- 7
Drain on paper towels and serve with aioli
Tips
Keep patties soft and handle gently when shaping to prevent breaking during cooking.
Use a nonstick skillet to prevent delicate fish cakes from sticking and falling apart.
Make aioli ahead of time to allow flavors to meld and chill properly before serving.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked cod cakes up to 2 days covered. Store aioli separately up to 1 week.
Shape patties and make aioli up to 1 day ahead. Cook patties just before serving.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy with chilled aioli on the side.
Common Mistakes
Avoid overmixing the fish mixture to prevent tough, dense cakes.
Don't cook over high heat to prevent burning before centers cook through.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, thaw completely and drain excess moisture before using. Pat dry with paper towels to remove water that could make patties soggy.
What if I don't have roasted red peppers?
Roast fresh red bell peppers under broiler until charred, then peel. Or substitute with sun-dried tomatoes for different flavor profile.
How long do leftover cod cakes keep?
Store refrigerated up to 2 days. Reheat in skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness, or bake at 350F for 10 minutes.