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    Home » Recipes » Recipes

    24/01/2019 Dinner Recipes

    Thai Fish Cakes with Peanut Sauce

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    These Thai fish cakes are such an easy dinner! Serve with an incredible peanut dipping sauce and sticky rice and then save the rest for lunch the next day.

    These fish cakes are just little bundles of joy 😍

    Click here to pin this recipe for later!

    Overhead shot of Thai fish cakes on a platter with peanut sauce

    Peanut sauce to go with Thai fish cakes in a blue bowl

    I love these fish cakes so much! We eat fish once or twice a week and I'm always coming up with new recipes for it like this parmesan breaded fish or these super quick salmon tacos but this quick and easy Thai fishcakes recipe might just be the best one yet.

    I made these on a night when Will was out and they came together so quickly it made me so happy! I served them with some sticky rice which is one of our favourite sides and the most amazing peanut sauce.

    You should honestly be making this peanut sauce to put on everything. It's so creamy and full to bursting with peanut and coconut flavour.

    Side on shot of Thai fish cakes on a platter with lime and coriander in the background

    Close up of a Thai fish cakes with greens

    So to make these fish cakes all you need to do is to put all your ingredients into a food processor and pulse until chopped. At this point you need to make sure you're not blending too much, it shouldn't turn into a paste, you just want it to be chopped.

    Then all you need to do is shape into patties and fry. One of my favourite frying tips for things like this (and my favourite salmon burgers too) is to waaaaaiiiiiittttt. Just wait.

    Whenever these kinds of things fall apart in the frying pan nine times out of ten it's because they're moved before they've had time to develop that fried crust on the bottom. If they're not easily moving then give them another minute until you can slide the spatula underneath and flip them.

    Overhead shot of Thai fish cakes on a marble background

    Close up of Thai fish cakes with greens

    Thai Fish Cakes with Peanut Sauce Ingredients:

    • Skinless Fish: Any white fish you like will do, it takes on so much flavour from all your other ingredients that it doesn't matter too much!
    • Herbs and Spices: Thai red curry paste, coriander (cilantro) and chilli go into these fish cakes and give them super charged flavour
    • Lime: For the zingy finish which is a key element of Thai cuisine
    • Coconut Milk: To get your peanut sauce really creamy
    • Peanut Butter: I always go for crunchy and I love that extra texture but if you have creamy then go for that. Use leftovers in this peanut and sweet potato stew
    • Soy Sauce: For that salty kick
    • Fish Sauce: I know, I know, it smells disgusting but it honestly makes the dish. Add extra to this Thai chicken recipe
    • Brown Sugar: To add the sweet to balance out that sauce 

     

    Plate of Thai fish cakes with greens on a marble background

    Overhead shot of peanut sauce in a blue bowl with Thai fish cakes

    How to make Thai fishcakes

    1. Add the fish, curry paste, lime zest, coriander, chilli, egg and cornflour to a blender and pulse until chopped but not paste. 
    2. Scoop 3 tablespoons of the mixture into your hand and shape into a patty. Repeat until you've used all the mixture.
    3. Heat the oil oven a medium high heat and fry the fish cakes until browned and crispy then flip and cook on the other side, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
    4. Mix all the sauce ingredients together in a small saucepan and stir together over a medium heat then remove from the heat and serve with the fish cakes.

    Equipment you need to make this recipe...

     

    Plate of Thai fish cakes with peanut sauce on a marble background with lime and coriander in the background

    Overhead shot of Thai fish cakes with peantu sauce on a grey plate on a marble surface

    What to serve with Asian fish cakes:

    I like to serve these fish cakes with sticky rice, chopped spring onions and of course plenty of that peanut sauce. If you need some greens as well then try some stir fried pak choi or spinach. If you're not into the peanut sauce or don't have time to make it then some sweet chilli sauce would also be delicious.

    Are these fish cakes gluten free?

    Yes, these fish cakes are gluten free as they corn flour (cornstarch) to bind them rather than wheat flour.

    Can you bake Thai fish cakes?

    If you'd prefer to bake rather than fry these fish cakes then I would recommend shaping them as instructed in the recipe then placing on a greased baking sheet and cooking for 15-20 minutes in a 200°C/400°F preheated oven until cooked through.

    Can these fish cakes be frozen?

    Once cooked, these fish cakes can be cooled and then frozen for future use. When you're ready to eat defrost thoroughly then they can be eaten cold or reheated in the oven or microwave.

    Can I use salmon to make this recipe?

    Yes! You can use pretty much any fish you like and salmon would work beautifully.

    Can I use meat in this recipe instead?

    If you're not a fan of fish then you can use chicken or turkey mince in place of the fish. Simply mix everything together in a bowl rather than using a food processor.

    Expert tips for making this recipe:

    • When blending the fish cakes mixture make sure to go slowly and only get it to the point that the ingredients are chopped rather than turning it into a paste
    • These fish cakes also work served cold so if you've got extras then pop them in the fridge and eat the next day
    • If you have left over peanut sauce then try serving it drizzled over noodles or as a dip for veggies, the options are endless!

    Want more? Try these other healthy fish recipes!

        • Thai Flavoured Steam Tilapia Fillets
        • Baked Mackerel with Salad & Flatbreads
        • Fish Florentine
        • 15 Minute Salmon Pasta with Broccoli
        • Baked Halibut
        • One Pot Fish Stew with White Beans
        • Tuna Burgers with Smoked Paprika Mayo
        • Tuna Salad with Garlic Toasts
        • Harissa Roasted Salmon with Potatoes
    Overhead shot of Thai fish cakes with peantu sauce on a grey plate on a marble surface

    Thai Fish Cakes with Peanut Sauce

    These Thai fish cakes are such an easy dinner! Serve with an incredible peanut dipping sauce and sticky rice and then save the rest for lunch the next day.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine: Thai
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 4 fish cakes
    Calories: 426kcal
    Author: Amy Fulwood

    Ingredients

    • 450 g Skinless White Fish
    • 1 Lime
    • 1 tablespoon Thai Red Curry Paste
    • 25 g Fresh Coriander
    • 3 cloves Garlic crushed
    • ½ Chilli
    • 1 Egg
    • 6 tablespoon Cornflour
    • Vegetable Oil for frying
    • 85 ml Coconut Milk
    • 120 g Chunky Peanut Butter
    • 2 teaspoon Soy Sauce
    • 2 teaspoon Fish Sauce
    • 1 Chilli finely chopped
    • 5 teaspoon Light Brown Sugar
    • 1 Spring Onion thinly sliced, to serve
    UK Measures - US Measures

    Instructions

    • Put the fish, zest of the lime, curry paste, coriander, garlic, chilli, egg and cornflour in a food processor and pulse until minced but not paste.
    • Scoop 3 tablespoons of mixture into your hand and form into a flattened cake shape. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
    • Heat a tablespoon of oil over a medium high heat. Fry the fish cakes for 2-3 minutes on each side in batches.
    • Mix peanut butter, coconut milk, juice of the lime, soy sauce, fish sauce, chilli and brown sugar in a saucepan and melt over a medium heat. Set aside to cool. Serve the fish cakes with the sauce and sprinkled with sliced spring onion.
    Nutrition Facts
    Thai Fish Cakes with Peanut Sauce
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 426 Calories from Fat 207
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 23g35%
    Saturated Fat 8g40%
    Cholesterol 97mg32%
    Sodium 625mg26%
    Potassium 709mg20%
    Carbohydrates 26g9%
    Fiber 2g8%
    Sugar 8g9%
    Protein 33g66%
    Vitamin A 1230IU25%
    Vitamin C 32mg39%
    Calcium 57mg6%
    Iron 2.7mg15%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Notes

    Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @amycookreport on Instagram and hashtag it #thecookreport!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Elizabeth Leaver says

      January 25, 2019 at 11:08 am

      5 stars
      I love Thai flavours and fish cakes so this seems like the perfect combo! Plus that peanut sauce sounds DELICIOUS. Definitely need these for dinner next week!

      Reply
      • Amy says

        January 27, 2019 at 4:22 pm

        Thanks Elizabeth!

        Reply
    2. Danielle Wolter says

      January 25, 2019 at 11:31 am

      5 stars
      This would really make the perfect weeknight dinner for me. And that peanut sauce sounds incredible. I prob would put it on everything!

      Reply
      • Amy says

        January 27, 2019 at 4:22 pm

        It's so good!!

        Reply
    3. Claudia Lamascolo says

      January 25, 2019 at 11:54 am

      5 stars
      I love this new kind of Asian flair for cooking. I really make the same old thing all the time and would love to experience other cuisine like this one. I may give this one a go.

      Reply
      • Amy says

        January 27, 2019 at 4:22 pm

        Thanks Claudia, definitely give it a go!

        Reply
    4. Neli Howard says

      January 25, 2019 at 12:25 pm

      5 stars
      This is my favorite Thai appetizer recipe – the flavor is outstanding !

      Reply
      • Amy says

        January 27, 2019 at 4:22 pm

        So good right? Thanks Neli!

        Reply
    5. Corrie says

      January 25, 2019 at 1:31 pm

      5 stars
      Corrie loves seafood so decided to experiment with this unique recipe with peanut sauce. I must say it is delicious, so I decided to make crab cakes too with this recipe and they were awesome too. What do you think can I make this ahead and fry at the time needed?

      Reply
      • Amy says

        January 27, 2019 at 4:21 pm

        Hi Corrie, so glad you enjoyed it! If you wanted to make ahead then the mixture should keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days 🙂

        Reply
    6. Kelly Anthony says

      January 25, 2019 at 2:07 pm

      5 stars
      Your pictures are simply beautiful and really highlight your thai fish cakes. This will make a perfect weeknight meal for those nights that are crazy busy. I love that I can put everything in the food processor and start cooking.

      Reply
      • Amy says

        January 27, 2019 at 4:18 pm

        Thank you so much Kelly!

        Reply
    7. Nicole says

      November 05, 2019 at 11:58 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe but mine did not come out orange / red!

      We think it was the coriander but did 25g and they were green 🙂 If you have any ideas, tumeric perhaps?

      Thanks and very delicious!

      Reply
      • Amy says

        November 05, 2019 at 11:10 pm

        Hi Nicole, glad you liked the recipe! I think it must have been the coriander and it might also depend on the curry paste you used. If you'd rather they weren't green then I'd suggest using less coriander or blending a bit less so that the coriander doesn't get to chopped.
        Hopefully they still tasted good though! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Mel says

      December 03, 2021 at 12:54 pm

      5 stars
      Lovely, just lovely. I had to buy frozen fish as the supermarket wasn’t in my price range, it was going to be very expensive. The frozen was fine though. There’s just one thing….I have a massive problem with…..I just can’t stop eating them
      1 question, I had some coconut milk left over and didn’t want to waste it. I’m sure I saw somewhere you mentioned what to do with it but I can’t find it. Any ideas?

      Reply
      • Amy says

        December 06, 2021 at 7:08 pm

        Thanks so much Mel! Sure, I have a post here with some ideas of what to do with coconut milk https://thecookreport.co.uk/coconut-milk-recipes/ 🙂

        Reply

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