RecipesScotlandScottish Fish and Oat Cakes

Scottish Fish and Oat Cakes

Savory cakes made with flaked white fish, mashed potatoes, and oats, pan-fried until golden brown and crispy. A delicious way to use leftover fish.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyEasy
Scottish Fish and Oat Cakes - Scotland traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 300 g Cooked white fish(e.g., cod, haddock, flaked)
  • 250 g Mashed potatoes(cooled)
  • 75 g Porridge oats
  • 2 medium Spring onions(finely chopped)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped)
  • 1 tsp Lemon zest
  • 1 large Egg(beaten)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 2-3 tbsp Vegetable oil or butter(for frying)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine the flaked fish, mashed potatoes, porridge oats, chopped spring onions, parsley, and lemon zest.

    💡 Tip: Ensure the fish is well flaked and free of bones.
  2. 2

    Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly.

    💡 Tip: Taste a small amount of the mixture to check seasoning before adding the egg.
  3. 3

    Add the beaten egg to the mixture and mix again until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.

    💡 Tip: If the mixture seems too wet, add a tablespoon more oats.
  4. 4

    Shape the mixture into 6-8 small, flattened cakes (about 1.5cm thick).

    💡 Tip: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.
  5. 5

    Heat the oil or butter in a large frying pan over medium heat.

    💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  6. 6

    Carefully place the fish cakes into the hot pan and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.

    💡 Tip: Flip gently to avoid breaking the cakes.
  7. 7

    Drain the fish cakes on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.

    💡 Tip: This helps to keep them crispy.
  8. 8

    Serve hot, perhaps with a dollop of tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon.

    💡 Tip: These are great as a light lunch or appetizer.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Using cold mashed potatoes helps the cakes hold their shape.
  • You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
  • These cakes can be made ahead of time and reheated in a moderate oven or a non-stick pan.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a tablespoon of finely chopped chives for a milder onion flavor.
  • Incorporate a small amount of finely grated cheese (like cheddar) into the mixture.

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