Codfish cakes are a delectable and flavorful dish that has been enjoyed by many people all over the world. This dish is a popular appetizer or snack that is often served in restaurants or at social gatherings. Codfish cakes are made using simple ingredients such as codfish, potatoes, eggs, flour, and seasoning, and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
The process of making codfish cakes is relatively easy and straightforward. To start, the codfish is boiled in water until it becomes tender and can be easily shredded. Then, the potatoes are boiled, mashed, and mixed together with the shredded codfish. After that, eggs, flour, and spices are added to the mixture to create a thick and cohesive dough.
Once the dough is prepared, it is formed into small, oval-shaped patties and then fried in hot oil until they become golden brown and crispy. The finished codfish cakes can be served hot or cold and can be garnished with various condiments such as lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or parsley.
Despite being a simple recipe, the flavor of codfish cakes is rich and appealing. The combination of salty codfish, creamy potatoes, and zesty spices creates a unique and unforgettable taste that is hard to resist. Although traditionally a seafood delicacy, even people who are not fond of seafood would enjoy the delicious flavor of these cakes.
Gathering the Ingredients: What You Will Need
If you’re looking to make delicious codfish cakes, having the right ingredients is essential. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need to get started.
1. Codfish
The star ingredient of this recipe is codfish, and it’s important to choose the right kind. Look for fresh or salted cod, which can be found at most supermarkets or fish markets. If using salted cod, make sure to soak it overnight in cold water before using it in the recipe.
2. Potatoes
To help bind the codfish together and give it a creamy texture, you’ll need some potatoes. Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work well for this recipe.
3. Onion
You’ll also need an onion to add some flavor and texture to your codfish cakes.
4. Garlic
Garlic is another essential ingredient that will add depth of flavor to your cakes.
5. Parsley
Fresh parsley will help give your cakes a bright green color and add some freshness to each bite.
6. Eggs
Eggs are crucial for binding all of the ingredients together and creating a cohesive mixture that can be formed into patties or balls.
7.Flour
Flour will help bind everything together when frying so they don’t fall apart while cooking .
Once you have all of these ingredients assembled, you’re ready to start making your own delicious codfish cakes!
Preparing the Codfish: Boiling and Flaking
Now that you have all of your ingredients assembled, it’s time to prepare the codfish. Here’s how to boil and flake it for use in your delicious codfish cakes.
1. Boiling the Codfish
The first step in preparing the codfish is to boil it until it is fully cooked. To do this, start by rinsing the fish under cold water to remove any excess salt if using salted fish.
Next, place the fish in a large pot filled with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
Once cooked, remove from heat and drain off any excess water. Let cool for a few minutes before moving on to flaking.
2. Flaking the Codfish
After boiling, you’ll need to flake or shred apart your codfish into small pieces that can be mixed with other ingredients for forming into cakes.
To do this simply take a fork or utensil and gently pull apart sections of boiled fish until they are shredded into small pieces or flakes .
Make sure there are no bones left in your flakes as these can be quite dangerous when consumed accidentally .
Repeat this process until all of your boiled cod has been flaked apart , then set aside while you prepare other ingredients needed.
Now that we’ve prepared our main ingredient let’s move on next steps!
Making the Mixture: Combining the Ingredients
With your codfish boiled and flaked, it’s time to move on to making the mixture for your codfish cakes. This is where all of your other ingredients will come into play.
1. Preparing the Potatoes and Onion
Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into small cubes, then boil them in a separate pot until they are fully cooked .
Next, chop up one small onion into fine pieces .
2. Mixing It All Together
In a large mixing bowl , add the flaked codfish along with your cooked diced potatoes and chopped onion.
Add two cloves of minced garlic as well as half a cup of chopped fresh parsley leaves to give everything more depth of flavor .
Crack two large eggs into the bowl followed by half a cup of flour. Mix everything together thoroughly with a large spoon or spatula until you have an even mixture that holds together when pressed.
If needed add more flour if too wet or another egg if too dry until you have achieved ideal consistency for forming patties or balls.
Once mixed , let it sit for about ten minutes so that flavors can meld together before moving on next step.
Shaping Into Patties
Now that we’ve made our mixture, it’s time to shape them into patties!
1. Forming Balls or Patties
Take some amount from mixture enough to make each cake and form them either using hands (lightly oiling hands helps prevent sticking) or use an ice cream scoop for similar size portions every time
Roll each portion between palms forming smooth balls then flatten slightly with fingertips onto wax paper lined tray . Alternatively you can simply form flat round patties without first rolling in ball shape .
Repeat this process with all remaining mixture until you have formed desired amount of cakes .
2. Refrigerating Before Frying
Before frying , place tray containing the formed patties in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up and hold together better while frying .
Frying the Codfish Cakes
Now that your codfish cakes have been shaped, it’s time to fry them up until they are golden brown and delicious.
1. Frying in Oil
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding enough oil to coat bottom of pan.
Once oil is heated through , add your cakes carefully being sure not to overcrowd the pan which can cause uneven cooking or sticking.
Fry each cake for about two minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy on outside yet still tender inside . Remove from heat using slotted spatula onto paper towel lined plate for excess oil absorption .
2.Baking instead of frying
Alternatively you can bake codfish cakes by placing them on greased baking sheet then baking at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Serve with tartar sauce , lemon wedges, green salad or any other accompaniment you prefer!
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to make delicious codfish cakes that are perfect for any occasion!
Frying the Cakes: Best Practices for a Crispy Finish
Frying codfish cakes can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques, you can achieve a crispy and golden brown finish every time. Here are some best practices to follow when frying your delicious codfish cakes.
1. Using the Right Oil
The first step to achieving a crispy finish is choosing the right oil. Vegetable or canola oil are good options for frying as they have high smoke points which means they won’t burn easily and will retain their flavor.
2. Heating the Oil Properly
Once you have your oil ready, it’s important to heat it properly before adding your cakes . Heat it on medium-high until hot but not smoking .
To test if oil is hot enough , add small drop of water into pan ; if it sizzles then start cooking!
3. Avoiding Overcrowding
It’s important not to overcrowd pan when frying because this can cause uneven cooking and sticking together . Make sure there is plenty space between each cake while frying by leaving at least an inch of space around each one .
Fry in batches if needed so that each cake has enough room to cook evenly without sticking together.
4. Flipping Carefully
When flipping each cake over during cooking process, use slotted spatula carefully to avoid breaking apart or causing them fall apart .
Be sure not flip too soon – wait until bottom side is golden brown before flipping (about two minutes) . This will ensure even browning on both sides of your delicious codfish cakes!
5.Draining Excess Oil
After removing from skillet using slotted spatula onto paper towel lined plate for excess oild absorption which helps keep them crispy longer .
Alternatively you may use wire rack instead of paper towels which allows air circulation underneath helping prevent sogginess by allowing any excess oils drips down away from cakes.
6. Keeping Warm
If you’re making a large batch , it can be helpful to keep cooked cakes warm in oven on lowest setting (about 200°F) while finishing up frying process to ensure they stay crispy and hot until ready serve.
By following these best practices, you’ll be able to achieve a crispy and golden brown finish on your codfish cakes every time.
Serving and Enjoying: Suggestions for Presentation and Pairings
Now that you’ve made your delicious codfish cakes, it’s time to enjoy them! Here are some suggestions for how to present and pair your cakes.
1. Presentation Options
There are many ways to present your codfish cakes, depending on the occasion. Some ideas include:
- Plating them individually with a side salad or vegetables
- Serving them on a large platter with lemon wedges for guests to help themselves
- Making sliders by serving them on small buns with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce
2. Best Sauces for Codfish Cakes
Sauces can add an extra layer of flavor to your codfish cakes. Some sauces that pair well include:
- Tartar sauce: This classic condiment is perfect for dipping.
- Aioli: Made from garlic and olive oil, this sauce adds a rich flavor.
- Remoulade: A French-style sauce made from mayonnaise, capers, mustard , pickles etc.
3. Side Dishes Pairing
Some side dishes work particularly well with codfish cakes:
- Roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini
- Mixed green salad dressed in vinaigrette
- Coleslaw : Goes especially well if you’re serving the codfish cakes as sliders
- French fries : Classic accompaniment .
4.Drinks Pairing
To complete the meal here are some drink options that would be great along with these delectable bites :
- White wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
- Light beers such as pilsners perfect pairing due their crispness which complements texture of fried food.
- Non-alcoholic drinks such as Lemonade or sweet tea.
By following these suggestions ,you’ll be able to serve and enjoy delicious codfish cakes in variety of ways that will appeal to everyone’s tastes.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need to make codfish cakes?
To make codfish cakes, you will need 1 pound of salt cod, 3 cups of mashed potatoes, 1 small onion finely chopped, 2 cloves of garlic minced, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, 2 eggs lightly beaten, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the salt cod for the codfish cakes?
First, you need to soak the salt cod in water overnight to remove excess salt. Change the water every 4-6 hours. Then, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the cod. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the fish is cooked. Drain the fish and let it cool before flaking it into small pieces.
How do I mix and cook the codfish cakes?
Mix the fish, mashed potatoes, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, and eggs in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to form into small balls, about 2 inches in diameter. Roll the balls into the breadcrumbs until they are completely coated. Heat a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the codfish cakes until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Can I make codfish cakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make codfish cakes ahead of time. Just make sure to wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
