How to make Fishcakes with Parsley Sauce

How to make Fishcakes with Parsley Sauce is a easy British recipe that serves 3. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by KeefCooks on YouTube.

Prep: 57 min | Cook: 52 min | Total: 1 hr 59 min

Cost: $11.94 total, $3.98 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Medium Potatoes (peeled and cut into uniform chunks)
  • 2 fillets White Fish Fillets (any firm white fish such as cod or haddock, about 200 g total)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped, plus extra for sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill (chopped, optional)
  • 2 cups Whole Milk (for poaching fish and sauce base)
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (divided: 1 Tbsp for mash, 2 Tbsp for sauce)
  • 1 pinch Salt (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Whole Grain Mustard (can substitute Dijon mustard)
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (adds richness to the mash; can use extra milk if unavailable)
  • 1 large Egg (beaten, for coating)
  • 1 cup Plain Breadcrumbs (for coating the fish cakes)
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (for dusting the patties before egg wash)
  • 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil (for shallow frying)
  • 1 cup Garden Peas (frozen or fresh, cooked as side)

Instructions

  1. Prep Potatoes

    Peel the potatoes and cut them into uniform chunks about 2 cm thick.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Boil Potatoes

    Place the potato chunks in a pot of salted cold water, bring to a boil and cook until fork‑tender, about 20 minutes.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 100°C

  3. Poach Fish

    Add the fish fillets to a shallow pan with 1 cup milk, a pinch of dill, and a pinch of salt. Simmer over medium heat until the fish flakes easily, about 8 minutes.

    Time: PT8M

  4. Mash Potatoes

    Drain the cooked potatoes, return to the pan and mash with 1 Tbsp butter, a pinch of salt, 1 Tbsp whole‑grain mustard, ½ cup cream, and a handful of chopped parsley until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Cool Mash

    Spread the mashed potato mixture on a clean surface and let it cool completely, about 10 minutes, before adding the fish.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Combine Fish and Mash

    Flake the poached fish into bite‑size pieces and gently fold into the cooled mash, being careful not to over‑mix.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Shape and Coat Patties

    Divide the mixture into four equal portions, shape each into a 1‑inch‑thick patty, dust lightly with flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat evenly with breadcrumbs.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Rest Patties

    Place the coated patties on a plate, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the coating.

    Time: PT30M

  9. Make Parsley Sauce

    Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in 2 Tbsp flour to form a roux, gradually add the remaining poaching milk (plus extra if needed) while whisking until smooth and thickened. Stir in chopped parsley, season with salt, and keep warm.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium heat

  10. Fry Fish Cakes

    Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium‑high heat. Gently slide the chilled patties into the oil and fry 3‑4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through (total about 7 minutes).

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: medium‑high heat

  11. Cook Peas

    While the cakes fry, cook the garden peas in boiling water or steam until tender, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 100°C

  12. Plate and Serve

    Transfer the fish cakes to a serving plate, drizzle generously with the parsley sauce, and serve alongside the peas.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Fish, Dairy, Egg, Gluten

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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How to make Fishcakes with Parsley Sauce

Recipe by KeefCooks

Crispy, golden‑brown fish cakes made from flaky white fish and creamy mashed potatoes, served with a bright parsley‑cream sauce and a side of peas. This comforting British‑style dish is quick, uses leftovers, and is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.

EasyBritishServes 3

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 7m
Prep
45m
Cook
13m
Cleanup
2h 5m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.94
Total cost
$3.98
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Poach Fish
  • Cool Mash
  • Combine Fish and Mash
  • Shape and Coat Patties
  • Make Parsley Sauce
  • Fry Fish Cakes

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard or keep a safe distance.
  • Milk can scorch; stir constantly while making the sauce.
  • Fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of fish cakes in British cuisine?

A

Fish cakes are a classic British comfort food, originating from coastal towns where leftover fish and potatoes were combined to avoid waste. They became popular in working‑class households as a hearty, inexpensive meal served with mushy peas or tartar sauce.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fish cakes in England and Scotland?

A

In England, fish cakes often feature cod or haddock mixed with mashed potatoes and are served with mushy peas. Scottish versions may include smoked salmon or haddock and are sometimes flavored with whisky or mustard, reflecting local tastes.

cultural
Q

How were fish cakes traditionally served in British households?

A

Traditionally, fish cakes were pan‑fried until golden and served hot with a creamy parsley or white sauce, alongside boiled or mashed peas, and sometimes a wedge of lemon for brightness.

cultural
Q

On what occasions are fish cakes typically enjoyed in British culture?

A

Fish cakes are a staple for everyday family meals, but they also appear at informal gatherings, pub menus, and as part of a traditional “fish fry” on Fridays during Lent.

cultural
Q

How does fish cake fit into the broader British comfort‑food tradition?

A

Fish cakes embody the British ethos of resourcefulness—using leftovers, simple ingredients, and straightforward cooking methods to create a filling, satisfying dish that pairs well with peas and gravy.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for British fish cakes versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include white fish (cod or haddock), potatoes, butter, milk, plain breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Substitutes such as canned salmon, sweet potatoes, or panko breadcrumbs work well but change the texture slightly.

cultural
Q

What other British dishes pair well with fish cakes?

A

Fish cakes pair beautifully with mushy peas, colcannon, tartar sauce, pickled beetroot, or a simple green salad dressed with a mustard vinaigrette.

cultural
Q

How has the British fish cake evolved over time?

A

Originally a frugal way to use leftover fish, modern British fish cakes have become more refined, incorporating richer sauces, premium herbs, and sometimes gourmet additions like smoked salmon or lemon zest, while still retaining their humble roots.

cultural
Q

What common mistakes should I avoid when making fish cakes at home?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the mash (which makes the cakes dense), not cooling the mash before folding in the fish (causing the coating to slip), and frying at too high a temperature, which burns the crust before the interior heats through.

technical
Q

Why does this fish cake recipe poach the fish in milk instead of water?

A

Poaching in milk adds gentle richness and helps keep the fish moist; the milk also becomes the base for the parsley sauce, intensifying flavor without extra stock.

technical
Q

Can I make the fish cakes ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can shape and coat the patties, then refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before frying, or freeze them uncooked for up to a month. Store in an airtight container and reheat in a hot pan or oven before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel KeefCooks specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel KeefCooks specializes in approachable, home‑cooked comfort food recipes that often use leftovers and simple techniques, with a focus on classic British and American dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel KeefCooks' approach to British cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

KeefCooks emphasizes quick, no‑fuss methods, using everyday pantry staples and leftover ingredients, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate plating or gourmet twists. The tone is friendly and nostalgic, often recalling family‑style meals.

channel

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