The Fish Guide - Everything you need to know

The Fish Guide - Everything you need to know is a medium Australian recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Andy Cooks on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 51 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 3 hrs 19 min

Cost: $12.35 total, $3.09 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cans Canned Tuna in Spring Water (185 g each, drained and rinsed well)
  • 2 large potatoes Large Potatoes (about 300 g each, peeled and cut into chunks)
  • 1 large leek Leek (white and light green parts only, sliced thin)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (plus extra for seasoning)
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives (finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Flat‑Leaf Parsley (finely chopped)
  • 2 lemons Lemon (zest and juice)
  • ½ cup All‑Purpose Flour (for dusting)
  • 2 large eggs Eggs (beaten)
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Japanese style, for extra crunch)
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (for pan‑frying, neutral‑flavored oil works too)
  • to taste Tartar Sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Drain and Rinse Tuna

    Open the cans, pour the tuna into a colander and rinse under cold water, then shake off excess moisture.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Boil Potatoes

    Place peeled potato chunks in a large pot, cover with salted water, bring to a boil and cook until fork‑tender, about 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 212°F

  3. Sauté Leeks

    Melt butter in a sauté pan over medium heat, add sliced leeks, a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 minutes until just softened and lightly colored.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Cool Leeks

    Remove the pan from heat and let the leeks cool to room temperature.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Mash Potatoes

    Drain the potatoes, return to the pot, and pass through a ricer (or mash with a masher) until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Combine Ingredients

    To the mashed potatoes add lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped chives, parsley, drained tuna, salt and pepper. Fold gently until everything is evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Shape and Chill

    Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, shape each into a tight ball then flatten into a patty. Place on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours (or freezer for 20 minutes) to firm.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Set Up Crumb Station

    Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Coat the Patties

    Dredge each chilled patty in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, then press into panko, ensuring an even coat.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Pan‑Fry

    Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium‑high heat (about 350°F). Add the patties and cook 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 350°F

  11. Serve

    Transfer the fish cakes to a plate, serve hot with wilted spinach or a side salad and a dollop of tartar sauce.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
550
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Nut‑free

Allergens: Fish, Eggs, Wheat, Dairy

Last updated: April 4, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

The Fish Guide - Everything you need to know

Recipe by Andy Cooks

Crispy, golden fish cakes made from pantry‑staple canned tuna, fluffy lemon‑infused potato mash, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a main course or snack, served with wilted spinach or a simple tartar sauce.

MediumAustralianServes 4

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

Source Video
37m
Prep
29m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.35
Total cost
$3.09
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Drain and thoroughly dry the canned tuna.
  • Cool the sautéed leeks before mixing.
  • Chill the formed patties to firm them up.
  • Coat each patty with flour, egg, then panko without skipping any layer.
  • Fry at the correct temperature to achieve a crisp golden crust.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; use a splatter guard and keep a lid nearby.
  • Handle raw tuna with clean hands and sanitize surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Tuna fish cakes are a modern Australian comfort food that blends the country's love for pantry‑staple canned tuna with the British tradition of fish cakes. They became popular as an affordable, protein‑rich meal during cost‑of‑living spikes, reflecting Australia's focus on sustainable, accessible seafood.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of fish cakes exist in Australian cuisine?

A

In coastal regions like New South Wales and Victoria, fish cakes often use locally caught white‑flesh fish such as flathead or whiting, seasoned with native herbs like lemon myrtle. In the north, tropical species like barramundi are used, sometimes with coconut milk for a subtle island twist.

cultural
Q

How are tuna fish cakes traditionally served in Australia?

A

They are commonly served hot with a side of mushy peas, tartar sauce, or a simple salad of mixed greens. In many pubs, they appear alongside chips, while home cooks often pair them with wilted spinach or a fresh salsa.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are tuna fish cakes associated with in Australian culture?

A

Tuna fish cakes are a go‑to dish for casual family gatherings, budget‑friendly dinner parties, and community events where quick, crowd‑pleasing meals are needed. They also appear in school lunch programs because they are inexpensive and nutritious.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are used in Australian tuna fish cakes versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional recipes call for canned tuna, potatoes, leeks, butter, fresh herbs (chives, parsley), lemon, and panko breadcrumbs. Substitutes include using sweet potato instead of regular potato, olive oil for butter, or gluten‑free breadcrumbs for those with wheat sensitivities.

cultural
Q

What other Australian dishes pair well with tuna fish cakes?

A

They pair nicely with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, roasted beetroot, or a side of creamy coleslaw. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside grilled corn on the cob or a simple pea purée.

cultural
Q

What makes tuna fish cakes special or unique in Australian cuisine?

A

The dish combines the convenience of canned tuna with fresh, locally sourced herbs and a light lemon flavor, creating a bright, low‑cost protein that reflects Australia's emphasis on sustainable seafood and home‑cooking ingenuity.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making tuna fish cakes?

A

Common errors include not drying the tuna enough, over‑mixing the mash (which makes the cakes dense), skipping the chilling step (causing the patties to fall apart), and frying at too low a temperature, which results in soggy crusts.

technical
Q

Why does this tuna fish cake recipe use a three‑step coating (flour, egg, panko) instead of just breadcrumbs?

A

The flour creates a dry surface for the egg to adhere, the egg acts as a binder, and the panko provides a light, airy crunch. Skipping any layer can lead to a coating that slides off or becomes gummy during frying.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Andy Cooks specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Andy Cooks focuses on demystifying seafood for home cooks, offering market tours, sustainability tips, and easy‑to‑follow recipes that range from pantry staples like tuna fish cakes to premium sashimi preparations.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

One-Pan Anti-Inflammatory Lentil & Fish Curry
64

One-Pan Anti-Inflammatory Lentil & Fish Curry

A flexible, high-protein, high-fiber one-pan curry packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients. This recipe uses red lentils, a homemade spice paste, coconut milk, and your choice of white fish (monkfish, cod, or pollock), plus greens like spinach. It's perfect for quick, healthy weeknight meals and is easily adaptable to whatever you have in your fridge.

55 minServes 4$18
Indian-inspired
I put this high protein dip on everything.
74

I put this high protein dip on everything.

A high‑protein, dairy‑free ricotta‑style spread made from extra‑firm tofu, nutritional yeast, lemon, miso and olive oil. It’s quick to blend, versatile, and perfect for toast, salads, stuffed shells, flatbread pizza, or as a creamy topping for vegetables.

17 minServes 4$5
Vegan
I THINK I JUST CHANGED EVERYTHING...
268

I THINK I JUST CHANGED EVERYTHING...

A bold fusion of Chinese chili crisp, sweet hot honey, and tender chicken thighs tossed with crisp red pepper, snow peas, and green onions. Quick stir‑fry that delivers crunchy texture, sweet‑spicy flavor, and a glossy sauce—perfect for a weeknight dinner.

43 minServes 4$11
Chinese
Black Garlic 101: Everything You Need to Know and Creative Ways to Cook With it👇
2

Black Garlic 101: Everything You Need to Know and Creative Ways to Cook With it👇

A minimalist appetizer that lets you experience the sweet‑savory depth of black garlic straight from the jar. Perfect for a quick snack or as a starter for a tasting menu.

10 minServes 2$3
International
Everything You Need to Know About Olive Oil (With 3 New Recipes)
3

Everything You Need to Know About Olive Oil (With 3 New Recipes)

A bright, silky dressing made with extra‑virgin olive oil, white miso, honey, and lemon, tossed with blanched broccolini and silky soft tofu. Perfect as a light lunch or side salad and showcases the versatility of high‑quality olive oil.

30 minServes 4$12
Mediterranean Fusion
The ULTIMATE Guide to Cooking with Tinned Fish
0

The ULTIMATE Guide to Cooking with Tinned Fish

A quick, protein‑packed sandwich featuring smoky canned mackerel, a tangy garlic‑lemon Greek yogurt dill spread, crisp cucumber and hearty rye bread. Ready in under 15 minutes, this snack showcases the convenience and flavor of tinfish.

15 minServes 1$11
American
Everything You Didn't Know About Prepping Chicken
1

Everything You Didn't Know About Prepping Chicken

A fast, flavorful whole chicken prepared by spatchcocking, seasoning, and broiling in a skillet for a crisp skin and juicy meat. Includes detailed trimming, tying, and a quick garlic‑thyme pan sauce.

1 hr 20 minServes 4$17
American
Everything You Need to Know About Sous Vide Cooking
1

Everything You Need to Know About Sous Vide Cooking

A foolproof method for perfectly cooked ribeye steak using sous vide, finished with a quick sear and a simple red‑wine pan sauce. The steak stays juicy and evenly pink from edge to edge, while the sauce adds bright herb and wine flavor.

2 hrs 38 minServes 2$26
American