Newfoundland Salt Cod Fish Cakes (Mom-in-Law's Recipe) (2024)

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These traditional Newfoundland salt cod fish cakes are made with some simple ingredients like salt cod, potato, onion, savoury and flour.They are a tasty, iconic dish of Newfoundland. Comforting and delicious, these easy fish cakes hit the spot every time!

Newfoundland Salt Cod Fish Cakes (Mom-in-Law's Recipe) (1)

When someone references a “fish cake” in Newfoundland it is pretty much assumed that it’s a salt fish cake.They are super popular here in the province and loved by my family.

Every year before Christmas hubby and I go to my mother-in-law’s home for salt cod fish cakes.It’s definitely a tradition we look forward to.

Hubby usually helps his mother prepare them while I watch. This year, I decided to take my camera and photo all the action.

So, this recipe for salt fish cakes is from my dear mother-in-law.I’m sure you will love them as much as we do!

What Is Salt Cod?

Salt cod is cod fish that has been preserved in salt and dried (traditionally, it was dried outside).

I have vivid memories growing up in rural Newfoundland and seeing people have their salt cod laid out drying in the sun.

Years ago when refrigeration lacked, people would salt their fish out of necessity as a method of preserving so it would last longer.

Cod is the fish in Newfoundland and for hundreds of years, a lot of the cod you would find in other parts of the world was supplied by this province.

Salt fish is probably eaten a little less these days than years ago, but it is definitely a traditional Newfoundland ingredient and enjoyed all over the province.For me, it’s a real treat and I usually associate it with Christmas.

Newfoundland Salt Cod Fish Cakes (Mom-in-Law's Recipe) (2)

What Is Salted Cod Used For?

While one of the most common uses for salt cod here in Newfoundland is salt fish cakes, another very popular Newfoundland recipe is fish and brewis.

Fish and brewis (or a similar version called fisherman’s brewis) is basicallysalt fish simply mixed with potatoes, hard bread, pork fat and fried onion (and maybe a little drawn butter over top).My father makes fish and brewis every Christmas … perhaps I’ll share that one with you another time.

Other uses for salt cod is in stews or fritters. But, really, the possibilities are endless and all so tasty! These 14 ways to cook with salt cod shows just how versatile (and tasty) salt cod fish can be!

How To Soak Salt Cod

Because salt fish is coated in salt to preserve it, it definitely has to be soaked in water to remove excess salt.The fish pieces should be soakedskin side up(should the skin still be intact) in a large bowl of cold water.

How Long To Soak It

The length of time you soak the salt fish will vary depending on:

  • How heavily salted it is.
  • How thick it is.
  • Your salt preference.

Typically, for preparing salt cod for fish cakes soaking time can range from 12 to 24 hours (keeping in a cool place, like the refrigerator), and changing the water 1 to 2 times after the original water (drain water and replace with fresh, cold water).

Note: For this fish cake recipe, the salt fish was thicker and my mom-in-law soaked it for 12 hours and changed the water once after the original pot of water.

How To Cook It

After soaking the salt fish, it has to be cooked.Typically, the salt fish is placed in a large pot of boiling water and boiled anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes (depending on how thick the pieces of fish are).

When the fish is cooked, taste the water and fish for saltiness. What you are looking for is the water to be a tad salty, but not overly so. You want the water to be slightly saltier than water you would have for, say, salted water for pasta.

Also, if the salt fish tastes overly salty, take some water out of the pot and replace with fresh water. Bring to a boil and cook a few more minutes. After cooking, you want it to flake easily.

Note: Keep in mind that there is no more salt added to this recipe. So, if your salt cod is just a tad salty after preparing, that is okay because it will be combined with the mashed potatoes.

How To Prepare Once It’s Soaked and Cooked

After the salt fish has been soaked and cooked, drain the water. Then, let it cool long enough so you can handle it. Once cool enough to handle, remove skin and all bones. Larger bones can be removed with a fork (as below), but you still need to pick through the fish to remove smaller bones.

Note: Different parts of the cod fish may have more or less bones than other parts. Ensure that all bones are removed before proceeding with making the salt fish cakes.

Newfoundland Salt Cod Fish Cakes (Mom-in-Law's Recipe) (3)

This is what a small bone would look like.Remove those from the cod and discard.

Newfoundland Salt Cod Fish Cakes (Mom-in-Law's Recipe) (4)

How To Make Fish Cakes With Salt Cod

Now, the fun part: fish cakes! A little bit of planning is involved to make salt cod fish cakes (mainly because the fish has to be soaked to remove excess salt), but other than that these traditional Newfoundland salt fish cakes are easy!

Full details are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:

  1. Boil soaked salt fish in a pot of water for 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. Drain salt cod and let cool slightly. Remove skin and bones.
  3. Boil potatoes in a pot of water, drain and let cool slightly. Roughly mash (don’t overwork your potatoes).
  4. In a pot or bowl, mix salt fish with mashed potatoes, onion, savoury, pepper and flour.
  5. Portion the salt cod/potato mixture for your fish cakes (a round ice-cream scoop works great here).
  6. Form into patties.
  7. Dredge fish cake patties in a little flour.
  8. Working in batches, heat some vegetable oil or canola oil in a skillet and fry the fish cakes until they’re golden brown on both sides.
  9. Enjoy!
Newfoundland Salt Cod Fish Cakes (Mom-in-Law's Recipe) (5)

Note: For this recipe, a round ice-cream scoop was used and the fish cakes were left on the thicker side.They were roughly 60 to 65 grams per fish cake.

This recipe yields about 32 to 36 fish cakes. If you make your fish cakes smaller or larger, the quantity you yield will vary.Make them whatever size pleases you!

Newfoundland Salt Cod Fish Cakes (Mom-in-Law's Recipe) (6)

Can I Freeze Fish Cakes?

Yes, absolutely!

Every year when we have fish cakes at my mom-in-law’s we always take some to go. Because my mother-in-law is so generous, she basically gives us almost everything that’s left.We end up enjoying some the next day and freezing the rest.

To freeze, simply place cooled fish cakes onto a wax paper-lined baking sheet and freeze for a half hour or so (so you don’t mush them when you seal them).Then, place in vacuum sealer bags, seal (per vacuum sealer instructions) and freeze. Alternatively, place the fish cakes in freezer-safe bags or freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to enjoy. Once thawed, fry in a pan (greased with some cooking oil) on the stovetop over medium-low to medium heat until heated through. Another option is to bake in the oven on a sheet pan at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.

What To Serve With Fish Cakes

These fish cakes are super rich and savoury and a meal all on their own, but if you want to serve something with it, try any of these:

  • Molasses (so good, especially if you’re a fan of sweet and salty combos)
  • Mustard pickles
  • Chutney
  • Lemon wedge
  • Green salad
  • Homemade baked beans
  • Poached egg (so good for breakfast!)
Newfoundland Salt Cod Fish Cakes (Mom-in-Law's Recipe) (7)

Tips for Making This Recipe

  • Besides the flour to dredge the salt cod fish cakes, about a heaping tablespoon is used to bind them.Just use enough until it comes together.
  • Don’t overwork your potatoes or salt fish cake mixture. You don’t want to make your potatoes gummy.
  • Use your grocery’s scale to weigh the quantity of potatoes you need for this recipe (if you don’t have a scale at home).
  • Because the salt level of salt fish can vary, your soak time will be anywhere from 12 to 24 hours and boil time will be about 15 to 20 minutes. Plus, everyone’s preference for salt varies.Soak and boil the salt fish to what suits you.
  • Ensure the pan is over medium heat.You don’t want the temperature too low that the fish cakes soak up all the oil immediately, but you don’t want the temperature too high that the flour burns. You want a decent about of oil in the pan (about 2 to 3 tablespoons per batch). They will fry up nice and golden brown and get all those yummy crispy bits (my favourite)!
  • Don’t overcrowd your pan when cooking the fish cakes. Work in batches.
Newfoundland Salt Cod Fish Cakes (Mom-in-Law's Recipe) (8)

Recipe Variations

  • If you can’t find savoury where you are, replace with dried thyme or marjoram (or a mixture of the two). I would suggest starting with a little less than 2 tablespoons because I find those more potent than savoury.
  • For a binder, my mother-in-law uses a little flour for these salt fish cakes. Another option is to mix in a whisked egg instead.
  • If you aren’t a fan of raw onion, you can cook the onion in a little cooking oil or butter until tender.Then, add to the fish cakes.

Like these salt cod fish cakes? You may enjoy these other traditional Newfoundland recipes: cod au gratin and cod tongues.

If you’d love to see more traditional Newfoundland recipes, please let me know!

If you make these traditional Newfoundland fish cakes, be sure to leave a comment below!

Newfoundland Salt Cod Fish Cakes (Mom-in-Law's Recipe) (9)

Traditional Newfoundland Salt Cod Fish Cakes (Mom-in-Law’s Recipe)

Dawn | Girl Heart Food

These Traditional Newfoundland Salt Cod Fish Cakes are made with some simple ingredients like salt cod, potato, onion, savoury and flour.They are a tasty, iconic dish of Newfoundland. Comforting and delicious, they hit the spot every time!

Print Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Soaking Time of Fish 12 hours hrs

Total Time 13 hours hrs 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Newfoundland

Servings 36 fish cakes (approximately)

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds salt fish pieces
  • 3 to 3.5 pounds potatoes, peeled
  • 1 yellow onion, peeled and minced
  • 2 tablespoons dried summer savoury
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour, divided (approximately)
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, as needed for frying fish cakes
  • Mustard pickles, for serving (optional)
  • Molasses, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • Soak salt fish pieces for 12 to 24 hours in a large bowl of cold water with the fish fully submerged, and place in the refrigerator (draining and changing water once or twice during that time. See Notes below).

  • In a large pot of fresh water, boil pieces of salt cod for 15 to 20 minutes (there should be an inch or two of water above the salt cod, basically ensuring that it is fully submerged and covered by the water). Drain.

    Note: As you are cooking the salt cod, reduce the heat, if necessary, while still maintaining a boil.

  • Once salt fish is cool enough to handle, remove skin and all bones (and discard), shred fish with your hands (checking again for bones and discarding) and set the fish aside in a bowl.

  • Meanwhile, boil potatoes in another pot of lightly salted water until tender (there should be an inch or two of water above the potatoes, basically ensuring that they are fully submerged and covered by the water). Drain and let cool slightly. Roughly mash potatoes in the pot.

    Note: As you are cooking the potatoes, reduce the heat, if necessary, while still maintaining a boil.

  • To pot of mashed potatoes, add onion, savoury, black pepper, salt fish and about 1 heaping tablespoon of flour. Stir to combine everything, but don't overmix.

  • Using a round ice-cream scoop, form salt fish cakes (the size I made were about 60 to 65 grams each or about 2 ounces each). Pat down to form a patty. Place remaining flour in a small bowl. One at a time, lightly dredge fish cakes in flour, shaking off excess.

  • Preheat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit to keep fish cakes warm (as you will be working in batches).

  • To cook fish cakes, heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil or canola oil in a 12-inch cast-iron pan over medium heat.

    Note: Cook fish cakes are cooked in batches, about 4 to 5 fish cakes per batch.

  • Place about 4 to 5 fish cakes in the pan. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on one side.

  • Flip fish cakes to the other side and continue to cook for another 4 to 5 minutes or until they're golden brown on both sides.Transfer fish cakes to a baking sheet and place into your preheated oven to keep warm while you are finishing your batches.

  • Repeat process to cook remaining fish cakes.

    Note: Monitor the temperature as you are cooking the fish cakes so that they don't burn. The skillet tends to get hotter as you are cooking your batches.

  • Serve with mustard pickles and a drizzle of molasses (optional). Enjoy!

Notes

  • Because the salt level of salt fish can vary, your soak time will be anywhere from 12 to 24 hours and your boil time will be approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Plus, everyone’s preference for salt varies. Soak and boil the salt fish to what suits you.
  • Keep in mind that there is no more salt added to this recipe. So, if your salt cod is just a tad salty after preparing, that is okay because it will be combined with the mashed potatoes.
  • Different parts of the cod fish may have more or less bones than other parts. Ensure that all bones are removed before proceeding with making the salt fish cakes.
  • Besides the flour to dredge the salt cod fish cakes, about a heaping tablespoon is used to bind them. Just use enough until it comes together.
  • Don’t overwork your potatoes or salt fish cake mixture. You don’t want to make your potatoes gummy.
  • Use your grocery’s scale to weigh the quantity of potatoes you need for this recipe (if you don’t have a scale at home).
  • Ensure the pan is over medium heat. You don’t want the temperature too low that the fish cakes soak up all the oil immediately, but you don’t want the temperature too high that the flour burns. You want a decent about of oil in the pan (about 2 to 3 tablespoons per batch).
  • Don’t overcrowd your pan when cooking the fish cakes. Work in batches.

A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.

© Girl Heart Food Inc. Photographs and content are copyright protected.

Keyword easy fish cake recipe, Newfoundland fish cakes, salt cod recipe, traditional newfoundland recipe

Tried this recipe?

If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!

Newfoundland Salt Cod Fish Cakes (Mom-in-Law's Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

Why are my fish cakes rubbery? ›

Fish cakes can become rubbery if overprocessed or overcooked, as this causes the proteins in the fish to tighten and squeeze out moisture. Do you put egg in fish cakes? Yes, eggs are commonly used in fish cakes as a binding agent to hold the ingredients together and provide moisture.

What is the difference between salted cod and fresh cod? ›

In terms of flavor, the taste difference between salt cod and fresh cod is slight. The salted cod will have more flavor. There is a reason why salt cod is called “the prosciutto of the sea”!

Should fish cakes be cooked before freezing? ›

Make-Ahead, Leftovers, & Freezing

Transfer uncooked cakes to a freezer-safe airtight container, then freeze for up to 3 months. To cook, allow cakes to defrost overnight in a refrigerator, then use your hands to reshape as needed into lightly-packed patties.

Can you eat salt cod raw? ›

Saltfish or salt-cured fish is inedible as it is. Saltfish is a preserved fish with all the water removed. Either with dry salt or with a brine, salt curing was the only widely available method of preserving fish until the 19th century.

What is the best binder for fish cakes? ›

Eggs and cracker crumbs will help bind everything together below a drift of spice.

How do you stop fish cakes from falling apart? ›

How do you keep fish cakes from falling apart? Let them cook & stop playing with them while they are cooking. If you touch them more than 2 times during cooking, it's too many. Place in pan, flip, done.

How long should I soak salt cod? ›

directions. Rinse the salt cod thoroughly under cool running water. Place salt cod in a large container of cold water and soak it up to 24 hours prior to preparing the dish, changing the water several times during soaking. Rinse the cod again and measure the fillet at the thickest point.

How healthy is salted cod fish? ›

Cod fish is high in protein and low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. Though it has lower omega-3 content than fatty fish, cod may promote a healthy heart and weight. Cod is a fish with flaky, white flesh and a mild flavor. It's packed with protein, B vitamins, and minerals.

Why do fish cakes fall apart when cooked? ›

If you add too much egg, for instance, or the canned fish isn't properly drained, the mixture will be too wet and the cakes will fall apart. Too many breadcrumbs, on the other hand, will make your cakes dry and crumbly.

Why are my fishcakes mushy? ›

Why are my fishcakes mushy? Typically, if the fishcakes turn out mushy, there's too much moisture in the patties. You can remove excess moisture by pressing the patties with a paper towel. Avoid overdrying them out, or they'll fall apart while cooking.

How do you know when fish cakes are done? ›

Put the oil into a frying pan on a medium heat. Quickly add the fish cakes and fry for about 5 minutes on each side to cook them through. You'll know when they're ready because they will smell gorgeous and they will be a lovely golden brown.

How to tell if salted cod is bad? ›

Wether it is salt cod or fresh cod you will know that it has gone bad because it will smell like rotting protein and the thought of eating it will probably make you nauseous. The fish should not smell 'fishy' but have fresh clean smell.

Is the sperm in cod edible? ›

In Japanese cuisine, the testes (白子 shirako 'white children') of cod (tara), anglerfish (ankō), salmon (sake), squid (ika) and pufferfish (fugu) are eaten. In Korean cuisine, the milt (이리 iri) of Alaska pollock, cod, blackmouth angler, bogeo, and sea bream are eaten.

Is salted cod high in mercury? ›

Choose fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury such as salmon, trout, tilapia, cod, sole, sardines, shrimp, oysters, and other shellfish. For the most health benefits, choose fatty fish such as salmon, trout, herring, chub mackerel, and sardines. o These fish have healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

How do I stop my fish from being rubbery? ›

Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to a rubbery texture [1]. Dry the fish: Before cooking, pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps to achieve a crispy exterior without retaining too much moisture that can make the fish rubbery [2].

How to make fish not rubbery? ›

Temperature is the key to making sure your frozen cod doesn't turn out rubbery or chewy. No matter how you cook it, be sure that your cod reaches an internal temperature of 145˚F as measured by a food thermometer. At this temperature, its flesh will be opaque white and flake easily when pressed with a fork.

What causes fish to taste rubbery? ›

Overcooked fish loses its natural moisture, which can result in a dry and chewy texture. The proteins in the fish also begin to tighten, which can make the fish tough and rubbery. In addition, overcooked fish can have a severe lack of flavor, as the heat causes the natural oils in the fish to evaporate.

What makes cake too rubbery? ›

If you mix incorrect measurements of sugar, butter, and eggs, the cake will become rubbery. You will notice that you have overmixed, the batter when the dough produces a smooth or watery texture. When the dough is overmixed, the air bubbles trapped in the mixture will be lost.

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