Historically, fish cakes have been one of the most common ways to eat fish in the Maritime Provinces of Canada. Usually they were made with preserved salt cod, but today they’re much tastier with fresh salmon. These crispy cakes are included with the gourmet breakfast served every morning at the beautiful 5-star Inn at Bay Fortune, nestled in Fortune Bay, Prince Edward Island - they are as easy to make as they are to enjoy!

Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

a splash or two vegetable oil
2 6 ounce fillets or salmon or any other fish
a sprinkle or two sea salt and freshly ground pepper
4 large baking potatoes, peeled
2 eggs, whisked together
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 green onions, thinly sliced
a sprinkle or two sea salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 to 2 tablespoons Butter

Procedure

Preheat a sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

Add a splash of oil to the pan, enough to cover the bottom with a thin film. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper and carefully place in the pan. Sear the fillets on both sides until they’re golden brown, crispy and cooked through.

Boil or steam the potatoes. Toss hot potatoes into a mixing bowl. Using a potato masher, mash them until smooth. Add the salmon, eggs, mustard and green onions. Season with more salt and pepper. Beat with a wooden spoon until everything is very well combined and then form the mixture into evenly shaped cakes. Dredge them in the flour.

Clean out the skillet and preheat over medium-high heat. Add another splash of oil and this time 1 to 2 tablespoons (5 to 10 mL) or so of butter. When the butter melts and sizzles, add the fish cakes. Pan-fry them until they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Variation

Try adding some of your favourite fresh herbs to the mix. Tarragon, dill, parsley, oregano and thyme all work well. For a flavour twist, you may substitute horseradish for the mustard. Fish cakes are traditionally served with mustard pickles but tartar sauce, cocktail sauce and even salsa are all good as well.

 

 

Prince Edward Island’s best known 5-Star country Inn and home of Chef Michael’s world-famous FireWorks Feast – The Inn at Bay Fortune, located in beautiful Fortune Bay!