Are you looking for a Nova Scotia Fish Cakes Recipe? This classic meal brings the taste of the coast home. Many people love this Nova Scotia Fish Cakes Recipe.
It is a hearty and delicious dish for everyone. You will love how simple it is to make.
This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner. It uses very basic seafood items from your kitchen. You can find everything at your local store.
Everyone can learn how to make Nova Scotia Fish Cakes easily. Follow these steps for a perfect meal today.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe has a very unique and salty flavor. It reminds people of the beautiful Atlantic ocean. The texture is the best part of the dish. It is very crispy on the outside. Inside, the fish cake is soft and fluffy.
It is a very easy meal to prepare. You do not need many fancy tools. It takes about one hour to finish. This saves you a lot of time on busy nights. The secret is using the right savory herbs for a great smell.
Your family will love the golden brown color. It looks professional but feels like home. This recipe is also very cheap to make. It feeds many people for a low cost. You will want to make it every week.

Equipment List
Large Pot: This cooks your potatoes and fish together. You need a big one for all the water.
Mixing Bowl: Use this to combine all your ingredients well. It should be large enough to stir easily.
Frying Pan: This makes the cakes crispy and brown. A non-stick pan works best for this.
Potato Masher: Use this to crush the cooked potatoes. It helps make the texture very smooth.
Whisk: This helps mix your eggs very well. Use it until the eggs are light.
Large Spoon: You need this to stir the fish. It keeps the fish pieces from breaking too much.
Chef Knife: Use this to chop your onions finely. A sharp knife makes the job very fast.
Ingredients You Need for Nova Scotia Fish Cakes Recipe
Salted Cod: This is the main star of the dish. It provides a deep and salty flavor.
Potatoes: These add bulk and a soft texture. They hold everything together very well.
Onion: This gives the recipe a sweet flavor. It also adds a nice little crunch.
Summer Savory: This herb is a classic Atlantic spice. It makes the dish smell amazing.
Butter: This helps to fry the cakes perfectly. It adds a rich and creamy taste.
Salt and Pepper: These season the dish just right. Always use them to match your taste.
Eggs: These bind all the ingredients together nicely. They keep the cakes from falling apart.
Cooking Oil: You can use this with the butter. It helps the cakes get extra crispy.
How to Assemble
Step 1:
Soak the salted cod in cold water overnight. This removes the extra salt from the fish.
Step 2:
Drain the fish and put it in a pot. Cover the fish with fresh cold water.
Step 3:
Boil the fish for about fifteen minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork.
Step 4:
Peel and chop your potatoes into small chunks. Boil them until they are very soft.
Step 5:
Mash the potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Make sure there are no big lumps left.
Step 6:
Add the cooked fish to the mashed potatoes. Use a spoon to mix them gently.
Step 7:
Stir in the chopped onions and summer savory. Add your eggs to bind the mixture now.
Step 8:
Form the mixture into small round discs. Press them down to make them flat.
Step 9:
Heat butter and oil in your frying pan. Wait until the pan is very hot.
Step 10:
Place the cakes in the hot frying pan. Cook each side for five minutes.
Step 11:
Remove them when they are golden brown. Serve them while they are still very hot.
Recipe Notes
- Soak the fish for 24 hours for best results.
- Use cold potatoes to make the cakes hold better.
- Do not overwork the potato mixture while mashing it.
- Add a bit of flour if cakes feel wet.
- Make sure the oil is hot before frying cakes.
- Chop onions very small so they cook fast.
- Season with pepper only if the fish is salty.
How To Store Leftover
Place your leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for three days. You can also freeze them for a month. Wrap them tightly in plastic before freezing them.
Reheat them in a pan to stay crispy. Do not use a microwave for too long. It might make the cakes too soft. Enjoy your meal the next day for lunch.
Sides & Pairings Suggestions
Serve these cakes with a side of green peas. They look great and taste very fresh together. A cold scoop of tartar sauce is perfect. Some people like to use spicy green tomato chow.
A light garden salad adds a nice crunch. Fresh rolls also go well with this dish. You can even serve them with baked beans.
Nutritions
| Nutrient | Value per Serving |
| Calories | 245 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
FAQs about Nova Scotia Fish Cakes Recipe
Can I use fresh fish for this?
Yes, you can use fresh white fish. Just add more salt to the recipe. It will still taste very delicious and fresh.
Can I bake these in the oven?
Yes, you can bake these in the oven. Use a high heat for a crispy finish. Spray them with a little bit of oil first.
What are the best potatoes to use?
Use Russet potatoes for the best texture. They mash well and keep the cakes light. Your family will love the soft middle.
How do I stop them from breaking?
Make sure you use enough egg as a binder. Chilling the cakes before frying also helps them stay together.
Final Thoughts
This Nova Scotia Fish Cakes Recipe is a true tradition. It brings the spirit of Canada to your table. The simple steps make it very easy for anyone. Try it for your next family dinner soon.
Everyone will ask for the recipe very quickly. Happy cooking to all our wonderful kitchen friends!

Nova Scotia Fish Cakes Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Potato Masher
- Whisk
- Large Spoon
- Chef Knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb SALT COD
- 2 lbs POTATOES
- 1 medium ONION
- 1 tsp SUMMER SAVORY
- 2 tbsp BUTTER
- 1 large EGG
- 2 tbsp VEGETABLE OIL
- 1/2 tsp BLACK PEPPER
Instructions
Step 1:
- Soak the salted cod in cold water overnight. This removes the extra salt from the fish.
Step 2:
- Drain the fish and put it in a pot. Cover the fish with fresh cold water.
Step 3:
- Boil the fish for about fifteen minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork.
Step 4:
- Peel and chop your potatoes into small chunks. Boil them until they are very soft.
Step 5:
- Mash the potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Make sure there are no big lumps left.
Step 6:
- Add the cooked fish to the mashed potatoes. Use a spoon to mix them gently.
Step 7:
- Stir in the chopped onions and summer savory. Add your eggs to bind the mixture now.
Step 8:
- Form the mixture into small round discs. Press them down to make them flat.
Step 9:
- Heat butter and oil in your frying pan. Wait until the pan is very hot.
Step 10:
- Place the cakes in the hot frying pan. Cook each side for five minutes.
Step 11:
- Remove them when they are golden brown. Serve them while they are still very hot.
Notes
- Soak the fish for 24 hours for best results.
- Use cold potatoes to make the cakes hold better.
- Do not overwork the potato mixture while mashing it.
- Add a bit of flour if cakes feel wet.
- Make sure the oil is hot before frying cakes.
- Chop onions very small so they cook fast.
- Season with pepper only if the fish is salty.












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