Mackerel Fishcakes from The Feel-Good Family Cookbook

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 30

Servings: 4

Ideal to use up leftover mash. Mackerel is a fantastic source of Omega-3 fatty acids which support healthy brain development and function. Tinned mackerel is very budget friendly and a useful store cupboard basic to make these tasty fishcakes.

Print Recipe

Cost per portion 1.45

Join today and leave your own private notes on recipes!

Note: saves automatically and only visible to you.

Equipment

Large bowl
large frying pan
Potato masher

Ingredients

Fish Cakes

500 g leftover mash or make from scratch
250 g tinned mackerel fillets smoked ideally, drained and flaked
40 g cheddar grated
4 spring onions finely sliced
10 g fresh parsley finely chopped
30 ml vegetable oil
50 g plain flour
1 egg beaten
100 g breadcrumbs ideally panko

Sides

200 g frozen peas
250 g fine beans use frozen for cheaper option

Instructions
Prevent Sleep ModePrevent Sleep Mode

Fish Cakes

If using leftover baked jacket potatoes, scoop out the flesh and mash it or make mash from scratch.
In a large bowl, combine the flaked smoked mackerel, sliced spring onions, chopped parsley, mash and grated cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper and mix everything together.
Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into round patties, about 2-3 cm thick. Place in the fridge for 20 minutes to let them firm.
Prepare your coating station: flour on one plate, breadcrumbs on another, beaten egg in a shallow bowl.
Dust the fishcakes with flour (shake off excess), dip in egg, then firmly press into breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook in batches, 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

Sides

Simmer the fine beans and peas in salted boling water for 5 minutes, drain and serve.

FLEXITARIAN

Involve the children:

Ask your little helpers to make mini “fish bites” instead of larger fishcakes. Smaller sizes are easier for children to shape. Remember to adjust cooking time.

Tip and alternative flavours:

Make sure to season the potato mixture well. You can vary the seasoning depending on what you have in the kitchen: try adding a few tablespoons of sweetcorn or a couple of diced gherkins to the potato mix.

Recipe Credits:

Tylenda, E., Fletcher, K., Catignani, C., Marsh, H., Dickinson, A., Templeton, P. and Thompson, C. (2026) The feel-good family cookbook: tasty meals that save you money, Hatfield: University of Hertfordshire.

This work was supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC IAA), grant reference number: ES/X004309/1.

Nutrition Per Serving

Mackerel Fishcakes The Feel-Good Family Cookbook