They’re nutritious, delicious, and super simple to make, so it’s no surprise that fish cakes are a midweek staple for so many families!
If you really want to impress everyone round the dinner table though, the secret is adding a good sauce.
A dollop of saucy goodness can add flavour, colour, and moisture, and there are so many choices that are sure to tempt your tastebuds.
From traditional favourites like tartar, through to Asian inspired creations like miso soy, let’s take a look at some of the tastiest choices…
The Best Sauces for Fish Cakes: The Quick Answer!
Some of the best sauces for fish cakes include:
- Tartar
- Lemon butter
- Hollandaise
- Dill
- Lemon and parsley
- Fresh herb
- Creamy parmesan
- Miso soy
- Hoisin ketchup
- Sweet chili
- Cajun cream
Let’s jump straight in to recipes and techniques you can try in your own kitchen, as well as some extra ideas for the most delicious sauces to serve with fish cakes…
Classic Sauces for Fish Cakes
Tartar Sauce
When it comes to fish cakes, tartar sauce is a classic choice that always pleases.
You can easily make your own by combining mayonnaise, finely chopped pickles, capers, and a bit of minced onion.
For an added zing, you can squeeze in some fresh lemon juice.
With its creamy, tangy flavour, tartar sauce complements the crispy texture of fish cakes beautifully, making every bite a celebration of flavours.
Lemon Butter Sauce
Another delightful sauce to pair with your fish cakes is lemon butter sauce.
Melt butter in a saucepan and add some minced garlic to release its delicious aromas.
Next, pour in fresh lemon juice and let the flavours meld together.
You can also add a little lemon zest to intensify the citrusy note.
A lemon butter sauce strikes the perfect balance of richness and acidity, enhancing the taste of fish cakes while keeping them light and fresh-tasting.
Hollandaise Sauce
Hollandaise sauce is another fantastic option for your fish cakes.
A classic emulsion, hollandaise sauce can be made by whisking melted butter into a mixture of egg yolks, lemon juice, and a splash of water.
Keep whisking until you achieve a silky, luxurious texture, and don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
A rich, creamy hollandaise sauce adds a touch of indulgence to your fish cakes and elevates the dish to gourmet status.
With these classic sauces in your culinary arsenal, you’re well-equipped to serve up a fish cake feast that will have your guests swooning.
Herb-Based Sauces
Dill Sauce
One fantastic herb-based sauce to elevate your fish cakes is a classic dill sauce.
To create your own delicious dill sauce, simply combine sour cream, fresh dill, lemon juice, and seasoning to taste.
- Start by finely chopping a generous handful of fresh dill.
- In a bowl, whisk together about 200ml of sour cream, the chopped dill, juice of half a lemon, and salt and pepper to taste.
This creamy dill sauce pairs perfectly with fish cakes, providing a refreshing, tangy flavour that complements the dish.
Lemon and Parsley Sauce
Another delightful option is a lemon and parsley sauce.
This versatile sauce is fresh and zesty, and it goes well with almost any fish dish.
To make it, you’ll need just a few ingredients:
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of half a lemon
- A handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Combine the lemon juice, zest, chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and seasoning in a small bowl. Mix well, and your sauce is ready to be served over your fish cakes!
Fresh Herb Sauce
For those who love herbs, why not try a fresh herb sauce?
This sauce boasts a delightful mix of flavours that’ll enhance your fish cakes.
Here’s what you need:
- A handful of fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, and chives), finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 100ml of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl, and whisk until well combined.
This versatile sauce is adaptable, allowing you to experiment with different herb combinations based on your preferences.
These herb-based sauces are perfect for adding a fresh, zesty touch to your fish cakes. With minimal effort, you can create stunning and delicious dishes that are sure to impress your guests.
Creamy and Rich Sauces
When it comes to enhancing the flavours of your seafood dishes, especially fish cakes, nothing beats a selection of creamy and rich sauces to elevate your meal.
In this section, we’ll explore three sumptuous sauces that will make your fish cakes truly irresistible: Creamy Parmesan Sauce, Creamy Mustard Sauce, and Beurre Blanc Sauce.
Creamy Parmesan Sauce
A delectable accompaniment to salmon cakes, creamy parmesan sauce adds a luxurious touch to your dish.
To prepare this sauce, you’ll need:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Freshly chopped parsley (optional)
In a saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream and minced garlic over medium heat.
Once the cream starts to simmer, add the grated parmesan cheese, and continue stirring until it’s fully combined and smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and if desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Drizzle this indulgent sauce over your fish cakes and enjoy the creamy flavour explosion.
Creamy Mustard Sauce
For a delicious twist on the classic mayonnaise accompaniment, why not whip up a creamy mustard sauce?
This tangy sauce pairs particularly well with salmon cakes.
Simply gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), and fresh lemon juice.
Mix until well combined and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve alongside your fish cakes for a zesty, flavourful experience.
Beurre Blanc Sauce
Originating from France, beurre blanc sauce is a velvety and rich sauce that complements various seafood dishes, including fish cakes.
Although slightly more intricate than the previous sauces, the effort is well worth it.
To make the classic Beurre Blanc, you’ll require:
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Salt, to taste
Combine the dry white wine, white wine vinegar, and chopped shallot in a small saucepan, and bring to a simmer.
Allow the mixture to reduce by half, and then gradually whisk in the cold, cubed butter, one piece at a time.
Ensure that each piece of butter is fully incorporated before adding the next. Season with salt to taste, and strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve, if desired.
This rich beurre blanc sauce makes a gorgeous accompaniment to your fish cakes, adding a touch of culinary elegance to your meal.
Asian-Inspired Sauces
In this section, we’ll explore some delectable Asian-inspired sauces that can elevate your fish cakes to a whole new level.
These sauces not only add a burst of flavour but also bring a unique touch to your dish.
Miso Soy Sauce
Miso soy sauce is a bold and punchy combination of two popular Asian condiments: miso paste and soy sauce.
This fusion creates a rich, umami-packed sauce that pairs perfectly with fish cakes.
For a quick and easy option, try this miso soy recipe – it requires just 5 ingredients and is super simple to follow!
Hoisin Tomato Ketchup
For a sweet and tangy twist, try combining Hoisin sauce and tomato ketchup.
By blending these two ingredients, you create a satisfying sauce that works wonders on fish cakes.
The sweetness of the Hoisin sauce, made from fermented soybeans, mixes well with the tangy ketchup, giving your fish cakes a unique depth.
To make this sauce, simply mix equal parts of Hoisin sauce and tomato ketchup. Feel free to adjust the ratios to suit your taste preferences.
Sweet Chili Sauce
If you’re a fan of heat and sweetness in your dishes, then sweet chili sauce is a perfect choice.
This vibrant sauce has a sweet and spicy profile that goes amazingly well with fish cakes.
You can either buy ready-made sweet chili sauce or make your own by combining sugar, water, rice wine vinegar, garlic, and fresh red chili peppers in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Drizzle this fiery sauce over your fish cakes and watch them come alive with flavour!
Vietnamese Dipping Fish Sauce
Vietnamese dipping fish sauce, also known as Nuoc Cham, is a classic sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and sometimes garlic and chili.
This refreshing sauce adds a salty and tangy element to your fish cakes and is especially great in warm weather or alongside a fresh salad.
Additional Unique Sauces
Cajun Cream Sauce
For a flavourful twist on traditional fish cake sauces, try a delicious Cajun cream sauce.
To prepare this sauce, you will need:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 finely chopped shallot
In a saucepan, sauté the shallots until softened. Add the cream, hot sauce, and Cajun seasoning, then bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly.
This sauce pairs wonderfully with fish cakes, enhancing their flavours with a spicy kick.
Greek Yogurt Mint Sauce
For a refreshing and healthier alternative, consider making a Greek yogurt mint sauce for your fish cakes.
Combine the following ingredients in a bowl:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mix well and let it rest for a few minutes for the flavours to meld.
This cool, tangy sauce complements the fish cakes perfectly, adding a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Red Wine Reduction Sauce
If you’re looking for a sophisticated option, a red wine reduction provides an elegant and rich accompaniment to fish cakes.
To prepare, you will need:
- 1 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Simmer the red wine and shallots in a saucepan until reduced by half. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter, salt, and pepper.
Ladle this velvety sauce over your fish cakes for a refined and delicious dish.
Pontchartrain Sauce
Introduce some New Orleans influence to your fish cakes with a mouthwatering Pontchartrain sauce.
Gather the following ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups seafood or fish stock
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup pesto for added flavour
In a saucepan, melt the butter and then stir in the flour to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the stock and continue to cook, stirring frequently until it thickens.
Add the green onions, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, along with the optional pesto if desired.
Simmer for a few minutes before drizzling over the fish cakes for a taste of the Big Easy.
With these unique sauces at your fingertips, elevate your fish cakes and offer a variety of flavours for your guests to enjoy!