Finding delicious, family-friendly dinners that even the adults will adore can be a weeknight challenge. We believe mealtimes should be a joy, which is why we’re sharing one of our favorite go-to recipes that is both quick and budget-friendly, perfect for pleasing everyone at the table, including picky eaters!
A Note from Our Head of Food, Cassie
“One of the best ways to encourage children to try new foods is to get them involved in cooking,” Cassie says. “Touching, smelling, and preparing food helps demystify new ingredients and makes them more willing to give them a try. Whenever I introduce a new food, I make sure there’s also a familiar favorite on their plate. This helps reduce pressure and makes trying something new feel less daunting. New foods often take multiple exposures before they’re accepted, so don’t give up!”
With Cassie’s advice in mind, let’s dive into a recipe that’s perfect for getting little hands involved: our Super-Easy Salmon Fishcakes. This dish is a fantastic way to introduce more fish into your family’s diet. Delicately spiced with garam masala and brightened with fresh herbs, these fishcakes are a guaranteed hit.
Super-Easy Salmon Fishcakes
These fishcakes are incredibly versatile. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor that is mild enough for kids but sophisticated enough for adults. Serve with a simple salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of sweet potato fries.
Ingredients
- 500g potatoes (like Maris Piper), peeled and chopped
- 400g skinless salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Zest of 1 lemon
- A generous handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- A small handful of fresh coriander, chopped
- 1 large free-range egg, beaten
- 50g plain flour, for dusting
- 100g panko breadcrumbs
- 3-4 tbsp vegetable oil, for frying
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the potatoes in a large pan of boiling salted water for 15-20 minutes until very tender. Drain thoroughly and mash until smooth, then set aside in a large bowl to cool completely.
- While the potatoes cook, place the salmon fillets on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper. Bake at 180°C (160°C fan / 350°F) for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through. Let it cool slightly, then flake into large chunks with a fork.
- Add the flaked salmon to the cooled mashed potato. Stir in the finely chopped onion, garam masala, lemon zest, and fresh herbs. Gently mix everything together, being careful not to break up the salmon too much.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. You can gently fry a tiny amount to check the seasoning before shaping the cakes.
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into round patties, about 2cm thick. This is a great step for kids to help with!
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with the flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with the panko breadcrumbs. Carefully coat each fishcake first in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally press into the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Fry the fishcakes in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown, crisp, and heated through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Serve warm with a fresh green salad, a wedge of lemon, and your favorite dipping sauce like tartar or a simple yogurt and herb dip.
Nutrition
Approximate values per fishcake:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 255 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Fibre | 2g |
More Family-Friendly Dinner Inspiration
Looking to add more recipes to your weekly rotation? Here are a few other ideas from our kitchen that are sure to be a hit:
Swedish-Inspired Meatball Burgers
A fun twist on a classic! Combine the savory flavors of Swedish meatballs into a simple, kid-friendly cheeseburger. Serve with a side of sweet potato fries for a meal they’ll ask for again and again.
Zesty Prawn & Mango Fishcakes
For a different take on fishcakes, try this zesty combination of prawn, sweet mango, and a hint of chilli. They are wonderfully fresh and can be made ahead and frozen for a super-quick weeknight dinner.
Hearty Pancetta & Pea Pasta Bake
You can’t go wrong with a comforting pasta bake. This recipe, featuring salty pancetta, sweet peas, and tender asparagus, is a complete meal in one dish. It’s perfect for a satisfying family dinner and freezes brilliantly.
