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You are here: Home / Recipes / Main Dish / Seafood / Cod Cakes with Lemon and Garlic

Cod Cakes with Lemon and Garlic

Published January 6, 2022 by Lauren Vavala

Thanks for sharing!

A plate of cod cakes and sauce with text overlay.
A plate of cod cakes and sauce with text overlay.
A plate of cod cakes and sauce with text overlay.
Close up of a stack of cod cakes with text overlay.
A stack of cod cakes with text overlay.
Two images of cod cakes with text overlay between them.
A plate of cod cakes and sauce with text overlay.

This recipe for Cod Cakes is adaptable and perfectly suitable to serve as an appetizer or main course. Lemon Garlic Cod Cakes are an easy favorite enjoyed by many. The fast preparation and quick cooking method yield bite-sized fish cakes, which are a delectable treat for all.

A plate of cod cakes with a white bowl of aioli and a second plate, glass of water and towel in the background.

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Fish cakes are one of my favorite dishes to prepare. Not only are they quick and easy to make, but they are delicious to eat and a fun main dish to serve as well.

This recipe for Cod Cakes is simple because all you need to do is shred a pre-cooked cod filet, combine the fish with the remaining ingredients, form patties, pan-fry, and serve.

Lemon garlic cod cakes are just as fresh and flavorful as Broiled Cod and Cod Piccata, but they are served in more of a bite-sized form. These little cod cakes are the best dish to serve as a tasty appetizer at your next get together.

This dish would be delicious served with a homemade dipping sauce such as Roasted Garlic Lemon Aioli, tartar sauce, Roasted Garlic Hollandaise, or creamy Blender Hollandaise.

Why This Recipe Works

If you’re looking for a quick and easy dish, this is it. Just combine the ingredients, form each patty, and pan-fry.

Cod Cakes are a great appetizer but may also be served as a main dish. Make these for a special dinner or serve them up at your next party.

Cod cakes are super adaptable; not only can you substitute the type of fish, but you may also choose to use gluten free breadcrumbs or blanched almond flour to make a gluten free, low carb dish.

If you prefer to use a different type of seafood, you can even follow this basic method to create Salmon Cakes or Shrimp Cakes.

This simple recipe can even be made ahead of time and frozen prior to cooking.

How To Make Cod Cakes

Ingredients

Ingredients needed to make cod cakes with text overlay.

  • Cod Fillets: freshly cooked cod tastes best. For the best flavor, use a high quality brand like Sitka Salmon.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: you can use gluten free or substitute almond flour to make the recipe low carb.
  • Shallot
  • Garlic: fresh tastes best, but jarred garlic can be used.
  • Lemon
  • Paprika
  • Eggs

    The entire recipe and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

To cook fresh cod, you will need to season it with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, bake it for 10-15 minutes at 400°F, let it cool, then shred it before beginning this recipe.

Mince the shallot and garlic and zest the lemon.

Create!

Cod cake batter in a glass bowl with a wood spoon over a marble background.

Combine the shredded fish, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic, shallot, lemon zest, and eggs in a medium size bowl.

Raw cod cakes on a white plate on a marble background.

Form 12 cod cakes by taking a handful of the mixture and squeezing it into a tight ball (this will help it bind together).

Flatten each ball slightly until it’s about a 1/2-inch thick and shape the edges into a circle.

Overhead of cod cakes cooking in a black skillet.

To cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook the cod patties for about 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. You may need to work in batches.

Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

Present!

Overhead of cod cakes on a larger white plate with a white bowl of aioli, a second plate with a cut up cod cake and fork, a glass of water and a spoon all over a marble background.

Serve warm.

These cod cakes pair perfectly with Roasted Garlic Aioli, cocktail or tartar sauce, or just a simple squeeze of additional lemon juice.

Tips and Techniques

  • Use high-quality cod for the best flavor.
  • Make this recipe low carb by swapping out the breadcrumbs for blanched almond flour.
  • Make this recipe gluten free by simply using gluten free panko.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 days.

FAQ’s

What Do You Serve Cod Cakes With?

Cod Cakes can be served as is with just about any side dishes that you prefer.

Some sides that work exceptionally well are aioli for dipping, potatoes, rice, green vegetables like asparagus and broccoli, or a salad. 

Can You Make Cod Cakes Ahead of Time?

You can make cod cakes ahead of time and store them tightly covered in the refrigerator. They should be prepared within a day or two.

Can You Freeze Cod Cakes?

You can freeze uncooked cod cakes. Simply place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Use within 1 to 2 months for best results.

To cook, allow the cod cakes to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then cook according to the directions in the recipe.

More Cod Recipes

Crispy Baked Cod with Panko
Crispy Baked Cod with Panko is very easy to prepare and a delicious family-friendly recipe. Mild cod fillets are topped with a simple panko breadcrumb topping seasoned with fresh lemon, garlic, and parsley. It's an ideal choice for busy weeknights, but also a very tasty option when entertaining. This recipe is low carb and gluten free friendly.
Get The Recipe
Close up of a cod fillet topped with seasoned panko breadcrumbs and a slice of lemon.
Pan-Fried Cod
Pan-Fried Cod is a delicious, family-friendly recipe that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner any night of the week. Cod fillets are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, then quickly fried in a skillet.
Get The Recipe
Pan fried cod on a plate cut in half with a fork and a salad
Potato Crusted Cod
This incredibly simple recipe for crunchy Potato Crusted Cod is a bit different that most cod recipes because it is pan-fried and then baked in the oven to ensure the fish is cooked through but remains ultra-crispy and succulent. Basic pantry ingredients, a couple of spices, and a few minutes of time are all that is needed to make this delicious weeknight dinner.
Get The Recipe
Close up of potato crusted cod on a plate with a fork, brussels sprouts and slices of lemon partially slowing

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Close up of cod cakes on a plate with a white bowl of aioli.
Print

Cod Cakes

This recipe for Cod Cakes is adaptable and perfectly suitable to serve as an appetizer or main course. Lemon Garlic Cod Cakes are an easy favorite enjoyed by many. The fast preparation and quick cooking method yield bite-sized fish cakes, which are a delectable treat for all.
Course Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine American, Gluten Free, Low Carb, Seafood
Diet Diabetic, Gluten Free
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 25 minutes minutes
Servings 12 cakes
Calories 76kcal
Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

  • 1 pound cod fish fillets (cooked and shredded, see notes)
  • 1 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 shallot (minced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (you may need more if working in batched)

Instructions

  • Combine the shredded fish, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic, shallot, lemon zest, and eggs in a medium size bowl.
  • Form 12 cod cakes by taking a handful of the mixture and squeezing it into a tight ball. Flatten each ball slightly until it’s about a 1/2-inch thick and shape the edges into a circle.
  • To cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Cook the cod patties for about 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. You may need to work in batches.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

Tips and Techniques

  • Use high-quality cod for the best flavor.
  • Make this recipe low carb by swapping out the breadcrumbs for blanched almond flour.
  • Make this recipe gluten free by simply using gluten free panko.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3 days.
*  Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cake | Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 68mg | Potassium: 199mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 137IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

 

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Filed Under: Gluten Free, Low Carb, Main Dish, Recipes, Seafood

Comments

  1. Julie says

    July 15, 2023 at 10:25 am

    These were excellent! I served them with a little Thai sweet chili sauce. We accompanied them with rice and sautéed zucchini and yellow squash. A great healthy meal!

    Reply
  2. Hayley Dhanecha says

    January 17, 2022 at 3:21 am

    Such a crispy and flavourful cod cakes these are. Easy to make too, great as a snacks or side dish. Beautiful photos.

    Reply
  3. Naiby says

    January 16, 2022 at 9:47 pm

    These look so cute and crispy!. My man will love them. They’re perfect for a quick meal.

    Reply
  4. Brianna says

    January 16, 2022 at 9:31 pm

    My kids love fish sticks and went nuts over these! Easy to make, these cod cakes are going into the dinner rotation.

    Reply
  5. Healing Tomato says

    January 16, 2022 at 8:53 pm

    This tiny cod cakes would be polished off in minutes! They look so easy to make and healthy snacks too.

    Reply
  6. Amanda Dixon says

    January 16, 2022 at 6:17 pm

    I made these cod cakes this weekend, and we loved them! The crust was perfectly crispy, and the fish stayed nice and moist.

    Reply
  7. Jamie says

    January 16, 2022 at 2:01 pm

    The paprika and lemon zest go so well with these cod cakes! I love how flavorful they were. My family loved these!

    Reply
  8. Ramona says

    January 16, 2022 at 1:57 pm

    Wow, these cod cakes look super delicious and I can’t wait to give them a go! I am pretty sure I have made something like this before and I am so glad I have come across this recipe. thank you for sharing this!

    Reply
  9. Monica says

    January 15, 2022 at 8:33 am

    These look amazing, Lauren – so crispy! I love the texture and can’t wait to try this for a new weeknight meal!

    Reply
  10. Mikayla says

    January 14, 2022 at 4:25 pm

    Wow, a wonderful bite sized delight. I just love fish and this recipe gave me another option for prep. Just a squeeze of fresh lemon was all I needed.

    Reply
  11. Jere Cassidy says

    January 14, 2022 at 3:48 pm

    My hubby is going to be so happy to have these cod cakes. He always talked about his mother’s fish cakes and how he misses them. This is supper for tonight.

    Reply
  12. Bernice says

    January 10, 2022 at 11:21 pm

    Wow! These cod cakes were super easy to make and made a delicious dinner with a side salad. We both ate to our heart’s content.

    Reply

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Welcome, I'm Lauren!

Delicious Little Bites is where I share all types of recipes from appetizers to desserts. You will also find plenty of keto, gluten free, and vegetarian recipes here to help you put a delicious meal on the table every night that the whole family will love! Read More...

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