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Street Food

Roadside Fish Cakes

The Quirky Foodster Team

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15 min
Prep
12 min
Cook

Ingredients

  • 250 g cooked, flaked white fish or saltfish
  • 200 g all-purpose flour
  • 5 g baking powder
  • 1 eggs
  • 120 ml water
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 g fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (seeds removed)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 500 ml vegetable oil, for frying

Method

  1. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, egg and water into a thick batter.
  2. Fold in the flaked fish, onion, garlic, parsley, scotch bonnet and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Heat oil in a deep pan to 175°C (350°F).
  4. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture into the hot oil, frying in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through.
  5. Drain on paper towels and serve hot, wrapped in paper as is traditional from roadside vendors.

Introduction: Sold hot from roadside stalls and small shops across Dominica, fish cakes made from salted or fresh fish mixed into a seasoned batter are a favourite grab-and-go snack for locals heading to work or school.

Cultural Background: Sold hot from roadside stalls and small shops across Dominica, fish cakes made from salted or fresh fish mixed into a seasoned batter are a favourite grab-and-go snack for locals heading to work or school.

Tips: Keep the fish pieces small and evenly flaked so each fish cake holds together well when fried.

Variations: Fresh tuna or mackerel can be used instead of saltfish for a lighter flavour. A squeeze of lime just before eating brightens the dish.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8 minutes to restore crispness.

Nutrition: Calories: 140 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Carbs: 13 g | Fat: 5 g | Fibre: 1 g

FAQs

Q: What’s the difference between fish cakes and saltfish accras?
A: They are closely related, but fish cakes are typically made with any cooked flaked fish and a slightly thicker consistency, while accras specifically feature soaked and flaked salt cod.

Q: Are these sold ready-to-eat on the street?
A: Yes, roadside fish cakes are commonly sold hot and wrapped in paper as an on-the-go snack throughout Dominica.

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