Crispy Cod Lemon Dill Tartar (Printable Version)
Pan-fried, golden cod cakes paired with tangy lemon-dill tartar—fresh, bright, and ready in under an hour.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Cod Cakes
01 - 1.1 pounds fresh cod fillets, skinless and boneless
02 - 1 bay leaf
03 - 2 tablespoons milk
04 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
05 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
06 - 1 small shallot, finely minced
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
10 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, plus extra for coating
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
→ Lemon-Dill Tartar Sauce
14 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
15 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
16 - 1 1/2 tablespoons dill pickles, finely chopped
17 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped or 1 teaspoon dried dill
18 - 1 teaspoon capers, rinsed and chopped
19 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
20 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
21 - Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Arrange cod fillets in a shallow saucepan with the bay leaf, milk, and enough water to cover. Bring just to a simmer and poach until opaque and easily flaked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove cod from liquid, drain thoroughly, and flake into a large mixing bowl. Discard bay leaf and poaching liquid.
02 - In a separate pot, boil diced potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Drain well, then mash until smooth and let cool slightly.
03 - To the flaked cod, add mashed potatoes, minced shallot, chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, beaten egg, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined without overworking the mixture.
04 - Divide mixture into 8 uniform portions and shape into patties. Arrange on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm.
05 - Spread extra panko on a plate. Gently coat each patty in breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere on both sides. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry cod cakes in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
06 - In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped pickles, dill, capers, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
07 - Arrange crispy cod cakes on a platter and serve warm with lemon-dill tartar sauce on the side.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Uses common fresh ingredients you probably have on hand
- Quick prep and cook time makes them perfect for busy nights
- The lemon-dill tartar sauce brings a bright, fresh flavor to every bite
- Leftovers make an easy next-day lunch either cold or reheated
02 -
- Crispy exterior with fluffy center keeps everyone coming back for seconds
- High in protein and lower in fat than most fried dishes
- Tartar sauce can be made a day ahead for convenience
03 -
- Never skip the chilling step or the cakes may fall apart in the pan
- If the mixture feels too soft to shape, add another tablespoon of panko to tighten
- Squeeze lemon directly over finished cakes for an extra zing just before serving