The world of seafood recipes is a treasure trove of diverse flavors and textures, but nothing quite captures the essence of culinary harmony like a well-made fishcake and scallop stir fry. This dish combines crispy, golden-brown fishcakes, delicately seared scallops, and vibrant stir-fried vegetables, all brought together with a rich, tangy dipping sauce. It’s a meal that looks as good as it tastes and is the perfect way to elevate your weeknight dinners or entertain guests with something extraordinary.
In this recipe, we’ll take you through the entire process, step by step, to create a dish that honors Asian culinary traditions while offering a fresh twist with modern ingredients. The combination of tender seafood, crispy fishcakes, and stir-fried veggies will leave you craving more. Let’s dive into this delicious journey!
The fusion of fishcakes and scallops in stir fry dishes is a match made in heaven. Why, you might ask?
Because these two seafood ingredients, while different in texture and flavor, complement each other beautifully when paired in a stir-fry. Fishcakes offer a crispy, tender bite, while scallops deliver an unmatched sweet, juicy, juicy tenderness. Combining these with a savory, slightly spicy sauce and stir-fried vegetables creates a medley of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
Not only does this dish offer a delightful combination of flavors, but it also brings together a variety of textures—from the crispy exterior of the fishcakes to the delicate chewiness of the scallops. Add in the crunch of fresh vegetables, and you’ve got a perfect seafood stir-fry that will satisfy all your cravings.
Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry Recipe Ingredients
To make this Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry recipe, you’ll need a few essential ingredients that bring out the rich, bold flavors of seafood while incorporating fresh aromatics and vegetables for a balanced dish.
Seafood
- Fresh Sea Scallops – The star of the show, these delicate seafood gems will be lightly seared to perfection, offering a tender, sweet flavor. Scallops are high in protein and low in fat, making them a fantastic addition to any healthy dish.
- White Fish (like cod or halibut) – Use firm white fish for the fishcakes. It should be fresh, flaky, and mild in flavor, allowing the other ingredients to shine.
Aromatics
- Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves, minced, will give a warm, aromatic foundation to the stir-fry.
- Ginger – Fresh ginger, peeled and grated, adds a zesty kick to the fishcakes and the stir fry.
- Scallions – Thinly sliced scallions bring a mild onion flavor that balances the richness of the seafood.
- Cilantro – Fresh cilantro enhances the dish with a refreshing, citrusy note that complements the other flavors.
Seasonings
- Fish Sauce – A key ingredient in many Asian recipes, fish sauce provides a deep umami flavor that enhances the seafood without overpowering it.
- Thai Red Curry Paste – This paste brings a vibrant heat to the dish, making it perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their stir-fries.
- Lime Juice & Zest – The zest adds a citrusy fragrance, while the juice imparts a tangy flavor that helps balance the richness of the seafood.
Binders
- Egg – A binding agent that helps hold the fishcake mixture together while frying, ensuring it doesn’t fall apart.
- Breadcrumbs – These breadcrumbs give the fishcakes their signature crispy texture.
Vegetables
- Carrots – Thinly sliced carrots add a pop of color and crunch to the stir-fry.
- Cabbage – Shredded cabbage adds a slight crunch and soaks up the flavors from the fishcakes and scallops.
Oils
- Coconut Oil – This high-smoke point oil is perfect for frying and searing seafood. It adds a subtle tropical flavor that enhances the dish’s overall taste.
Equipment Needed
To make this delicious Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to ensure everything is prepared and cooked to perfection:
- Food Processor – To make the fishcake mixture, a food processor helps break down the fish and aromatics into a smooth paste.
- Skillet or Wok – A heavy-bottomed skillet or wok is necessary for stir-frying the vegetables and searing the scallops.
- Mixing Bowls and Utensils – To combine the ingredients and shape the fishcakes, you’ll need a couple of mixing bowls, a spoon, and a spatula.
- Frying Pan – If you’re frying the fishcakes separately, a non-stick frying pan is ideal for creating a crispy exterior.
Preparation Steps
Fishcake Mixture
- Combine the Fish and Aromatics: Start by placing the white fish, garlic, ginger, cilantro, fish sauce, Thai red curry paste, lime zest, and a beaten egg into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture comes together into a smooth paste, being careful not to over-process it. You want it to hold together without becoming too mushy.
- Add the Breadcrumbs: Transfer the fish paste into a mixing bowl and add breadcrumbs, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture becomes thick enough to form patties. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Shape the Fishcakes: Form the mixture into small patties with wet hands, pressing gently to compact them. Coat each patty in breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
Scallop Preparation
- Clean the Scallops: Pat the sea scallops dry with paper towels. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside until ready to sear.
Vegetable Prep
- Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and slice the carrots thinly, and shred the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. If desired, you can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
Cooking Instructions
Frying Fishcakes
- Heat Coconut Oil: Heat a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or frying pan.
- Cook the Fishcakes: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the fishcakes in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 2-3 minutes per side until golden-brown and crispy. Remove them from the pan and set them aside to drain on paper towels.
Searing Scallops
- Sear the Scallops: Add a little more coconut oil in the same pan. Once the oil is shimmering, add the scallops to the pan. Let them sear without moving them around for about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on their size. They should have a golden-brown crust on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Frying Vegetables
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots and cabbage to the pan, stirring frequently to cook evenly. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they’re crisp-tender but still vibrant in color. You can season them lightly with salt, pepper, and a dash of soy sauce.
Combining the Components
- Bring it All Together: Once the vegetables are done, gently add the fishcakes and seared scallops back into the pan. Toss everything together, making sure the seafood and vegetables are evenly distributed and coated in the remaining juices from the pan.
Sauce Preparation
Dipping Sauce
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and chopped roasted peanuts. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and the sauce reaches a balanced, tangy, sweet, and umami-rich flavor. This will be the perfect accompaniment for the fishcakes and scallops.
Alternative Sauces
If you want to experiment, you can make a coconut-based dipping sauce by mixing coconut milk with lime juice, fish sauce, and a hint of sugar. This creamy alternative adds richness and balances the heat of the curry paste.
Serving Suggestions
Plating
When serving your Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry, presentation is key. Arrange the fishcakes, scallops, and stir-fried vegetables on a clean, white plate to highlight the vibrant colors. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness.
Accompaniments
For a well-rounded meal, serve the stir-fry with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. The rice will soak up the flavors from the stir-fry, while the noodles add a satisfying texture.
Garnishes
Top with lime wedges, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for extra crunch. These small touches enhance the dish’s appearance and flavor.
Tips and Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
- Fish: Feel free to switch up the white fish in your fishcakes if you want to experiment with different flavors. Cod, halibut, or even tilapia are great alternatives that offer a similar firm texture, which is ideal for forming the fishcakes. Each of these options will maintain the delicious balance between the crispy crust and tender interior that makes the dish so irresistible.
- Shellfish: If scallops aren’t available or you simply want to try something different, consider swapping them for shrimp or lobster. With its sweet and succulent flavor, shrimp works wonderfully in stir-fries, while lobster adds a touch of luxury to the dish. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly for these shellfish, as they may cook faster than scallops.
Spice Level Adjustments
The beauty of stir-fry is its versatility, especially when it comes to spicing things up. You can easily tailor the heat level of your dish to suit your personal taste:
- Increase the heat: Add more Thai red curry paste or fresh chilies to bring the spice to the forefront. If you prefer an extra fiery kick, finely chop a few Thai bird’s eye chilies or jalapeños and toss them in during the stir-fry.
- Reduce the heat: You can reduce or eliminate the red curry paste for those who aren’t fans of too much spice. Alternatively, you can use a milder curry paste variety or add just a pinch of chili flakes to give it a hint of heat without overwhelming the dish. If you’re looking for a completely spice-free version, simply skip the curry paste and focus on other seasonings like lime juice and fish sauce for depth of flavor.
Make-Ahead Options
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping or when you’re looking to save time during a busy week. Here are some great make-ahead options:
- Fishcake Mixture: You can prepare the fishcake mixture a day in advance. Simply combine the fish, aromatics, and seasonings in your food processor, shape the mixture into cakes, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This saves time on the day of cooking and allows the flavors to meld together, making them even more delicious.
- Vegetables: Slicing and prepping your vegetables ahead of time will make cooking a breeze. Chop the carrots, cabbage, and any other vegetables you plan to use and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This can save you valuable time during the final stir-fry step, allowing you to get the dish on the table in no time.
These simple adjustments and tips allow you to make this recipe your own, whether by adjusting flavors to suit your spice preference or preparing the components in advance for a faster meal on a busy night.
Key Notes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Fusion, Seafood
- Keyword: Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (4 servings total):
- Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
This dish provides a good balance of protein from the seafood and fiber from the vegetables, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
This Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry recipe is a delightful way to showcase the deliciousness of seafood while bringing a variety of textures and flavors to your table. The crispy fishcakes, tender scallops, and fresh vegetables come together in a stir-fry that is sure to impress anyone you serve it to. With customizable options for heat and ingredients, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
Cooking is all about experimentation, so feel free to play with the flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Don’t forget to share your thoughts or variations in the comments—I can’t wait to hear how you make this dish your own!
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