Hamachi Fish Cakes: A Unique and Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish

by Oleg Nikitenko November 12, 2024

Hamachi Fish Cakes: Recipe

Hamachi, also known as Japanese yellowtail, is renowned for its rich, buttery texture and mild flavor, making it an ideal ingredient for creative seafood dishes. Adding Hamachi to fish cakes elevates this traditional dish to a new level, bringing both flavor and nutrition to the table. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, Hamachi fish cakes are easy to make and deliver a crisp, golden exterior with a tender, flavorful center.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to make perfectly crispy Hamachi fish cakes, along with tips to enhance flavor and presentation. For more creative seafood recipes, check out our YouTube Channel , where we share tips, techniques, and recipes to help you bring out the best in seafood.

Why Hamachi Is Perfect for Fish Cakes

Hamachi’s naturally high-fat content and delicate texture make it an excellent choice for fish cakes. Unlike leaner white fish, which can be dry, Hamachi brings a moist, flavorful quality to the dish, giving the fish cakes a rich and satisfying taste. Additionally, Hamachi is packed with essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin B12, and selenium, making it both a delicious and healthful choice for meals.

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa notes, “Hamachi’s flavor is delicate yet complex, and it holds up well in a variety of preparations, from raw dishes to cooked recipes.” This versatility is what makes Hamachi an ideal choice for upgrading traditional fish cakes.

Ingredients for Hamachi Fish Cakes

To make flavorful, perfectly textured Hamachi fish cakes, gather fresh ingredients and follow these steps.

For the Fish Cakes:

  • 1 lb fresh Hamachi fillet, finely chopped
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dipping Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey or sugar
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)

For high-quality Hamachi, explore these products from Global Seafoods:

Step-By-Step Recipe for Hamachi Fish Cakes

Follow these detailed steps to create crispy, golden Hamachi fish cakes that are packed with flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Fish Cake Mixture

  1. Chop the Hamachi: Using a sharp knife, finely chop the Hamachi fillet into small pieces. Aim for a consistency that’s not too fine, as you want some texture in the fish cakes.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped Hamachi, panko breadcrumbs, green onions, cilantro, egg, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

Pro Tip: For added flavor, you can incorporate a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture for a subtle kick.

Step 2: Form and Coat the Fish Cakes

  1. Shape the Fish Cakes: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties, about 2–3 inches in diameter.
  2. Coat in Panko: Gently press each patty into a shallow dish of panko breadcrumbs, coating both sides to create an extra-crispy crust.

Chef’s Tip: Let the coated fish cakes rest in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to help them hold their shape while cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if desired). Set aside. This sauce adds a tangy, savory flavor that complements the richness of the Hamachi fish cakes.

Step 4: Pan-Fry the Hamachi Fish Cakes

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan for even frying.
  2. Cook the Fish Cakes: Place the fish cakes in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Drain and Serve: Remove the fish cakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Frying Tip: Keep the oil temperature steady to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior without burning.

Step 5: Serve the Hamachi Fish Cakes

  1. Plate the Fish Cakes: Arrange the fish cakes on a serving platter with a side of dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or green onions, for a burst of color and flavor.
  2. Optional Side: For a complete meal, serve the fish cakes with a side of steamed jasmine rice or a simple salad.

Serving Tip: Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh, citrusy complement to the rich fish cakes.

Flavor Variations for Hamachi Fish Cakes

To customize your Hamachi fish cakes, try these unique flavor variations:

1. Spicy Sriracha Fish Cakes

Add 1–2 teaspoons of Sriracha to the fish cake mixture and a dash of Sriracha in the dipping sauce for an extra kick. This variation brings a bold flavor for those who enjoy spicy dishes.

2. Thai-Inspired Lemongrass Fish Cakes

Incorporate 1 tablespoon of finely chopped lemongrass and 1 teaspoon of fish sauce into the mixture. This twist adds a Thai-inspired flavor that pairs well with a sweet chili dipping sauce.

3. Mediterranean Herb Fish Cakes

Add fresh parsley, dill, and a squeeze of lemon to the fish cake mixture. Serve with a yogurt-based dipping sauce with cucumber and garlic for a Mediterranean twist.

Each of these variations brings unique flavors that highlight Hamachi’s natural richness, allowing you to customize the dish for different occasions and tastes.

Health Benefits of Hamachi

Hamachi is not only delicious but also a nutrient-rich fish with multiple health benefits:

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Known for their role in reducing inflammation and supporting heart health, omega-3 fatty acids are plentiful in Hamachi.
  • High in Protein: Hamachi provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and energy.
  • Rich in Essential Nutrients: Hamachi is a good source of vitamins B12 and D, as well as selenium, which supports immune function and thyroid health.

According to the American Heart Association, including fatty fish like Hamachi in your diet twice a week can support cardiovascular health and provide essential nutrients for overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hamachi Fish Cakes

Q: Can I bake the fish cakes instead of frying them?

Yes! To bake, place the fish cakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly brush with oil, and bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.

Q: Can I use frozen Hamachi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen Hamachi works well for fish cakes. Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture.

Q: What are some good sides to serve with Hamachi fish cakes?

Hamachi fish cakes pair well with steamed rice, miso soup, or a fresh green salad with a sesame or ginger dressing.

Conclusion: Try Hamachi Fish Cakes for a Unique Twist on a Classic Dish

Hamachi fish cakes offer a delightful twist on traditional fish cakes, bringing the buttery, rich flavor of Hamachi into a crispy, golden-brown appetizer or main course. With easy-to-follow steps and versatile flavor options, this dish is sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a main course, or a snack, Hamachi fish cakes are a delicious and nutritious choice.

Ready to start cooking? Visit Global Seafoods to order premium Hamachi, and don’t forget to explore our YouTube Channel for more seafood recipes and cooking inspiration.

Back to Recipes
Go to full site