Cod Fish Cakes

By Bob Lipinski

I enjoy codfish… perhaps it’s the texture, flavor, or versatility of this fish. When combined with the rest of the ingredients and lightly fried, it’s extremely tasty, full of flavor, and stands up to a multitude of wines, both white and red.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ to 1 ½ pounds of codfish (other white fish can be substituted)
• ⅔ cup celery (2 ribs), chopped into ¼-inch pieces
• ⅓ cup scallions (3 scallions), chopped into ¼-inch pieces
• ⅓ cup fresh dill chopped fine
• ⅓ cup parsley or cilantro chopped fine
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon crumbled
• ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (regular salt can be substituted)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ¾ to 1 cup vegetable oil for frying

Bake the fish in a 375°F oven until it easily flakes with a fork (about 20 minutes), then allow to cool. With a fork, break-up (or shred) the fish into very small pieces and set aside. In another bowl, thoroughly mix remaining ingredients, except the breadcrumbs and eggs. Add back the fish, mix, then taste for adjustment of seasonings. Add the breadcrumbs and mix thoroughly. Next, beat the eggs and add to the fish and mix again. If too dry, add more lemon juice. If too moist, add more breadcrumbs. Form into hamburger pat­ties

In a frying pan, heat the oil until hot and fry the patties over medium-high until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Served with wedges of lemon and dipping sauce.

Yields 10 to 12 fish cakes

Dipping Sauce: Equal parts of fresh lemon juice, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard

Cod Fish Cakes with Dipping Sauce

Bob’s Wine Recommendations: Beaujolais, Tavel Rosé, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

Bob Lipinski, the author of 10 books on alcoholic beverages and food, consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food, and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.BobLipinski.com OR Bob@BobLipinski.com