From the Eastern Shores of Maryland to the Kitchens of Maine
Hello, fellow food enthusiasts!
Today, I’m excited to share a little piece of my culinary journey, blending my Maryland roots with my current life in Maine.
A Marylander at Heart, With a Twist on Tradition
Growing up in the Delmarva region of Maryland, I was surrounded by the charms of rural life, chicken farmers, and the iconic taste of Old Bay-seasoned blue crabs. While I have a soft spot for a good crab cake, I must confess, I’ve had my fill of Old Bay seasoning over the years.
A New Home, A New Inspiration
Now living in Maine, famous for its seafood but not necessarily for crab, I found myself craving those familiar Maryland crab cakes. But why not put a local spin on it? That’s when I decided to swap out crab for cod, inspired by the historical roots of cod cakes dating back to the 18th century.
The Making of Cod Cakes: A Culinary Adventure
The Preparation: Simple and Satisfying
I began by steaming my cod fillets for just 8 minutes, resulting in perfectly flaky and tender fish. After shredding the cod, I added the rest of my ingredients, combining them to form the cod cakes.
Cooking to Perfection
Next came the pan-frying. Cooking them until they were golden brown on both sides ensured they were heated through and through, creating a delightful texture and taste.
The Final Touch: A Meal to Remember
Served alongside roasted asparagus and rice pilaf, these cod cakes transformed into a fantastic meal, a true testament to my culinary roots and current locale.
A Culinary Debate: Cocktail vs. Tartar Sauce
And here’s a fun twist – while I prefer to dip my cod cakes in cocktail sauce, Sean is all about the tartar. What about you? Which sauce captures your taste buds?
Elevate Your Meal with These Side Dish Ideas
Now, let’s talk about side dishes. To complement your cod cakes, consider these delightful options:
- Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes: The perfect blend of crispy and tender, these potatoes add a heartwarming touch to your meal.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A classic side that brings a refreshing crunch and creamy texture, balancing out the flavors.
- Sauteed Green Beans with Almonds: For a nutty and nutritious addition, these green beans are a must-try.
- Sweet Corn on the Cob: Nothing says summer like fresh, sweet corn, adding a pop of sweetness to your plate.
- Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing: Looking for something light yet fulfilling? This salad is the answer.
Share Your Thoughts and Twists:
I would love to hear how you would put your own twist on this recipe or any side dish suggestions you have. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Happy Cooking!
Parmesan-herb Cod Cakes
Ingredients
- 1.75 lbs of steamed cod
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1.5 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 Tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp fresh thyme finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, flake the steamed cod with a fork, ensuring all bones are removed.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, grated parmesan, lemon zest, Old Bay seasoning, fresh dill, and fresh thyme to the flaked fish.
- Beat the eggs and add them to the mixture, followed by the breadcrumbs. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a thin layer of oil.
- Form the fish mixture into patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Once the skillet is hot, pan-fry the cod cakes for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- If the cod cakes are browned on the outside but not warm in the middle, transfer them to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides and sauces.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is not too hot to avoid burning the breadcrumbs before the cakes are warmed through.
- If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, another egg or a tablespoon of mayonnaise can help bind the mixture.
- Leftover cod cakes can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best results.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal.
Nutritional Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutritional calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.